What's it like?
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August 27, 2011 - 12:35 am
...to relax & "take it easy"?
I wish I knew b/c I can't remember the last time I was actually able to! Since I began taking medication (being treated) for BPolar type 1 in Jan 2010, I have rarely experienced a deeply relaxed state. The exception being when very depressed or finally fatigued to the point of total exhaustion...
This has inspired me to eat better, exercise more & start meditating again. A consistent sleep pattern has been difficult for me to attain. I'm sure that is part of the problem. I have much info on sleep hygiene as well as meditation.
So what I'm asking to hear about is other fellow mood trackers experience with reducing anxiety, getting enough sleep & just being able to relax in general.
Much appreciated,
-kby-
I wish I knew b/c I can't remember the last time I was actually able to! Since I began taking medication (being treated) for BPolar type 1 in Jan 2010, I have rarely experienced a deeply relaxed state. The exception being when very depressed or finally fatigued to the point of total exhaustion...
This has inspired me to eat better, exercise more & start meditating again. A consistent sleep pattern has been difficult for me to attain. I'm sure that is part of the problem. I have much info on sleep hygiene as well as meditation.
So what I'm asking to hear about is other fellow mood trackers experience with reducing anxiety, getting enough sleep & just being able to relax in general.
Much appreciated,
-kby-
Medications for July 28, 2011 to August 27, 2011
| 04-20-2010 - Present: | Depakote (divalproex), 1000mg . 1 @ bedtime |
| 04-20-2010 - Present: | Seroquel (quetiapine), 100 mg. @ nite only |
| 04-01-2011 - Present: | Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), 70mg. 1 upon wakening |
| 05-09-2011 - Present: | allopurinol, 450mg. at night |
| 08-03-2011 - Present: | Abilify, 2.5. 1 in morning |
...to relax & "take it easy"?
I wish I knew b/c I can't remember the last time I was actually able to! Since I began taking medication (being treated) for BPolar type 1 in Jan 2010, I have rarely experienced a deeply relaxed state. The exception being when very depressed or finally fatigued to the point of total exhaustion...
This has inspired me to eat better, exercise more & start meditating again. A consistent sleep pattern has been difficult for me to attain. I'm sure that is part of the problem. I have much info on sleep hygiene as well as meditation.
So what I'm asking to hear about is other fellow mood trackers experience with reducing anxiety, getting enough sleep & just being able to relax in general.
Much appreciated,
-kby-
I wish I knew b/c I can't remember the last time I was actually able to! Since I began taking medication (being treated) for BPolar type 1 in Jan 2010, I have rarely experienced a deeply relaxed state. The exception being when very depressed or finally fatigued to the point of total exhaustion...
This has inspired me to eat better, exercise more & start meditating again. A consistent sleep pattern has been difficult for me to attain. I'm sure that is part of the problem. I have much info on sleep hygiene as well as meditation.
So what I'm asking to hear about is other fellow mood trackers experience with reducing anxiety, getting enough sleep & just being able to relax in general.
Much appreciated,
-kby-
Medications for July 28, 2011 to August 27, 2011
| 04-20-2010 - Present: | Depakote (divalproex), 1000mg . 1 @ bedtime |
| 04-20-2010 - Present: | Seroquel (quetiapine), 100 mg. @ nite only |
| 04-01-2011 - Present: | Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), 70mg. 1 upon wakening |
| 05-09-2011 - Present: | allopurinol, 450mg. at night |
| 08-03-2011 - Present: | Abilify, 2.5. 1 in morning |
August 27, 2011 - 2:24 am
Total Posts: 286
Joined: 10-06-2010
Joined: 10-06-2010
It sounds like you are doing everything right. Sleep is so important. It is good not to watch too much tv at night. The blue light can reset your clock keeping you awake into the wee hours. Also going to bed and getting up at the same time is really good. Your brain likes order per my neurologist.
You have the exercise down.
The last thing I would suggest is mindfulness. The easiest way to start is to find a few meditation tapes you do well with and use them one to two times a day. You will be amazed at the difference it makes. I lived in a Buddhist monastery for three months and I have never felt so easy and in the moment. I am trying to reach that point again, or close to it. There I meditated four hours a day. That really isn't realistic outside a temple where real life doesn't intrude. Still, don't undervalue meditation. It is worth a try.
All my best,
Wendy
You have the exercise down.
The last thing I would suggest is mindfulness. The easiest way to start is to find a few meditation tapes you do well with and use them one to two times a day. You will be amazed at the difference it makes. I lived in a Buddhist monastery for three months and I have never felt so easy and in the moment. I am trying to reach that point again, or close to it. There I meditated four hours a day. That really isn't realistic outside a temple where real life doesn't intrude. Still, don't undervalue meditation. It is worth a try.
All my best,
Wendy
It sounds like you are doing everything right. Sleep is so important. It is good not to watch too much tv at night. The blue light can reset your clock keeping you awake into the wee hours. Also going to bed and getting up at the same time is really good. Your brain likes order per my neurologist.
You have the exercise down.
The last thing I would suggest is mindfulness. The easiest way to start is to find a few meditation tapes you do well with and use them one to two times a day. You will be amazed at the difference it makes. I lived in a Buddhist monastery for three months and I have never felt so easy and in the moment. I am trying to reach that point again, or close to it. There I meditated four hours a day. That really isn't realistic outside a temple where real life doesn't intrude. Still, don't undervalue meditation. It is worth a try.
All my best,
Wendy
You have the exercise down.
The last thing I would suggest is mindfulness. The easiest way to start is to find a few meditation tapes you do well with and use them one to two times a day. You will be amazed at the difference it makes. I lived in a Buddhist monastery for three months and I have never felt so easy and in the moment. I am trying to reach that point again, or close to it. There I meditated four hours a day. That really isn't realistic outside a temple where real life doesn't intrude. Still, don't undervalue meditation. It is worth a try.
All my best,
Wendy
August 27, 2011 - 5:02 am
Total Posts: 868
Joined: 06-12-2011
Joined: 06-12-2011
I just wonder if you have akathisia? When I had it I could not relax or feel all that comfortable. Maybe ask your pdoc about it.
Denise
Denise
I just wonder if you have akathisia? When I had it I could not relax or feel all that comfortable. Maybe ask your pdoc about it.
Denise
Denise
August 27, 2011 - 7:24 am
Total Posts: 371
Joined: 05-08-2010
Joined: 05-08-2010
I lay down, and let everything take over, and then eventually it abates. Not sure that will help you, but its what I do sometimes.
I've also tried sleeping in different rooms too.
I've also tried sleeping in different rooms too.
I lay down, and let everything take over, and then eventually it abates. Not sure that will help you, but its what I do sometimes.
I've also tried sleeping in different rooms too.
I've also tried sleeping in different rooms too.
August 28, 2011 - 6:53 am
Total Posts: 131
Joined: 05-09-2011
Joined: 05-09-2011
Kumbaya
This may seem like a silly question but what is your zodiac sign?
I've noticed, even with my children, that when you try to use the elements associated with your sign when trying to chilax that it helps.
Fire signs, might enjoy a small campfire (everyone does) but someone of a fire sign will find it almost meditative. Candles, light a few (scentless if you have sensitivity to it) and sit in candle light while you ponder your day. if you stress at work and have an office space get one of those "flameless" candles or a family photo at the bonfire or something of the sort.
Air signs, you like the breeze against your face, you can sit outside (or by a fan) and it soothes you, try lighting some calming incense, wind chimes, if work is your place of stress get one of those little wind chime thingers that is like battery powered, they're small like 6 inches high.
Earth signs, you like the outdoors especially, you liked to play in the dirt and mud as a kid (mud pies were your specialty). You feel centered when your sitting in the woods, maybe rock climbing, rock gardens, get yourself a little sand garden and carve new designs daily, they have many sizes and some are portable so you can take it with you.
Water signs, you could sit in the shower for hours (if the hot water heater would let you), you like the trickle of a stream. i find the trickle of the fish tank to be relieving. if you have an office space or work is your stressor get a small waterfall thing, leave it going and you will notice a change.
Moon signs, you like to lay out and watch the stars, meteor showers, northern lights, all of the night time activity is there for you, embrace it.
Sun signs, soak it up, let the sun heal you (wear your sunscreen of course) but feel the sun filling you up with it's great energy and enjoy it's warmth.
Fire signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius
Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
I hope this might be able to help everyone out, it's simply an observation I've made through out my family/kids and myself. Nothing is "proven". My kids are earth and air, I'm water and the hubster is fire, so we have a little bit of everything. and from what I observe it's all pretty accurate.
Much love.
This may seem like a silly question but what is your zodiac sign?
I've noticed, even with my children, that when you try to use the elements associated with your sign when trying to chilax that it helps.
Fire signs, might enjoy a small campfire (everyone does) but someone of a fire sign will find it almost meditative. Candles, light a few (scentless if you have sensitivity to it) and sit in candle light while you ponder your day. if you stress at work and have an office space get one of those "flameless" candles or a family photo at the bonfire or something of the sort.
Air signs, you like the breeze against your face, you can sit outside (or by a fan) and it soothes you, try lighting some calming incense, wind chimes, if work is your place of stress get one of those little wind chime thingers that is like battery powered, they're small like 6 inches high.
Earth signs, you like the outdoors especially, you liked to play in the dirt and mud as a kid (mud pies were your specialty). You feel centered when your sitting in the woods, maybe rock climbing, rock gardens, get yourself a little sand garden and carve new designs daily, they have many sizes and some are portable so you can take it with you.
Water signs, you could sit in the shower for hours (if the hot water heater would let you), you like the trickle of a stream. i find the trickle of the fish tank to be relieving. if you have an office space or work is your stressor get a small waterfall thing, leave it going and you will notice a change.
Moon signs, you like to lay out and watch the stars, meteor showers, northern lights, all of the night time activity is there for you, embrace it.
Sun signs, soak it up, let the sun heal you (wear your sunscreen of course) but feel the sun filling you up with it's great energy and enjoy it's warmth.
Fire signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius
Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
I hope this might be able to help everyone out, it's simply an observation I've made through out my family/kids and myself. Nothing is "proven". My kids are earth and air, I'm water and the hubster is fire, so we have a little bit of everything. and from what I observe it's all pretty accurate.
Much love.
Do not resent growing old, many are denied the privilege.
Kumbaya
This may seem like a silly question but what is your zodiac sign?
I've noticed, even with my children, that when you try to use the elements associated with your sign when trying to chilax that it helps.
Fire signs, might enjoy a small campfire (everyone does) but someone of a fire sign will find it almost meditative. Candles, light a few (scentless if you have sensitivity to it) and sit in candle light while you ponder your day. if you stress at work and have an office space get one of those "flameless" candles or a family photo at the bonfire or something of the sort.
Air signs, you like the breeze against your face, you can sit outside (or by a fan) and it soothes you, try lighting some calming incense, wind chimes, if work is your place of stress get one of those little wind chime thingers that is like battery powered, they're small like 6 inches high.
Earth signs, you like the outdoors especially, you liked to play in the dirt and mud as a kid (mud pies were your specialty). You feel centered when your sitting in the woods, maybe rock climbing, rock gardens, get yourself a little sand garden and carve new designs daily, they have many sizes and some are portable so you can take it with you.
Water signs, you could sit in the shower for hours (if the hot water heater would let you), you like the trickle of a stream. i find the trickle of the fish tank to be relieving. if you have an office space or work is your stressor get a small waterfall thing, leave it going and you will notice a change.
Moon signs, you like to lay out and watch the stars, meteor showers, northern lights, all of the night time activity is there for you, embrace it.
Sun signs, soak it up, let the sun heal you (wear your sunscreen of course) but feel the sun filling you up with it's great energy and enjoy it's warmth.
Fire signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius
Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
I hope this might be able to help everyone out, it's simply an observation I've made through out my family/kids and myself. Nothing is "proven". My kids are earth and air, I'm water and the hubster is fire, so we have a little bit of everything. and from what I observe it's all pretty accurate.
Much love.
This may seem like a silly question but what is your zodiac sign?
I've noticed, even with my children, that when you try to use the elements associated with your sign when trying to chilax that it helps.
Fire signs, might enjoy a small campfire (everyone does) but someone of a fire sign will find it almost meditative. Candles, light a few (scentless if you have sensitivity to it) and sit in candle light while you ponder your day. if you stress at work and have an office space get one of those "flameless" candles or a family photo at the bonfire or something of the sort.
Air signs, you like the breeze against your face, you can sit outside (or by a fan) and it soothes you, try lighting some calming incense, wind chimes, if work is your place of stress get one of those little wind chime thingers that is like battery powered, they're small like 6 inches high.
Earth signs, you like the outdoors especially, you liked to play in the dirt and mud as a kid (mud pies were your specialty). You feel centered when your sitting in the woods, maybe rock climbing, rock gardens, get yourself a little sand garden and carve new designs daily, they have many sizes and some are portable so you can take it with you.
Water signs, you could sit in the shower for hours (if the hot water heater would let you), you like the trickle of a stream. i find the trickle of the fish tank to be relieving. if you have an office space or work is your stressor get a small waterfall thing, leave it going and you will notice a change.
Moon signs, you like to lay out and watch the stars, meteor showers, northern lights, all of the night time activity is there for you, embrace it.
Sun signs, soak it up, let the sun heal you (wear your sunscreen of course) but feel the sun filling you up with it's great energy and enjoy it's warmth.
Fire signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius
Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
I hope this might be able to help everyone out, it's simply an observation I've made through out my family/kids and myself. Nothing is "proven". My kids are earth and air, I'm water and the hubster is fire, so we have a little bit of everything. and from what I observe it's all pretty accurate.
Much love.
Do not resent growing old, many are denied the privilege.
August 30, 2011 - 3:09 pm
Total Posts: 519
Joined: 12-11-2010
Joined: 12-11-2010
Kby: TOTALLY know how you feel..I honestly don't remember the last time I was relaxed and truly content...it's pretty sad. I'm BP1 as well so I'm in the same boat.
I like the astrology signs w/ the theraputic ideas; I actually am an Aquarius and the shower (hot shower with scented body wash and lotion after) is where I go to relax or cry, oddly enough.
I haven't figured the sleep thing out yet; I adapt to my environment when it comes to sleep. If I'm in school (which is starting tomorrow) I'm really tired for the first week or so and then I get used to running on significantly less sleep, but during the summer I get more and need more (almost like I'm making up for it) sleep, but moods tend to be worse in teh summer for some reason.
Good luck!
I like the astrology signs w/ the theraputic ideas; I actually am an Aquarius and the shower (hot shower with scented body wash and lotion after) is where I go to relax or cry, oddly enough.
I haven't figured the sleep thing out yet; I adapt to my environment when it comes to sleep. If I'm in school (which is starting tomorrow) I'm really tired for the first week or so and then I get used to running on significantly less sleep, but during the summer I get more and need more (almost like I'm making up for it) sleep, but moods tend to be worse in teh summer for some reason.
Good luck!
"Everything Worth Having is Purchased With Some Measure of Pain" -wisdom from the man who is my heart and soul-
Kby: TOTALLY know how you feel..I honestly don't remember the last time I was relaxed and truly content...it's pretty sad. I'm BP1 as well so I'm in the same boat.
I like the astrology signs w/ the theraputic ideas; I actually am an Aquarius and the shower (hot shower with scented body wash and lotion after) is where I go to relax or cry, oddly enough.
I haven't figured the sleep thing out yet; I adapt to my environment when it comes to sleep. If I'm in school (which is starting tomorrow) I'm really tired for the first week or so and then I get used to running on significantly less sleep, but during the summer I get more and need more (almost like I'm making up for it) sleep, but moods tend to be worse in teh summer for some reason.
Good luck!
I like the astrology signs w/ the theraputic ideas; I actually am an Aquarius and the shower (hot shower with scented body wash and lotion after) is where I go to relax or cry, oddly enough.
I haven't figured the sleep thing out yet; I adapt to my environment when it comes to sleep. If I'm in school (which is starting tomorrow) I'm really tired for the first week or so and then I get used to running on significantly less sleep, but during the summer I get more and need more (almost like I'm making up for it) sleep, but moods tend to be worse in teh summer for some reason.
Good luck!
"Everything Worth Having is Purchased With Some Measure of Pain" -wisdom from the man who is my heart and soul-
September 2, 2011 - 1:18 am
Total Posts: 718
Joined: 04-20-2010
Joined: 04-20-2010
Sorry its taken a while to get back to this thread; school has just started for me & I have SO much to do. Making up some coursework & jumping through hoops to see IF they'll let me...Problem w/online courses: they are so impersonal. ALSO I don't really get time & a half like I'm supposed to. I'm hoping to finish this semester. I have my work cut out for me.
Anyway I was born 2/19 SO i consider myself as being a Pisces & Aquarius. People tell me it makes sense though I don't know much about this kinda stuff. There's other stuff about what time I was born, what phase the moon was in on that day, etc. Also I was born in Athens, Greece b/c my parents were both in the Air Force.
BP2 I didn't know you were actually BP1 - why do you call yourself Bipolar2? Please let me know when & if you do figure out this sleep thing! I wonder IF my mood disorder & ADHD would go away IF I could sleep normally.
I hope you do well w/your studies,
-kby-
Anyway I was born 2/19 SO i consider myself as being a Pisces & Aquarius. People tell me it makes sense though I don't know much about this kinda stuff. There's other stuff about what time I was born, what phase the moon was in on that day, etc. Also I was born in Athens, Greece b/c my parents were both in the Air Force.
BP2 I didn't know you were actually BP1 - why do you call yourself Bipolar2? Please let me know when & if you do figure out this sleep thing! I wonder IF my mood disorder & ADHD would go away IF I could sleep normally.
I hope you do well w/your studies,
-kby-
Medications for August 3, 2011 to September 2, 2011
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Sorry its taken a while to get back to this thread; school has just started for me & I have SO much to do. Making up some coursework & jumping through hoops to see IF they'll let me...Problem w/online courses: they are so impersonal. ALSO I don't really get time & a half like I'm supposed to. I'm hoping to finish this semester. I have my work cut out for me.
Anyway I was born 2/19 SO i consider myself as being a Pisces & Aquarius. People tell me it makes sense though I don't know much about this kinda stuff. There's other stuff about what time I was born, what phase the moon was in on that day, etc. Also I was born in Athens, Greece b/c my parents were both in the Air Force.
BP2 I didn't know you were actually BP1 - why do you call yourself Bipolar2? Please let me know when & if you do figure out this sleep thing! I wonder IF my mood disorder & ADHD would go away IF I could sleep normally.
I hope you do well w/your studies,
-kby-
Anyway I was born 2/19 SO i consider myself as being a Pisces & Aquarius. People tell me it makes sense though I don't know much about this kinda stuff. There's other stuff about what time I was born, what phase the moon was in on that day, etc. Also I was born in Athens, Greece b/c my parents were both in the Air Force.
BP2 I didn't know you were actually BP1 - why do you call yourself Bipolar2? Please let me know when & if you do figure out this sleep thing! I wonder IF my mood disorder & ADHD would go away IF I could sleep normally.
I hope you do well w/your studies,
-kby-
Medications for August 3, 2011 to September 2, 2011
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September 2, 2011 - 9:04 am
Total Posts: 519
Joined: 12-11-2010
Joined: 12-11-2010
Kby: I wasn't given a 'type' when I was diagnosed, but I researched and thought I was BPII, (hence the name) only to be told I'm actually BP1. Crazy confusing! LOL IDK why they need to give us all 'types' but whatever...I think it's more confusion.
Thanks much, good luck with your school as well.
Thanks much, good luck with your school as well.
Kby: I wasn't given a 'type' when I was diagnosed, but I researched and thought I was BPII, (hence the name) only to be told I'm actually BP1. Crazy confusing! LOL IDK why they need to give us all 'types' but whatever...I think it's more confusion.
Thanks much, good luck with your school as well.
Thanks much, good luck with your school as well.
September 8, 2011 - 1:40 pm
Total Posts: 718
Joined: 04-20-2010
Joined: 04-20-2010
Thanks BPII,
I just dropped ALL of my Fall classes SO that I could take care of the four Inc's I have! Then I'll have Only 2 more courses to complete the p5rogram which I'll take in Spring '12.
I'm actually very happy about it as I don't feel overwhelmed at the beginning of a semester since I started 3 semesters ago!
How's everything going for you?
I just dropped ALL of my Fall classes SO that I could take care of the four Inc's I have! Then I'll have Only 2 more courses to complete the p5rogram which I'll take in Spring '12.
I'm actually very happy about it as I don't feel overwhelmed at the beginning of a semester since I started 3 semesters ago!
How's everything going for you?
Medications for August 9, 2011 to September 8, 2011
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Thanks BPII,
I just dropped ALL of my Fall classes SO that I could take care of the four Inc's I have! Then I'll have Only 2 more courses to complete the p5rogram which I'll take in Spring '12.
I'm actually very happy about it as I don't feel overwhelmed at the beginning of a semester since I started 3 semesters ago!
How's everything going for you?
I just dropped ALL of my Fall classes SO that I could take care of the four Inc's I have! Then I'll have Only 2 more courses to complete the p5rogram which I'll take in Spring '12.
I'm actually very happy about it as I don't feel overwhelmed at the beginning of a semester since I started 3 semesters ago!
How's everything going for you?
Medications for August 9, 2011 to September 8, 2011
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Joined: 04-20-2010