Self-Care Strategies for Bipolar Youth

For bipolar youth, self-care strategies are important. Self-care sounds pretty self-explanatory, right? We all know that we are supposed to take care of ourselves, but so often we neglect to do it (Practicing Self-Care Is Hard But Vital For Mental Health). Think of yourself as a car. You need your car for a lot of different reasons. If you don't take the time to care for it, get the oil changed, rotate the tires, wash it, or get a tune up, it doesn't run properly. Your mind and body work the same way. When you don't take the time to give yourself the things that you need to keep yourself healthy, things don't run as smoothly. Learn these self-care strategies for bipolar youth to keep yourself running smoothly.

Why Is Self-Care Important?

Life with bipolar disorder can make self-care more challenging (Bipolar Disorder, Mental Health and Self-Care Video). There are days where you feel good and self-care is much easier. There are also days when you have trouble doing even the smallest of tasks and caring for yourself is a distant priority.

Think of self-care as a deliberate and preventative measure for yourself. A lot of us wait until we are in crisis, or close to it, to try to figure out how to help ourselves. As bipolar youth, adding small and daily self-care strategies into your routine can keep you feeling healthy and serve as coping skills that you can reach for when you're not feeling your best.

Easy Self-Care Strategies Bipolar Youth Can Do Every Day

Self-care doesn't have to take a lot of time or effort. Balancing school, work, family, and friends is tough. There are so many quick and easy things that you incorporate into your busy schedule. Check out some of these self-care strategies that you can do in less than five minutes. Pick three to five and add them to your daily routine.

• Listen to music.
• Keep in touch with your support network. Phone a friend or family member.
• Get outside. Being in nature reduces stress.
• Keep a journal.
• Make a gratitude list.
• Use an app (5 Mental Health Apps You Should Try) on your phone.
• Go for a walk.
• Take a warm shower.
• Create something.
• Express yourself through your personal style.
• Be nice to yourself. Give yourself a compliment.
• Play with a pet.
• Take some deep breaths.
• Treat yourself to something small.
• Light a scented candle.
• Practice meditation and mindfulness.
• Move your body. Get some exercise.
• Watch a funny video. Laughter is good for the soul.

Remember, we don't operate at our best unless we invest in ourselves first.

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