Routine W/ Mental Illness?

[Rhys]

Remembering or finding the will to get things done, how do you do manage? Do you have to write things down, do you use a special app? How do you pep yourself up when you're just not feeling it?

 

[Leighlee87]

This is a great question. I'm curious to see what other people write, cause I don't have any answers at the moment.

 

[Cannottakethis]

I try very hard to follow a schedule. There are a lot of printable schedules that you can find on Pinterest or even Google. I use the calendar in my phone and a wall calendar in the house and we just got a white board to write down important dates.
My therapist has been working with me on setting goals for each week regarding cleaning and exercising. I've got my Meds down pat.
My house may not look perfect but it's getting better. I used to try to do everything all at once. Doing less and getting one thing done well each day gives me a sense of accomplishment.

 

[Crow]

I have three lists. One bimonthly, one weekly, and one a day schedule hour by hour on what my goals are. They're laminated so I can mark stuff off as I get them done. I've never completed the whole list of any of the lists but I get more than I would without anything. Some months, they just hang in the kitchen and I never look at them but when I do, then stuff is cleaned and completed. When I'm doing really well, I use an app called FlyHelper. It's a daily assignment for 20 minutes of cleaning. If you follow it your house stays very clean. I've not been successful with it yet but I"m still trying.

But overall, lists. Someone on here suggested I post what I got done and didn't every day. I did that for a couple of months and the accountability help ingrain the habits.

 

[Muted]

When I'm doing really well, I use an app called FlyHelper

Is it called FlyLadyPlus? I couldn't find one called fly helper.

 

[Crow]

Yes! That's it. The name of the app once installed comes out to FlyHelper. But FlyLady is the name in the store. Sorry about that.

 

[VioletButterfly]

Above responses are awesome and I do the same things. I really like the idea of laminating the daily/weekly chore list. Never thought of it - great minds out here. :D

When I'm having a difficult time on a daily basis, I break it down farther... A 20 point scale approach where things like getting up, dressed, showered, brushing hair, eating breakfast, taking supplements, just searching for jobs, drawing a picture...any small task gets a point. It's a non-judgmental exercise wherein you are able to be a little cheerleader for yourself or at least show yourself compassion and reiterate that you are doing the best you can for that day. I was skeptical at first, but it is now part of my thinking each day. I record what I do each day and I have lists and goals, but with regard to days - I do acknowledge and am thankful for what I can do each day to help myself. It keeps me present as well. You stay in the moment with this as each moment gives you an opportunity to do something that you are able to do. Not to push to hard or have expectations, but just to allow possibility to enter into your space.

There are days where laying flat on the floor and watching TV is all that I can do and there are days where I look for and apply for 6 jobs while sitting at Panera (well-groomed, eating breakfast, being around people...). There are many days in between as well. Acceptance in the moment.

 

[abbynormal1929]

First I tend to plan my tasks 1 by 1. Depending on the task I will either make a simple plan like a cut off time before which I have to complete it. For more complexed tasks I plan a bit more in depth, but it usually still coresponds with a time, a set lenth of time, or amount of time per day on task. I'm on a project now I know is going to take multiple days to complete without getting overwhelmed. On the fist day or so I like to see how I'm am tolerating the work, and plan the following days on how I feel after the first day or so. I think the most important part is to not get discouraged, or down on my self if I have trouble keeping the quota I set for myself, all it really means is I might have to either adjust the quota, or simply try again later, or tomorrow if need be.

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

I have dry erase boards hanging in multiple spots throughout the house and I try to keep a small note pad and pen within reach everywhere I go. Often times I find having lists (expectations) can create more stress and anxiety than I can handle. Other times, having a detailed and structured list is the only way I'll finish a task. Learning to allow whatever needs to happen, in the moment it needs to take place, is the trickiest part. Some days I shine, other days I hide. Remembering to be kind to self regardless of the choice is where I often trip up. Still seeking that elusive balance I often hear of.

 

[GreyStreet]

[
This works for me sometimes better than others ... sticky notes with positive self talk that I've found works for me. It's a little reminder I post on my Miss or for when I'm not feeling great it tells me that's I've been there and still seen some light.

 

[LiketheMouse]

When I could afford it I had a cleaning lady... currently my house is a wreck. Lists help sometimes, but unfortunately I'm terrible at the basics. It's a constant struggle.

*Again... nice to know it's not just me who deals with these things...