7 Strategies to Exercising the Mind for Schizophrenia

Stress is a major trigger for schizophrenia among other health conditions. It can create flare-ups and lead to the resurfacing of symptoms. As you know, schizophrenia can incorporate a magnitude of symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, isolation, psychosis and other debilitating conditions.

How do you control schizophrenia when life is the stressor? What are some stress-reduction techniques to manage the daily life nuisances? I'll share my personal approaches to lowering my stress that will support your wellness whether you have a diagnosis or not.

7 strategies to exercising the mind and reducing stress

1. Play games
2. Engage in socialization
3. Carryout low-impact exercises
4. Practice your favorite hobbies
5. Consider journaling
6. Build more coping skills in therapy
7. Execute money management skills

While all of these approaches are effective methods to minimizing stress they are not a substitute for treatment and will not cure the brain disorder. I've practiced each of these strategies- not all at the same time or in any particular order. I know first-hand adopting these skills will help you manage the daily stresses of life.

Strategies for managing schizophrenia

Playing games improves focus

In the past, my thought-processing was slower than usual because my mind was regrouping from the impact of the severe symptoms of schizophrenia. When I was diagnosed my social worker facilitated group therapy sessions. We played a variety of games. Back then I didn't understand the strategy for exercising the mind and enhancing wellness.

I've played different games on the computer and on my cell phone. I've learned they help improve focus. Nowadays there's an app for all sorts of games. I encourage you to seek your favorite game on the cell phone and online. If you prefer in-person games consider joining clubs for entertainment.

Socializing reduces isolation

Isolation is a significant concern living with schizophrenia. In the past, while stuck in my head I've experienced a wide range of issues. Nobody recognized my bizarre behavior early on because I was distancing myself and confused about my own situation living with undiagnosed mental health concerns. Staying connected with others lowers stress and limits isolating behaviors. Engaging in fellowship can help reduce the practice of isolating.

There are countless activities to get involved with others. Affordable outings we can visit include the park events, online meetups and a series of classes at libraries. Churches, support groups, and a range of other places to meet people are now available online too.

Personally, I check-in with my family and friends regularly. We enjoy video calls and the endless text messages. Regular check-ins are beneficial to combating daily stressors. Talking to someone enables the opportunity to identify daily pressures and an alternative perspective on how to tackle them.

Low-impact exercises energize me

I enjoy walking. Sometimes I take a 10 minute walk around my neighborhood. I get to experience the outdoors and scenery. There are a lot of physical activities we can do to get exercise such as house chores, yard work, and stretching among several others ways to stay fit. After I exercise I feel rejuvenated. Exercising can help energize you too and reduce the stress.

My favorite hobbies help my recovery

The sky is the limit when it comes to hobbies. I enjoy creating projects for myself. They are fun, lower stress and are confidence-boosters. I have friends and relatives who like to garden and cook. I enjoy writing and keep a blog and write books on my recovery experience.

Journaling is my self-care

I keep a journal for a lot of different activities. My daily reflections, work, projects and Realistic Journal. The most important among them is my everyday journal which I call my Realistic Journal. I record all my accomplished tasks for the day opposed to keeping a Things to Do list which can be overwhelming. My Realistic Journal lists my productivity in self-care and work which is another confidence-booster. Whenever I'm down I can reflect on this journal to remind myself I've managed my self-care and done other things throughout the week. I encourage you to keep a Realistic Journal and other journals too!

Therapy builds coping skills

I hope everyone tries therapy at least once in their life. Therapy is can focus on problem-solving, reflections, coping skills and confidence-building activities. I've developed a lot of insight with my therapist over the years. They've helped me analyze my setbacks and daily practices in order to propel me to in my recovery practices and wellbeing. Consider therapy- whether you have a diagnosis or not.

Managing my money empowers me

I'm not rich but I know how to stretch a penny. I've learned how to communicate my financial situation with creditors to acquire manageable monthly payments. I record my expenses and handle my bills. Still, I'm a work in progress with credit cards but my bills are paid.

Finally, I hope these skills will motivate you to try adopting some of these habits. Again, consider playing games, engaging in socialization, carryout low-impact exercises, practice your favorite hobbies, consider a Realistic Journal, go to therapy, and execute money management skills. If you incorporate some of these practices they will help relieve your stress, enable you to cope with the daily pressures of life, and manage mental wellness better.