Try your best to follow a routine.
But being intentional about your routine can be helpful for productivity as well.
Having a set routine minimizes the number ofpotentially anxiety-inducing decisionsyou need to make.
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(Both of these benefits can apply to people with and without bipolar disorder.)
If you work, identifying your ideal schedule in that realm is a good place to start.
That can look very different depending on what circumstances youre in, Dr. Once you figure out what works for you, make a run at stick with it.
Be realistic about what you could do.
Setting realistic expectations about what you might get done is the first step to avoiding self-blame later on.
Remember: You are surviving a globalpandemic.
When it comes to work, Dr.
Bond suggests communicating openly with your colleagues and manager if you feel comfortable.
If you feel that the expectations are unrealistic, you’re able to attempt to ask for flexibility.
Make a very incremental to-do listand celebrate every completed task.
This can help you ease into tackling bigger projects, Dr. Then take a moment to acknowledge your success after you finish each item.
Allow yourself to feel good about what you did, Dr. Once you develop a sense of accomplishment, it can help you feel more positive, he says.
This can start a very good upward cycle.
Dont forget to make time for things you enjoy.
Chances are you will feelburned outat some point if you havent already (with good reason).
Adding to that, some activities that helped you decompress may no longer be accessible.
All of these can contribute to burnout and impact your mental and physical health.
At times you might find it impossible to think of an enjoyable activity.
Brainstorming ideas when youre in a more contented state can help you prepare for those times.
The main thing is choosing something youre interested in.
Do your best to manage anxiety.
Almost no one is productive when they feel overly anxious.
There are numerous methods out there, but paced breathing is an option you might do anywhere.
Sometimes, you may need to try several strategies before you feel calmer.
Depending on your situation, your clinician may change your medication or recommend therapy sessions.
Lean on other people for support.
You might not always recognize when youre at risk ofslipping into a mood episode.
TheDepression and Bipolar Support Allianceoffers a list of groups in the U.S.
But of course, these groups cannot replace medical help.
Finding the right medication may take some time, and your doctor can help you safely navigate the process.
If you experience severe mood changes at any point, then its best to get immediate help.
Outside of that, you might find reduced-fee therapists using resources likeOpen PathandThero.org.
