[Serra27]

I have always been a "free" writer. Journal a lot. I find it is not only therapeutic but helps prevent me saying things to my bf I wish I could take back later! I also love imagining my favorite 'place' to be, the beach. I think about the feel of the sand, the smell of the air, the sound of the ocean crashing up against the beach, laying by myself (no offense to my children and bf lol) But in peace with myself. No one around, how I guess I prefer it ironically a lot of the time, because I feel so lonely and misunderstood otherwise.

I want to workout, I know that helps, I used to vigorously before having children, but hard to find time and energy now with 3 children.

What does everyone else do to help calm their anxieties or help get through episodes?

[wildflowerchild25]

I journal too. I post here. I like to do the mandala coloring pages - those are relaxing. And I like to do guided meditations sometimes.

[pawn78]

Lifting weights. After 45 minutes of it, I feel like I am high! For hours afterwards also.

Finding time to exercise around work and kids has been very challenging. But I make sure it happens in my schedule somewhere! Pdoc says exercise is critical for people with mood disorders.

[~Christina]

Meditation
Mindfulness
Yoga

Originally Posted by pawn78

Lifting weights. After 45 minutes of it, I feel like I am high! For hours afterwards also.

Finding time to exercise around work and kids has been very challenging. But I make sure it happens in my schedule somewhere! Pdoc says exercise is critical for people with mood disorders.

I heard that. Used to do me like that when I was able to pump. I wished I could afford me a long rect. pool perhaps for the cardio. Deg. arthur. has/is getting so bad in my lower extremities, especially right now as it's so humid and raining.

[sarahblue]

I love journaling.

Yoga or gentle stretches are great if you lack energy for an intense workout. Right now I am really sedentary but I'm starting to do a few stretches just to get my body moving. Also, taking a walk. You can do that with the kiddies, they need airing out too

Make sure you carve out some "me" time during the day when you can be alone. This is important when you are a mom.

[thickntired]

I walk 5+ miles on a wonderful trail that is in the woods. I listen to music while I walk and do a lot of thinking. On my smart phone I have self-guided meditation apps. Deep breathing and yoga or just stretching are helpful. I drink lots of water, take vitamins, and follow a healthy diet. Toxic people are not in my life the same goes for negative T.V. shows etc. This is the only place I offer advice and try to help people. I am very empathetic and when I help people in real life I take on their issues while loosing sight of my own. I like to volunteer when I am well; it helps to get out of myself for a while. The books I read have positive messages be it spiritual or memoirs of people who have overcome adversity. The best thing I learned in rehab is you don't have to look far to find someone worse off than yourself. So, these days I count my blessings.

Thanks for posting this thread

[Serra27]

Thank you all for the great ideas. Therapeutic music and sounds on an app is a great idea Ty And honestly, I have been on this site, part of this community now, for shy of a week, and it has helped so much on a daily basis. I love being able to 'go' somewhere now where everyone are feelings similar feelings and dealing with similar issues, as so we can get through them, and get through life a little easier. Thank you all for the support! Appreciate the help!

For me, it's journaling or blogging, listening to music (of all genres, including nature sounds), and daydreaming. Not sure if that last one counts as therapeutic, but it's relaxing.

Originally Posted by wildflowerchild25

I journal too. I post here. I like to do the mandala coloring pages - those are relaxing. And I like to do guided meditations sometimes.

I had no idea what mandala coloring pages were so I googled it and I recognized those shapes and patterns. It looks like a lot of fun too. Now I think I may include that into my therapy.

Originally Posted by thickntired

I walk 5+ miles on a wonderful trail that is in the woods. I listen to music while I walk and do a lot of thinking. On my smart phone I have self-guided meditation apps. Deep breathing and yoga or just stretching are helpful. I drink lots of water, take vitamins, and follow a healthy diet. Toxic people are not in my life the same goes for negative T.V. shows etc. This is the only place I offer advice and try to help people. I am very empathetic and when I help people in real life I take on their issues while loosing sight of my own. I like to volunteer when I am well; it helps to get out of myself for a while. The books I read have positive messages be it spiritual or memoirs of people who have overcome adversity. The best thing I learned in rehab is you don't have to look far to find someone worse off than yourself. So, these days I count my blessings.

Thanks for posting this thread

All of that sounds very ideal. I would like to be able to do all of this, especially a 5 mile walk while just listening to music (sounds heavenly) and excluding toxic people from my life. Instead of meditation however, I'm practicing Shamanism.