Planning with Bipolar.

With the school year winding down, although I am doing Summer School, I thought I’d share what my Summer MUST do list consists of. I’m not talking about visiting an island, sky diving or going to the pool. I’m talking about self-care must do’s when I will be consumed with way more “free” and “me” time than usual. I never have formally written down this list – it’s just sorta been ingrained in my brain. college was where I was first introduced to a month long break that literally consisted of absolutely nothing, once I quit cheer. It took me weeks of boredom, depression, and bad choices to get 2 jobs and decide to enroll in Summer courses. Once I became accustomed to a more clearly defined schedule my other tasks were shifted and ultimately became priorities. I wanted to share my list with you all to see if anyone else prioritizes “free time” like I do.

I have to treat planning as something I HAVE to do—because it is! 

Over the years, I have in fact become a morning person! I’m sure if you ask my first college roommates they would beg to differ 🙂 Now that I am a morning person it has dramatically increased my success with completing tasks on my to do list no matter how small or large they are. Writing out what I need to do or get started on for something long term helps me put things into perspective. Some of my “must do’s” seem so ‘DUH!’ but it didn’t become a ‘DUH!’ moment for me until I really started to educate myself on my diagnosis. It honestly has helped me cope and understand the disorder better since I was diagnosed.

Planning/scheduling has aided me in reducing impulsive behavior. It makes me incredibly excited when I know what lies ahead of me for the day, week, month or even year! I’m spontaneous in a lot of different ways, but when it comes to planning certain things being spontaneous isn’t something I feel comfortable doing.

Here we go…

When I plan or make a “simple” to do list I always place the hardest task of the day at the beginning! Whatever that might be. In no particular order I complete all of these must do tasks for myself, even if I plan on lounging around for the day

• Shower, brush teeth, wash face, and follow skin care routine
• Spend time with God. Devotional. Journal. Prayer
• Get dressed or at least change out of my jammies! Even if I’m putting on new jammies 🙂
• Make a to do list
• Tidy up my space
• Workout/Any type of physical activity
• Set alarms throughout the day to avoid snoozing!
• EAT!

Easy breezy, right?

Another helpful tip I have to offer is to update your calendar, whether it’s electronic or paper. I write down everything! Including plans I make with friends, attending an event with my family, working out, and anything else I would probably forget or try to bail out on. It’s helped me stick to my plans more consistently and not cancel at the last minute.

I am constantly looking for ways to set myself up for mental success. Although, making such a simple to do list seems trivial it makes a world of difference when your thoughts seem to be scattered 98% of the day.

I want you to write down your daily to-do’s and see if you need to tweak it or switch it up a bit especially during those days where you feel “blah”.

 

What are some other helpful ways besides making list that you incorporate in your life to help you stay organized?

xx,

Ashley