Ready for routine?
While you may not feel you need a set routine just yet, by putting one in place now you’ll find life a lot easier in future.
Creating a routine also means you can be sure that life is balanced: making time for socialising, being sure there’s time to eat well, planning in exercise and opportunities to relax, too.
Here’s why:
A routine builds confidence and security – it’s reassuring to know what you’re doing, and when
Structure removes unnecessary distractions – it’s easier to focus when your day is mapped out
A pattern to your life helps to manage symptoms (see above)
Planning your day and week means that both you and those who care for you know what you’re doing. It helps with communication and keeps things clear for everyone, avoiding confusion for all
Creating a schedule for your days also means you have a say in how you spend your time and helps you to keep your independence
Create a routine that works for you
Start creating a routine by writing down all the things you:
Need to do, i.e. household chores, personal care, shopping, preparing food and eating
Like to do, such as socialising, exercise, hobbies, interests
Wish to do, for example, allowing time for being spontaneous or just relaxing
If you need help with any of these things at the moment, talk to a friend or loved one and ask for their help: your schedule for creating a routine might depend on their availability.
Once you’ve written your ‘to do’ list, divide the activities up between the week. You can use a diary for this, a blank sheet of paper or use our routine planner that you can share with others.
Although it may not seem necessary right now, it’s a good idea to add daily tasks to this list. Consider adding personal care, like showering, hair washing/styling, shaving, brushing your teeth etc.
Keep your routine planner somewhere prominent where you won’t forget it, like on the fridge, on a door or stuck to the wall near the kettle.