[bpcyclist]

Hello, all. I live within an entirely self-created and self-imposed daily structure that varies very, very little from day to day. I created this structure for a couple of reasons. One is, when I am trending depressive, which is common this time of year, I don't want to do anything. Left to my natural inclination, I would just lie around and do nothing until the end of time. Two is, I tend to just feel better with some kind of plan. Some kind of organization. And third, having this structure helps motivate me to accomplish things I otherwise might not want to tackle.

On the whole, I think this plan has helped achieve those goals. The most important things--taking my meds, exercising, and reaching out for support--get done every day without fail. For me, that is an accomplishment. The problem is, I have so little day-to-day variation in my schedule that there is never anything new to look forward to. I'm on a tight budget, so, for example, I want to go to the opera in early November. But it is quite expensive and budgeting for that is it own production for me. I would love to go to a couple of blazers (NBA) games this season but again, they are sorta out of my price range. Maybe if I plan way ahead I could do it once or twice.

I have few friends and virtually no family, so social things with other people are not really an option. I have been trying to think of how I can help myself with this overwhelming sense of sameness. Do I have too much structure in my life?

[fern46]

Hey bpcyclist. I see a lot of wisdom in the routine you have created for yourself. It helps to keep your mind focused and your body moving. You set up a pattern you get used to and it makes it easier to stick to it even when you aren't level because it becomes habitual. It is like a systematic override for your mood swings. Good strategy.

I can also see how keeping things rigid can leave you feeling a little flat after a while. You need a little wiggle room, but you want to keep the good thing you have here going. That said, could you schedule a block of time daily or weekly for flex time? Maybe give yourself a block of time to plan for it each week and then a block of time to execute the plan? That way, you're still sticking to the routine, but you're introducing something new each week. I'm sure the good folks here can help you brainstorm some budget friendly options.

Also, maybe set aside $10 each week and keep that cash on hand for these activities. That would be $520 a year to get out and try new things. That isn't a huge budget, but you could stretch it and fit a number of great activities in. I realize some people don't have an extra $10 each week, so I'm only tossing that out if it is feasible. There are great ways to save money using coupons and bulk meal planning if it would be a struggle to simply set the cash aside.

[yellow_fleurs]

I think it's great that you have found a way to get things done that you need to everyday. I do think it's quite possible to feel flat if you have nothing new or fun to look forward to. I think it could be worth trying out if you can handle being a little less rigid with things. Maybe set aside an hour or two a week for something different like a social event, hobby, going some place new in the local area, etc. You could occasionally do something larger and set aside money for it and those could be the big things to look forward to like an opera or a trip somewhere. Of course, you'd have to figure out what works for you and your mental health and if it's too much.

[~Christina]

I think having a structured routine is good for most people with Bipolar.

I know I need it. Those pesky Florida trips really screw me up because I have no way to maintain a routine, even something simple as sleep schedule is virtually impossible.

As for money and not doing some special treat here and there I think are very important.

I overhauled our budget and I’m so happy that I was able to order a box set of a tv show we love, it’s not some huge thing , but for us it’s a big treat we laugh our butts off so it’s well worth it.

Are there any museums or art shops near you ?? I now live in a small town so I don’t have that choice. But I use to go to our local library albeit a small one but I would go and just sit with art books or architecture , so many designs.. some beautiful and some an eye sore, but interesting I’m not sure why I stopped going come to think of it. Hmmmm

I think if you “ think” it’s too structured them maybe it’s time to add some new things in.

Personally I really wish there was someone offering cooking classes somewhere a reasonable distance but nope would be at least 1.5 hours away an I budget gas monthly so it’s a no go.

Hopefully your thread will generate lots of ideas to step out of your current activities with something that you can afford.

We all need to look forward to something

I like rooteen and try to use it when I can, though I probably need more

my morning rooteen seems to work- dress, breakfast, alexa, check emails, then I admit it falls apart a bit.

it's because I don't work or anything, so my day is just structured around things I can do in my room.

I try to reserve the afternoon to catch up on yesterday's tv (I record it)

but the night... totally none. most nights I can't sleep so I sort of disreguard the whole rooteen thing.

growing up I'd always havop I'd always have a late night snack (sort of a highlight for me), but I don't tend to do that anymored

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by fern46

Hey bpcyclist. I see a lot of wisdom in the routine you have created for yourself. It helps to keep your mind focused and your body moving. You set up a pattern you get used to and it makes it easier to stick to it even when you aren't level because it becomes habitual. It is like a systematic override for your mood swings. Good strategy.

I can also see how keeping things rigid can leave you feeling a little flat after a while. You need a little wiggle room, but you want to keep the good thing you have here going. That said, could you schedule a block of time daily or weekly for flex time? Maybe give yourself a block of time to plan for it each week and then a block of time to execute the plan? That way, you're still sticking to the routine, but you're introducing something new each week. I'm sure the good folks here can help you brainstorm some budget friendly options.

Also, maybe set aside $10 each week and keep that cash on hand for these activities. That would be $520 a year to get out and try new things. That isn't a huge budget, but you could stretch it and fit a number of great activities in. I realize some people don't have an extra $10 each week, so I'm only tossing that out if it is feasible. There are great ways to save money using coupons and bulk meal planning if it would be a struggle to simply set the cash aside.

Thank you for your excellent suggestions, @fern46. I really like the idea of adding in some kind of planned weekly flex time. I could do that. And there actually is quite a lot to do here that doesn't necessarily have to cost a ton. I'm never gonna be able to go to these fantastic restaurants anymore, but I definitely could get a burger every now and then. Which I don't do. I could save a little every month and put that into the Cultural Enrichment Fund. That's a great idea. Thanks for these thoughts!!

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by yellow_fleurs

I think it's great that you have found a way to get things done that you need to everyday. I do think it's quite possible to feel flat if you have nothing new or fun to look forward to. I think it could be worth trying out if you can handle being a little less rigid with things. Maybe set aside an hour or two a week for something different like a social event, hobby, going some place new in the local area, etc. You could occasionally do something larger and set aside money for it and those could be the big things to look forward to like an opera or a trip somewhere. Of course, you'd have to figure out what works for you and your mental health and if it's too much.

This is very helpful. Thank you!!

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

I think having a structured routine is good for most people with Bipolar.

I know I need it. Those pesky Florida trips really screw me up because I have no way to maintain a routine, even something simple as sleep schedule is virtually impossible.

As for money and not doing some special treat here and there I think are very important.

I overhauled our budget and I’m so happy that I was able to order a box set of a tv show we love, it’s not some huge thing , but for us it’s a big treat we laugh our butts off so it’s well worth it.

Are there any museums or art shops near you ?? I now live in a small town so I don’t have that choice. But I use to go to our local library albeit a small one but I would go and just sit with art books or architecture , so many designs.. some beautiful and some an eye sore, but interesting I’m not sure why I stopped going come to think of it. Hmmmm

I think if you “ think” it’s too structured them maybe it’s time to add some new things in.

Personally I really wish there was someone offering cooking classes somewhere a reasonable distance but nope would be at least 1.5 hours away an I budget gas monthly so it’s a no go.

Hopefully your thread will generate lots of ideas to step out of your current activities with something that you can afford.

We all need to look forward to something

Thank you, Christina. Yes, we do have quite a good art museum for a city our size. I could afford it if I budgeted in advance. I would enjoy that.

The neighborhood I live in is, ironically enough, sort of shopper's paradise. But I never just walk around and enjoy it. I'm always flying through on my way to or from the pharmacy or grocery store or pdoc, racing to get home. For what? I don't actually have to be anywhere.

Overall, other than the time on my bike, which is very important, I am not enjoying what my city has to offer, which is a shame, because it offers a lot. I somehow need to turn this around and stop being such a hermit.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by raging vortex

I like rooteen and try to use it when I can, though I probably need more

my morning rooteen seems to work- dress, breakfast, alexa, check emails, then I admit it falls apart a bit.

it's because I don't work or anything, so my day is just structured around things I can do in my room.

I try to reserve the afternoon to catch up on yesterday's tv (I record it)

but the night... totally none. most nights I can't sleep so I sort of disreguard the whole rooteen thing.

growing up I'd always havop I'd always have a late night snack (sort of a highlight for me), but I don't tend to do that anymored

Thank you, it's nice to know another person sort of sticking to a routine, even though they don't work.

Late night snacks are a major, major problem for me. I crave carbs because of this lithium situation. I never gain any weight because I exercise so much, which is terrible, because it means there is no visible disincentive to stop shoveling all these carbs down my head. I can do it with impunity, except I can't, because all these carbs cannot be good for a person even if they are weight-neutral. What to do!

[fern46]

Originally Posted by bpcyclist

Thank you for your excellent suggestions, @fern46. I really like the idea of adding in some kind of planned weekly flex time. I could do that. And there actually is quite a lot to do here that doesn't necessarily have to cost a ton. I'm never gonna be able to go to these fantastic restaurants anymore, but I definitely could get a burger every now and then. Which I don't do. I could save a little every month and put that into the Cultural Enrichment Fund. That's a great idea. Thanks for these thoughts!!

The Cultural Enrichment Fund. I love it!

I go through periods of feeling flat with my schedule too. On the one hand keeping things regular helped me recover, but on the other it made me a bit anxious when I wasn't stimulated enough. I'm a homeschooling mom, so I've been trying to look for fun and new activities to do with my kids. I also just picked up a training class to keep my professional skills sharp while I take time away from work. Neither of those upset the routine too much and they give my brain a healthy workout.

Let us know how this goes. I'm interested to know what you decide to do with your time.

[LilyMop]

I’ve wondered the same thing about myself. I like organization and planning. How about if you plan some “unplanned” activities? I laugh at myself as I write this but that is exactly the kind of thing I do. I plan my free, unstructured time. Lol.

[Pookyl]

I honestly don’t think there’s such a thing as too much structure. Routine = stability for me. Even though it is boring.
I agree with scheduling some ‘unscheduled’ time. This is what I’ve done:
Brainstorm some fun things
Write ideas on individual pieces of paper and fold.
Put papers into a container and pull out when you have unscheduled time.
My papers say things such as: do jigsaw puzzle, paint fingernails, shower using candles and nice soaps, paint by numbers, colouring in, weeding, sit outside and read a chapter of a book, watch a movie, knit 5 rows etc etc

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by Pookyl

I honestly don’t think there’s such a thing as too much structure. Routine = stability for me. Even though it is boring.

I agree with scheduling some ‘unscheduled’ time. This is what I’ve done:

Brainstorm some fun things

Write ideas on individual pieces of paper and fold.

Put papers into a container and pull out when you have unscheduled time.

My papers say things such as: do jigsaw puzzle, paint fingernails, shower using candles and nice soaps, paint by numbers, colouring in, weeding, sit outside and read a chapter of a book, watch a movie, knit 5 rows etc etc

Fantastic ideas !!!

[Zeroid]

I have very little structure in my life, and that has been the case since forever. That said, my wife maintains some level of structure, so at least sleep times are more controlled. I wouldn't say there is a better way of living, but there is always a better way of living for you.

when my grandmother died it became quickly apparent that she had spent her married life keeping a lid on my Grandfathers undiagnosed mental health problem by imposing a strict routine on the whole family. My Dad had to spend a bunch of time establishing a routine my Grandad could handle himself. It went fine except we had to make sure we went to restaurants that were serving that day's meal. He always had Shepherd's Pie on Wednesday, so that's what had to be eaten, regardless of location.

Lovely man.

Anyway, I was thinking of the cultural enrichment enterprise, and found that Portland has a bunch of museums that are free, either sometimes or always. The Safety Learning Center and Fire Museum might be more exciting than it sounds, but Portland Art Museum is on there.

For cheap tickets, Goldstar might be useful. I can't swear it, but a friend vouches for it.

Edited to add: It occurred to me that you might be in Portland, Maine. If that's the case then this list has a bunch of freebies, but most importantly the International Cryptozoology Museum looks unreal. Like, literally.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by LilyMop

I’ve wondered the same thing about myself. I like organization and planning. How about if you plan some “unplanned” activities? I laugh at myself as I write this but that is exactly the kind of thing I do. I plan my free, unstructured time. Lol.

I am going to try to do just that. Thanks!

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by Pookyl

I honestly don’t think there’s such a thing as too much structure. Routine = stability for me. Even though it is boring.
I agree with scheduling some ‘unscheduled’ time. This is what I’ve done:
Brainstorm some fun things
Write ideas on individual pieces of paper and fold.
Put papers into a container and pull out when you have unscheduled time.
My papers say things such as: do jigsaw puzzle, paint fingernails, shower using candles and nice soaps, paint by numbers, colouring in, weeding, sit outside and read a chapter of a book, watch a movie, knit 5 rows etc etc

Thank you. I am sitting down to make that list as soon as I am done with this.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by Zeroid

I have very little structure in my life, and that has been the case since forever. That said, my wife maintains some level of structure, so at least sleep times are more controlled. I wouldn't say there is a better way of living, but there is always a better way of living for you.

when my grandmother died it became quickly apparent that she had spent her married life keeping a lid on my Grandfathers undiagnosed mental health problem by imposing a strict routine on the whole family. My Dad had to spend a bunch of time establishing a routine my Grandad could handle himself. It went fine except we had to make sure we went to restaurants that were serving that day's meal. He always had Shepherd's Pie on Wednesday, so that's what had to be eaten, regardless of location.

Lovely man.

Anyway, I was thinking of the cultural enrichment enterprise, and found that Portland has a bunch of museums that are free, either sometimes or always. The Safety Learning Center and Fire Museum might be more exciting than it sounds, but Portland Art Museum is on there.

For cheap tickets, Goldstar might be useful. I can't swear it, but a friend vouches for it.

Edited to add: It occurred to me that you might be in Portland, Maine. If that's the case then this list has a bunch of freebies, but most importantly the International Cryptozoology Museum looks unreal. Like, literally.

Sorry, no, Portland, OR. And thank you so much for the tips about museums. I did not know any of that. Thanks a million for all this!

[fern46]

Originally Posted by Zeroid

I have very little structure in my life, and that has been the case since forever. That said, my wife maintains some level of structure, so at least sleep times are more controlled. I wouldn't say there is a better way of living, but there is always a better way of living for you.

when my grandmother died it became quickly apparent that she had spent her married life keeping a lid on my Grandfathers undiagnosed mental health problem by imposing a strict routine on the whole family. My Dad had to spend a bunch of time establishing a routine my Grandad could handle himself. It went fine except we had to make sure we went to restaurants that were serving that day's meal. He always had Shepherd's Pie on Wednesday, so that's what had to be eaten, regardless of location.

Lovely man.

Anyway, I was thinking of the cultural enrichment enterprise, and found that Portland has a bunch of museums that are free, either sometimes or always. The Safety Learning Center and Fire Museum might be more exciting than it sounds, but Portland Art Museum is on there.

For cheap tickets, Goldstar might be useful. I can't swear it, but a friend vouches for it.

Edited to add: It occurred to me that you might be in Portland, Maine. If that's the case then this list has a bunch of freebies, but most importantly the International Cryptozoology Museum looks unreal. Like, literally.

This post made me laugh and smile.

[Zeroid]

Originally Posted by fern46

This post made me laugh and smile.

My work here is done ongoing.

Originally Posted by bpcyclist

Sorry, no, Portland, OR. And thank you so much for the tips about museums. I did not know any of that. Thanks a million for all this!

You're welcome! I have only been to Portland once, and we can't ever go back because Deschutes Brewery and Powells books would bankrupt us. We loved it there.

[Pookyl]

The ideas of going to a museum, local library and art gallery are free activities that I intend to attempt, once I get a bit more on top of this agoraphobia. I’m finding it challenging leaving my apartment at the moment.

[Zeroid]

Originally Posted by Pookyl

The ideas of going to a museum, local library and art gallery are free activities that I intend to attempt, once I get a bit more on top of this agoraphobia. I’m finding it challenging leaving my apartment at the moment.

I hope you get to leave soon. I was in Australia recently, y'all have some lovely museums.