A tremendous struggle is managing and living with bipolar disorder. It is a severe mental disorder that affects almost every part of life. Bipolar disorder management necessitates not only appropriate mental and medical care but also the incorporation of specific lifestyle activities.
One of such element is exercise, which can unquestionably assist you in managing the condition, preserving long-term brain health, and reducing the negative effects of the medicine.
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that results in abrupt and extreme mood swings. This can refer to having a manic episode, which can make you seriously “up,” or dysphoric mania or hypomania, which can make you extremely agitated and angry.
Why is exercise crucial for those with Bipolar Disorder?
Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are just a few of the health issues that people with bipolar disorder are more susceptible to. Additionally, several medications used to treat bipolar disorder can make you gain weight, increasing your chance of developing health issues.
It has been demonstrated that regular exercise supports good cardiac and circulation functions. Additionally, it is proven to lower the risk of metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Exercise is especially crucial for maintaining excellent physical health and lowering disease risk because persons with bipolar disorder are more likely to acquire these issues.
Exercise and Mental Health
Exercise has also been shown to be good for mental health. It causes the release of molecules that improve mood and lessen depressive and anxious symptoms. Given that bipolar disorder is a mood disease, exercise can be a crucial component of symptom management. Exercise can improve both the quality and amount of your sleep, which can be harmed by bipolar disorder.
According to research on exercise and bipolar disease, both symptom management and quality of life can benefit.
Researchers discovered that those who engaged in physical activity had lower BMIs, waist measurements, anxiety levels, and less sleeplessness. Participants who were more sedentary performed worse overall and experienced more hospitalizations and mood disorders.
However, research also reveals that bipolar illness sufferers frequently don’t get enough exercise. They might want assistance to deal with problems including a lack of motivation and accessibility to the right exercise facilities.
What type of exercise is best?
Two basic forms of exercise can assist the physical and emotional health of people with bipolar disorder.
Aerobic Exercise
Any activity that makes you breathe faster and your heart beat faster promotes a healthy heart, circulatory, and metabolic function as well as helps you reach or maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, mood-enhancing substances are released.
Walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, rowing, boxing, and the majority of team sports are all aerobic exercises. The secret is to stick with it by doing something you enjoy. If you prefer variety, mix them.
Resistance Exercise
These increase or preserve muscle strength, which aids in metabolism, weight management, and overall function. Examples include exercises that challenge and strengthen muscles using your body weight (such as squats and push-ups), resistance bands, free weights, or gym equipment.
Training support people
If you require assistance exercising, training your assistance helps ensure that you get enough exercise to maintain or improve your health and quality of life. You might require assistance to stay motivated, get to work out courses, or sports practice, for instance.
Conclusion:
Treatment for bipolar disorder should include both medication and counseling. However, there is a lot more you can do daily to support yourself. These exercises can assist you in influencing the course of your condition, allowing you to have more control over your symptoms, remain well for longer periods, and recover more rapidly from any severe depression or relapses.