Routines
The Rhythm of Your Life
I first heard about routines in my early days of diagnosis. I sort of dismissed the idea. Recently, I have realized I have a rhythm to my life now. I now see how a routine helps keep my life in order. I think I dismissed the idea originally because I thought it could not apply to someone who does not work regularly and has the element of chaos with children.
It is the personal rhythm of my life that matters most, to maintain my health. As life continues I must find a way to keep my own self at peace. This is priority above all else. First this, then the rest can come.
For me, this means personal time. I find my rhythm in time with myself either reading, writing, or simply quietly contemplating. Without this, my routine is disrupted and it is harder to stay healthy.
Others find that they must work in an office to maintain their rhythm, some need a form of exercise or mediation. Whatever it may be, if we have something that is consistent, it makes it easier to go there in the hardest moments...when we need to most.
tags
[Bipolar Disorder]
[Bipolar Symptoms]
I first heard about routines in my early days of diagnosis. I sort of dismissed the idea. Recently, I have realized I have a rhythm to my life now. I now see how a routine helps keep my life in order. I think I dismissed the idea originally because I thought it could not apply to someone who does not work regularly and has the element of chaos with children.
It is the personal rhythm of my life that matters most, to maintain my health. As life continues I must find a way to keep my own self at peace. This is priority above all else. First this, then the rest can come.
For me, this means personal time. I find my rhythm in time with myself either reading, writing, or simply quietly contemplating. Without this, my routine is disrupted and it is harder to stay healthy.
Others find that they must work in an office to maintain their rhythm, some need a form of exercise or mediation. Whatever it may be, if we have something that is consistent, it makes it easier to go there in the hardest moments...when we need to most.
tags
[Bipolar Disorder]
[Bipolar Symptoms]
posted by Mom, Interrupted at 10:39 AM
7 Comments:
Rhythm is critical for my mental health too.
I need rhythm, yes - like meals and sleep at regular times. But I also need the excitement of creative adventures - things to make life interesting and colorful. Otherwise I would get bored.
My breakdown that led to my hospitalisation was after working as a sales rep on the road - NO structure except that which I made, no routine. I could feel myself falling apart as each day passed. Now I know that I need an office environment if I am to work (and until the lottery comes in, I'm a workin' stiff).
I look forward to the time when life can slow down enough to allow a rhythm. I'm envious.
I need some kind of structure in my life, but it doesn't have to be perfect either.
Some people suggested to me to write an Ininterary of my week and so on...yeah right! I don't think so.
Being a stay-at-home mom can be very unstructured because kids are in school, hubby works, and all week I am battling at times to find something to do.
But then there can be weeks when I am so damn busy with sports for my son, doctors appt., and whatever that I cannot even think straight.
Some weeks and even months are structured and some aren't. Take the SUMMER for example...NO structure there!
Ditto. I need routine too.
But what do you do when you need a new one? That's what I'm pondering.
Routine is crucial for me. When everything is choatic internally I need my routine, I need to go to the same cafe' sit in the same spot. Sit in the same spot in class etc etc. Somehow maintaining this external stability helps in keeping my internal demons at bay
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