4 Exercise Habits Guaranteed To Help Manage Bipolar Disorder

People always ask me about my exercise habits. I’ve decided to share my 4 exercise habits with you.

My Health And Wellness Program

When it comes to the side effects of medications, weight gain is one that I can no longer handle.

I went to school to be a personal trainer. In 2007, I received my diploma in both personal training and sports nutrition.

My whole life, I have been active, and started lifting weights in high school.

Having bipolar disorder, I went through periods of working out consistently and then stagnating throughout the years.

Not only does bipolar affect my moods, but it greatly impacts both my energy and activity levels.

To help give you an idea, I implemented a few new exercise habits to help keep me consistent with my new health and wellness program. I have an at-home gym consisting of a set of adjustable dumbbells, an adjustable bench, and a pull-up bar.

Exercise Habit #1

My Goal Is To Improve My Mental Health.

When I was younger, my goal was always to lose weight and gain muscle. My focus was all or nothing. If I couldn’t work out for my allotted amount of time, I would just not go to the gym.

With mental health as my goal, I remind myself that something is better than nothing. I break each workout into pieces. Basically, I have 2-3 mini-workouts that make up each workout.

Exercise Habit #2

Focus On Making Healthy Eating Choices.

I do not have enough money to feed myself the way I would like to. So, I found a totally vegan meal replacement shake. I drink two of those a day and eat one meal. I also have some healthy snacks around in between meals.

This way, I have my nutrient-dense shakes, and one meal and reduce my daily total caloric intake.

Exercise Habit #3

Instead Of Scheduling My Workout, I Listen To My Body And How I Feel Each Day.

I was taught that you should schedule your workouts for each day. It worked for a while, but bipolar disorder kind of changed things.

During the day, I take advantage of the time when I have the energy. Sometimes it is first thing in the morning, early afternoon, and on occasion the evening.

This is the top step I take each day to almost guarantee consistency with my workouts.

Exercise Habit #4

I Do Not Live On The Scale.

The scale can be extremely misleading. Especially if you weigh yourself almost every day and first starting out.

I am lifting weights as my primary means of exercise.

Lifting weight builds muscle. So, you can gain weight when you work out. Everybody is different.

I base my progress on how I feel, look, and how my clothes fit. I weigh myself once or twice a month to have a numerical record of my progress.

These 4 exercise habits help me to stay on track leading a healthy lifestyle.

Last Thoughts

I have an “A” workout, a “B” workout, and a “C” workout. I work out Monday through Saturday, following the workouts in succession. That way, I get through each workout twice a week.

The first week to week-and-a-half, I was pretty much spent after my workouts. I did not have much extra energy.

I started from ground zero since it has been about a year or even longer since I worked out.

The process is what I have been focusing on. I work out each day, make sure to fuel my muscles, get sleep, take my meds, and utilize aromatherapy and meditation along with deep breathing.

Remember, with your daily exercise habits, something is better than nothing. Just let your exercise and wellness program take over from there.