I read somewhere that these were essential for people with bipolar disorder. Of course, they're also important in some form for anyone.
These seem similar, but I guess they aren't really. I like taking a good look at similar words to see their subtle differences.
People with bipolar disorder probably need Relaxation to calm anxiety and to make sleep easier. Relaxation may quiet racing thoughts and pressured speech. But it's hard to get motivated to relax. It might have to be a scheduled activity, something that one does regardless of mood state. Closing one's eyes in sunshine. Lying down and praying. Meditating or doing yoga. Allowing someone else to do a pressing task.
Comfort is a path to healing, and it can make mood states more bearable. A warm aromatherapy bath . Cool water on one's wrists and arms. Soup with a big spoon. Snuggling into a corner with a generous blanket. Rereading old letters or special E-mails.
Leisure is a break from work. Since many people with bipolar disorder have trouble with executive functioning, work and house and family management may be especially exhausting and depleting. Leisure is a chance to connect to onself and one's interests. Depression kills connection and passion. But a stretch of time may awaken a person, whether he or she is ill or stable. When we have time to do whatever we want, we get to see what matters.
Self-Expression makes good use of maddening energy. The bipolar mind is wild--both dangerous and fascinating. It needs at outlet--probably more than one. A person with bipolar disorder needs at least one patient listener who will hear racing thoughts yet also be comfortable in silence.
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