I have to say when Mike asked me to try the Brain Muscle Workout that I was a bit skeptical. Could it really help my Bipolar Disorder? What does exercise have to do with it?
I currently exercise by walking 30 minutes a day. It does make me feel better. I feel more energized right after I do it. But can the Brain Muscle Workout make more of a difference?
Exercise can help (according to McMannweb.com) :
- By reducing the stress hormone cortisol, which is linked to depression.
- By restoring one's sleep and eating patterns, and raising energy levels, all critically important to feeling alive.
- By releasing endorphins, which are associated with good mood.
- By raising serotonin levels, according to one study.
- Finally, getting in shape improves self-esteem.
- By increasing brain cells in the hippocampus, according to a study done on rats.
So, I'm willing to try anything. My current medications only help so much. I still experience mania, depression and mixed states. I plan on including Mike's Brain Muscle Workout to my regimen and I will be reporting weekly on my progress.
To start I'll try out the 10 minute exercise that was featured in Oprah's magazine. If Oprah's interested in it, it's got to be good, right?
About the Author: Cristina C. Fender, 34, is rapidly becoming an expert on Bipolar Disorder. She has been researching Bipolar Disorder and blogging about her own experiences for several years. At age 21 she was diagnosed with depression and saw psychiatrists for over ten years before she was correctly diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder I. Her vision for writing at Raw Writing for the Real World of Bipolar is to inform and educate the public about mental illness. Feel free to Email Cristina a comment or a question.Click here to Subscribe in a Reader.
© 2009 Cristina C. Fender
