S5. Episode 5: Understanding the Relationship Between Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder – Show Notes

Also found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, and YouTube.

Join me in this insightful episode as I delve deep into the intricate relationship between anxiety and bipolar disorder. Gain valuable insights as I break down complex information and shares practical self-care tips to manage anxiety effectively. Listen as I share my personal journey and recount a recent empowering event where I took charge of my anxiety, offering inspiration and actionable strategies for you and others tuning in. You’ll leave this episode feeling informed, empowered, and equipped with tools to help navigate the complexities of anxiety and bipolar disorder with confidence and resilience.

Announcements 

BIG announcement: I’m cutting back to releasing just 2 episodes per month, meaning I’m going to discontinue Travel Tales for the time being. As mentioned in this episode, I have a bit too much on my plate right now and I need to take care of my mental health, therefore the tough decision to cut back on monthly episode releases was made. 

That said, if you haven’t already, be sure to tune into Episode 1 from this current season of the show, The Importance of Learning to Be Flexible in Life & Embrace Change, to better understand why I’ve made this decision. Thank you for understanding and for your continued support of this podcast! I appreciate you so, so much! 

The “Big Three That Keep Me Feeling ‘Like Me'” 

As you might have realized by now, I frequently emphasize the significance of three fundamental aspects of life crucial for nurturing our well-being. These are as follows: 

1. Sleep – without proper sleep, our bodies and minds aren’t able to function at full capacity. Getting enough sleep will ensure that you have enough energy to handle all that the day might bring you.
   
   

2. Diet – not only is it important to eat consistently throughout the day, but it’s also important to pay attention to what you eat. Prior to 2019, I had a horrible diet. I ate fast food, frozen foods, boxed meals and an array of junk foods on a daily basis. When I decided to change my diet and learn how to cook healthy meals filled with fruits, veggies, and non-fried proteins, I began to notice a difference in how I felt! I had more energy, my brain seemed to be less fogged and I felt all-around better. 
   
   

3. Exercise – shall I quote Elle Woods again? In all seriousness, exercising on a regular basis has been proven to help boost moods as well as energy levels. And to clarify, exercise doesn’t just mean going to the gym…you can find a type of exercise that you enjoy and look forward to! Take a dance class, try yoga, go on regular walks with your dog/spouse/friend, try bike riding – or test out a few different options until you find what works best for you! Whether you choose to do, trust me when I say that committing to a regular exercise routine will help improve the quality of your life for the better. 

For more content on healthy living (or if you’re just curious to see a transformation photo that showcases me before/after losing 50 lbs), check out S2. Episode 7 Show Notes: Healthy vs. Unhealthy

5-4-3-2-1 Coping Technique 

In this podcast episode, you’ll hear me do a practice run of this technique, which was designed to help ground us and bring us into the present when we’re dealing with some heavy emotions, such as anxiety or anger. This technique involves engaging all five of your senses (if applicable), requiring you to look around and focus on: 

• 5 things you see
• 4 things you feel
• 3 things you hear
• 2 things you smell
• 1 thing you taste

I usually name these items in my head to myself, but you can also name them out loud if you’re in a safe space either alone or with someone you trust.

Resources

• Here’s the link to the article found on MedicalNewsToday.com, titled “What is the Connection Between Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder?”, written by Lauren Martin and medically reviewed by Alyssa Peckham, PharmD, BCPP
• The information discussed about self-care for anxiety was found on Mind.Org.Uk on a webpage titled “Anxiety and panic attacks“
• If you haven’t already established a bedtime routine, I highly recommend you work on that! Check out my article, The Bedtime Routine That Regulates My Sleep, to explore my personal bedtime routine and learn how to create a custom one for yourself!
• Want more content about anxiety? Tune into S4. Episode 9: Anxiety, Please Leave. You’re Not Welcome Here, especially if you’re interested in hearing about my experiences with panic attacks
• Interested in learning more about gratitude? Tune into Season 2, Episode 15: How Gratitude Changed My Life to hear firsthand how my life has improved ever since I began practicing gratitude!
• For those interested in learning more about my Indian Wedding, I’ve written four different articles (so far) that are stocked full of both information and beautiful photos! These include: the Mehndi Ceremony, Indian Pre-Wedding Rituals, the Haldi Ceremony Explained, & Unraveling the Sangeet Tradition
• Have a recent win you want me to celebrate with you? Head on over to the Win of the Week webpage and submit your win for me to shoutout on an upcoming episode of the show!
• Here’s the link to get 15% off your first purchase from my Etsy Shop, Bailey’s Way Designs: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BaileysWayDesigns?coupon=NEWCUSTOMER15
• Be sure to follow @distressedtojoyful_baileysway on Instagram and join the Facebook community group to keep up with the latest information pertaining to the show!
• The podcast can now be found on YouTube! ? The most recent episodes will even include video so you can see my face while I talk to you. ?? Be sure to check out and subscribe to @whatisheybailsdoing on YouTube to stay up-to-date with all episode releases.
• Never want to miss an episode? Click here to sign up to have new episode releases sent right to your inbox! I’ll throw in some other goodies also, just for you!
• Lastly, if you enjoy tuning in and want to help support the show, your kindness and generosity is much appreciated! Head on over to the Support the Show page to learn more!

Until next time friends… Take it easy, stay grateful and be joyful!

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