Self-Help Techniques to Manage Bipolar Disorder

It is important to note that, most times, relying on therapy for bipolar disorder is the most suitable choice for managing bipolar disorder...

Bipolar Disorder
March 21, 2025

It is important to note that, most times, relying on therapy for bipolar disorder is the most suitable choice for managing bipolar disorder. However, there are times you might want or even need to handle symptoms of bipolar disorder by yourself. Although it is likely going to be challenging, self-help techniques to manage bipolar disorder have their uses. Exercise is among the most straightforward self-help techniques to manage bipolar disorder. It is capable of boosting the mood of people with bipolar disorder. Exercise also helps to relieve stress which is detrimental to bipolar people. Meditation is another one of the self-help techniques to manage bipolar disorder.

Meditation helps to bring about relaxation at the expense of stress. Daily meditation or consistent mediation can help manage stress and mood. The act of developing a new habit or routine can be difficult. The secret is in withstanding and committing to the initial days. Sticking to a routine can bring many positives to managing bipolar disorder. Discover self-help techniques to manage bipolar disorder below

Exercise

Exercising has many physical and mental benefits for a person. In recent times, science has grown beyond evaluating how exercise benefits the physical body to start exploring its benefits to the mind. Exercise is also a part of the self-help techniques to manage bipolar disorder. It would be helpful to have exercise become a part of your daily routine. In this case, consistency is the most crucial part of exercising. For instance, you might be tempted to exercise for an extended period after a while. However, exercising for 10 minutes multiple times a week is more beneficial. Stress can be very detrimental to people with bipolar disorder. Exercise can help manage this since it is capable of reducing stress. This is why it is vital for people with bipolar disorder to have active lives and sweat. Exercise can also boost the moods of all people, including bipolar people. Consider starting each day exercising to get the heart pumping and energy levels up. Try to remember that exercise could be as simple as taking a walk.

A lady doing a cardio program on an exercise bike.

Meditation

The treatment for bipolar disorder usually relies on external factors like medication and therapy. However, it does not eliminate the need for self-management of bipolar disorder. There are many ways to aid living with bipolar disorder and reduce the challenges that arise from the condition. Consider meditation among the self-help techniques to manage bipolar disorder. Meditation allows you to regulate your stress levels. Stress is a significant trigger for bipolar disorder symptoms. Meditation can also be helpful when you are angry or need to calm down. Although it will likely take a short while to figure out how to meditate correctly, when you become proficient at meditating, destressing might have real benefits. There are many forms of meditation. Try to select a meditation technique that soothes your mind and helps you destress. You can work with your mental health practitioner and work with yourself to manage to live with bipolar disorder.

Sleep Management

Sleep is an essential part of bodily function. For people living with bipolar disorder, sleep is even more important as it is a crucial part of mood stabilization. Fortunately, sleep is something that you can track and manage in most cases without external help. Good sleeping habits will contribute positively to the management of the bipolar disorder. It is imperative to be conscious about your sleep habits as a person living with bipolar disorder. Since the slightest disruptions in your sleep cycle can cause adverse effects on your mood. Sleep is also a good indicator of whether you are about to have an episode. If you notice that you are sleeping too much or too little, consider tracking other symptoms of an episode. It would be helpful to manage the sleep period when you notice too much or too little sleep.

Sleep management is one of the key self-help techniques to manage bipolar disorder. Consider trying out earplugs, white noise, and other tools to aid good sleeping. A consistent sleep schedule also makes it easier to sleep subsequently.

Mood Tracking

One of the most challenging parts of managing bipolar disorder is the unpredictability that follows. It is possible to make certain predictions when you track your moods. A record of your moods and emotions can reveal an underlying trend you might have missed. Without proper tracking, symptoms of bipolar disorder could creep in slowly without you realizing it. You could ask people that support you for their input in entering the correct emotions. For instance, if you are unsure about whether you have been happy, you could ask someone in your support system for their opinion. There are now many apps that can assist you in tracking your moods. However, that is also acceptable if you prefer the old-fashioned way of using a journal or notebook. The added advantage of the apps is being able to visualize your mood patterns.

There are few self-help techniques to manage bipolar disorder more helpful than keeping track of your moods and emotions. This helps you to manage certain predictions that manage the disorder. You also know when to manage changes to your lifestyle and spot the changes' effectiveness.

Consistent Routine

One of the most effective self-help techniques to manage bipolar disorder is a simple routine. Although creating a routine can be difficult on the first try, fortunately, it gets easier after trying consistently. A fully formed routine would likely become second nature to you and your body. Some studies confirm that established routines can help ease the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Having disruptions in your day can also increase stress. Your brain is likely to function better when there are little changes in your day. It is important not to underestimate how valuable routines can be for managing bipolar disorder. You can choose the contents to include in your routine. However, giving healthy options to include in your routine is usually better. Consider adding other self-help techniques to your routine to practice these techniques daily. This might mean that you sleep and wake up at a consistent time, schedule your meals at similar intervals, exercise, and meditate daily. When the routine becomes second nature to you, you will notice how familiar and easy it is for you.

Conclusion

Self-care plays a vital role in the treatment of the bipolar disorder. Sometimes the best support for bipolar disorder a person needs to manage the disorder can only come from within. Alongside therapy and medication where necessary, a person living with bipolar disorder can consider self-help techniques to manage bipolar disorder like exercise, meditation, sleep management, mood tracking, and consistent routines.

Resources

5 Self-Help Strategies for Bipolar Disorder (psychcentral.com)

https://au.reachout.com/articles/self-management-for-bipolar-disorder

Self-Management Techniques for Bipolar Disorder - International Bipolar Foundation (ibpf.org)

9 Essential Coping Strategies for Bipolar Disorder (healthcentral.com)

Ways to Cope With Bipolar Disorder: 15 Simple Strategies | The Bipolar Battle

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Bipolar Disorder

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