Adding Structure

[Crow]

I feel like it's time to add structure to my daily routine. Every time I have tried to do this in the past, my life falls apart. I'm talking things like going to bed or getting up at specific time (or range), eating at set times, doing routine exercises, cleaning on self days in set areas etc.

Any advice on how to survive the backlash of darkness?

 

[twinkle30]

I can relate as I don't have much structure in my day myself. One thing I started doing lately that has helped is getting up early each day and going to bed at a reasonable time. That might be the first step in adding structure in your life. Maybe try doing that for a week or two before you do anything else.

 

[Tinyflame]

Oh wow yes @CrowFeather . But I don't know either. :( I have fallout more on self-care, but the routines I just haven't mastered yet either. I am trying.

 

[Virtues]

I have found that accountability helps with stuff like this. If you have someone to hold you accountable you are more likely to actually follow through... at least that's how I'm hardwired.

 

[Ellabella44]

volunteering with a cat shelter helped me with having a structure to my day. a regular schedule to personal care getting myself ready to go there. hope something like that helps.

 

[Crow]

About all I can manage is getting to work - most days late - and feeding the cats. Don't have anyone in my life for daily accountability. Some weeks I go four days without having a conversation with someone else.

@twinkle30 I started last week with getting to bed at the same time. I end up laying awake until 3am just to get up at 6 to feed the cats and back to sleep till 930. I guess that's structure?

 

[Virtues]

About all I can manage is getting to work - most days late - and feeding the cats. Don't have anyone...

what about are you part of any group therapy? if not you always have here! You could post the outline for you plan in this thread and you would have tons of people to check up on you every day.

 

[Crow]

It's worth a try @Florian7051 . The problem is not the discipline but when I begin working with a schedule I collapse. All my energy drains, depression and paranoia set in and I end up in bed for days on end. That's kind of what I need help with...how to handle the crash or avoid it altogether.

 

[Ellabella44]

start your point of accountability with your cats at home and expand on it. small steps first. if they are what makes you feel alive again, maybe add in a scheduled playtime, or grooming them, things that might motivate you to take care of them more. Then add in what do i need to do for myself in order to do this activity with your cats.

suggested steps:

need to eat something before activity with cats.
need to get dressed....
need to get out of bed...
need to brush teeth... they might not like stinky human breath (lol)

I had a similar list to what is above when i started volunteering at the shelter. i used my own cats at first. they took care of me, what could i do for them to show how much i appreciated them being there in my worst days. and i kept expanding on it small step by small step.

this acountability is easiest to start with, animals are very forgiving on schedules. no pressure.

 

[Virtues]

It's worth a try @Florian7051 . The problem is not the discipline but when I begi...

Yikes... I really don't know. I can relate to the paranoia, but mine is brought on by social interaction. I take Wellbutrin for the depression which helps. I wish I could be of some sort of help here.

 

[Crow]

:) just talking and bouncing ideas is so helpful! Other things have improved lately. I am just getting impatient with myself I think. T keeps saying don't rush and don't push. It's been working.

 

[Ellabella44]

yeah i try to race ahead too, but breaking things into smaller pieces helps. especially with giving myself structure. it has to be mindful not a rushed thing. this is relearning after all.