I know one thing that has proven helpful is light therapy. Light boxes (like the ones used for Seasonal affective disorder) can be used daily to help reduce depressive episodes (regardless of the season), I'm not sure if they have an effect on manias though.

If you google light therapy and bipolar disorder you'll find more info

I have not heard anything about light therapy, but it makes sense totally! I will have to look into it. I havent had any issues with mania lately...just more depressive BOOMS. I'll take some light therapy-- that doesnt make me tan does it?

lol, make sure you buy a light that has uv filters.

They can be kind've expensive ($200-250) but I know people who have said that it helps (with bpd) so in my opinion, it's worth a shot.

I think I found that it should have at least 10,000 lux and uv filters, but I'm not sure. I'm sure you can find more info elsewhere online.