What became triggering from the activities you mentioned is probably that you did them to a point of intensity. I like that you are doing some again in small doses and less often. Maybe focus on the level of intensity as well. Then you can add the activities in larger time frames again.

I’m not bipolar, and not sure of what diagnosis as my t will only say “complicated trauma history”, but I get triggered too. For example, like you, religious study, helping others with emotional issues (as a peer), can become triggering and I know when I need to take a step back or else I’ll plummet.