Even positive changes can be stressful when living with bipolar disorder. I work hard at maintaining a routine and schedule to my daily life. This helps me feel stable. I keep a strict sleep schedule, getting at least eight hours of sleep a night. I wake and spend time reading inspirational books. My days are predictable and even keeled. In the past two weeks I have had two lunch dates with friends, one dinner out, two concerts, I have committed to two new volunteer positions and I am going to a festival over the weekend. This is a lot of social activity for me. Although the previously mentioned are all positive events it has brought about anxiety because my schedule is off, unbalanced and full. I sometimes wish that I could handle life more effortlessly and the truth is that my stability is fragile. This is something that my psychiatrist reminds me of often. I know I can cut back on some engagements and not participate in all activities. And I want to be able to do it all. I need to be aware of the origin of the stress. And stay on top of the anxiety it causes. I start by being kind to myself.
Take good care,
Christine
“A man can not be comfortable without his own approval.” — Mark Twain
