It takes it's time to make good and well-functioning routines. I used years to make my routines functional. One has to have a "not-giving-up-attitude" to be able to make it step by step and be willing to accept setbacks.

I do get up and get to bed at the same time every day, but between these two moments of the day, each day varies for me. I have a weekly routine, not a daily routine. All in all I have covered a time for repetition about what I know about my triggers and how to meet them in real life, physical exercises, relaxation exercises, walking or jogging, time for work and study, eating healthy, time to meet other people, amusements, and not to forget just relax without doing anything.

According to CBT, it is the way we think that make us feel depressed like; "Oh what an idiot I am that wasn't able to follow my daily planner for today". So I have worked and worked with my thoughts that precede my emotions.


It is not so that I have to follow my plans as a slave. It is more about to be aware of my triggers and to have a helping daily structure. What happened now, was that I felt so tired after the flu that I wasn't able to think clearly. So I was catastrophe thinking and that is OK. I mean that it is OK to backslide and to move on when one discovers that that is what one has done. I am back in my weekly routine now. Have already taken my morning walk and after a resting break I will continue my work for today.


When it comes to Bipolar disorder, there can be too many rapid changes in mood to be able to make a weekly plan, so often it is best to do one day at a time and be satisfied with that. Don't despair if you aren't able to make full-time plans, but maybe continue to work on your morning routines, one step at the time.


Good wishes for you!