Travel & Jet Lag

Hi @soufflegirl

I don't remember having jet lag but i do fare poorly with my Bipolar 2 if my sleep is interupted, or my diet gets slack. Last time I went on a hiking holiday I found the pressure of relationships in such an intimate space (3 in a tent) caused me enough emotional stress to have myself a little episode when I got home. Mainly my own fault for keeping my feelings buried which i won't do next time.

You have a fabulous plan; the only thing i noticed is you don't mention exercise.

I would be a complete lunatic if it weren't for regular exercise. At the moment I am teaching myself to swim properly. I go once a week and afterwards I feel high as a kite. Plus I play soccer in winter and go to Parkrun on Saturdays and I love to walk.

It really was very hard at first (especially running) it was like pushing a Volvo uphill with handbrake on. But bit by bit I've gotten into a habit.

Forgive me if I am preaching to the converted, it's just that I find moving my body so very, very helpful to me that I like to tell everyone 🙂

Hi @soufflegirl and @Mulgajane

Jetlag certainly wreaks havoc with our bodies. It can be so exhausting to get back on track again. Sounds like you have an awesome game plan there and integrating some exercise, regular meals, and social contact into that plan might help too.

If things continue to be a struggle after trying those things out for a while, it might also be a good idea to check in with your GP for a bit of support. Oh and you might like to try out some self care stuff too. There are some great ideas over on this thread called the Self Care Alphabet. Feel free to jump in and add your own.

Hope things start to feel a little better in time 🐼