Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick7892
My goals are a strict bedtime and wake-up time, and when I can do so, it really helps. But when I am manic, my bedtime drifts to later and I can't seem to go to bed on time, in spite of alarms and knowing I do better mentally and physically.
My other goal is meal times within an hour of set times. Breakfast is easy, especially if I go to bed on time. Lunch at noon, drifts to 3 PM.... Supper drifts, too, but not as bad as lunch.
Before I retired, it was easy to do. But since I retired and I live alone, it is real easy for me to drift and lose track of time. I think my mental health has suffered as a result and it is harder for me to cope.
I keep trying to follow the goals, and don't beat myself up and give up when I don't. Giving up doesn't help. I just try again the next day because I can do so sometimes.  Even a 25% improvement is better than total drifting. |
I hear you!
I would be alone right now if I did not have my elderly mother living with me. Although she gets up later than she used to, she holds somewhat of a schedule. This helps me at times, Sometimes, it is somewhat distracting, too. Lol! Yet, overall, her presence h as helped me to keep somewhat of a schedule when I did not care if I had one or not!
I agree, Rick! Whenever we change our schedules, we need to work at making it a habit. I also find I do not do it all at 100% success right away; yet, I keep trying and with each try, my body/mind is adjusting, I hope.!
"Regular" schedules can be very helpful in so many ways. When some of us are more vulnerable to mood changes, etc, It helps to have a regular schedule for many aspects of our lives.
I have had severe and chronic migraines. One of the first things a specialist had suggested was: Keepiing a daily routine, focusing first on sleep/wake hours and on meal times. He was talking about blood sugar getting too low at some point and the resulting difficulties, like: more migraines, more mood swings, etc. He told me we can self-regulate so many things in our bodies by keeping a regular schedule every single day!
That said, I do try to schedule my days. I get a planner or print one for free on the net. I fill in the hours, just as if I had actual meetings,, I assign times to especially difficult tasks/issues I need to tackle.
I have set up "office hours" with my mom. This is a set time when she can bring all of her paperwork, her many questions on so many topics, etc. Instead of trying to deal with all of her stuff all day long, which means I am exhausted and do not get mine done, I 've asked her to set up a folder where she can put the mail she wants me to read, the bill she does not understand, etc.
I also overcame constant worry/anxiety by ASSIGNING A TIME TO WORRY.!
When I would find myself worrying about what is wrong with the car, for example, I decide I will "worry" about this or will set goals around this between 11-11:30 am, for example.
I then might decide I would worry and/or find a solution to my medical financial situation between 3 and 4 pm., Etc.
I find scheduling and routine can help me to have a more organized, better l life!
Thanks for this important topic, Blue!
