A DAILY SCHEDULE CAN HELP WITH LOCKDOWN DEPRESSION

[The_Bro]

Hi Everyone

I have noticed on our forum many posts where people are effected by lockdown - and now I read that many of our returning Olympic athletes, returning from huge success, are depressed by quarantine and general settling back into post Olympic life.

I was struck by the advice that many of the athletes received, or created for themselves, that helped their attitude.

Simply put, it was to have a daily schedule and stick to it.

If I may offer one small suggestion that has proven very successful with people suddenly separated from their support framework due to lock down - that is to have a routine and keep busy with it.
Even Olympic athletes who have recently been on top of the world are now finding that those who have created a daily routine and stick to it are coping much better.

This probably sounds too easy - but I personally find that when my mind is occupied or thinking of the next daily thing to do (they are NOT regarded as tasks), I feel much better and the day flies by.

My daily list includes a 1 hour exercise programme and I monitor and write down how I feel afterwards each day, relearning how to play my guitar all over again, getting into a great series of books written by Peter Fitzgerald, brushing both our dogs (very therapeutic), thinking about what's for dinner when its my turn etc etc.

You may also include study, creative activities, leaning a new language, sorting out your photo gallery and heaps of other stuff.

This is so simple and chances are you've heard it all before - but it DOES WORK!

The hardest part is getting started, sticking to the schedule, looking forward to the next thing on your daily list, and not allowing your mind space to dwell too much on negative thoughts.

Any comments on this would be appreciated - I know it isn't rocket science or even deeply insightful, but the evidence I read is that it works.

Have a great day! The bro.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hey The Bro,

Thanks for your post and really great advice! It's funny how even though it can seem so simple it can be so helpful.

I find routines really helpful too - I'm in SA so not in lockdown at the moment, but routines have always been important to my own mental health. If I don't stick to my routine, I know it's my red flag. Plus it helps because then I don't sit thinking about what I have to do all the time. I'm sure it's harder for those who are in and out of lockdown, so maybe that means two routines ?

Your tip reminded me of one that I read from the Navy officials about always making your bed in the morning. Which is not just about tidiness and discipline or whatever, but just the very moment you wake up- you got something done. Such a really small tip too, but I like the idea.

rt

[Summer Rose]

Hi The Bro

I wholeheartedly agree with you. Having a routine has kept my family and I going during six lockdowns.

I have two adult children at home, both studying, and have dragged them into a “family”routine. We have coffee breaks together (I work a lot from home), lunch and walks. It really helps.

I now schedule social media and news time into my day, as opposed to just letting the tv or radio play in the background. I’ve found it really important to manage my stress by decreasing my exposure. While it’s important to stay informed, I find it healthy to engage on a limited basis.

I’ve also added a daily phone call to my activities. It really helps to have a laugh or sometimes a cry or a whinge with a friend or family member.

Have to admit though, we are all really struggling with this current lockdown. We all certainly appreciate each other heaps, any bit of support really counts.

Hi, RT. So nice to bump into you. Thanks for all you are doing to make our forum a wonderful place.

Kind thoughts to all

[The_Bro]

Gidday Romantic and thanks for your post.

Yea I was a regular force cadet in late teens and I agree that barrack space discipline was a great mind builder!

Off now to start my second list item for today...!

Talk soon, The Bro

[Doolhof]

Hi The Bro and greetings to Summer Rose and RT,

This is the part I sometimes struggle with "The hardest part is getting started, sticking to the schedule, looking forward to the next thing on your daily list, and not allowing your mind space to dwell too much on negative thoughts."

I am great at making lists! That I can do! Putting the lists and schedules into action is what I sometimes struggle with!

Thanks for this informative thread. I am looking for ideas on how to put into action what is on the paper.

I can tick off making the bed, so a gold star for me. Maybe I need to appreciate the things I do achieve more.

Dools

[Summer Rose]

Hi Dools

Nice to see you here.

The funny thing about making the bed is that I do it, but late in the day now. For some reason I can’t face it in the morning.

I’ve decided I don’t care, as long as I do it. Been cutting myself a lot is slack lately! It’s actually quite liberating.

Kind thoughts to you

[Doolhof]

Hi Summer Rose and All Reading,

I too believe it is important to cut ourselves some slack at times. I know I am way too critical of myself at times.

I also know I need to push and motivate myself at other times. Guess we need to find the balance.

It is important for us all to do activities at a time that woks for us. I knew a lady for example who left her bed folded back to air all day and only made it when she went to sleep at night. That was her normal.

Thanks to The Bro's encouragement, I have managed a few small jobs this afternoon! Thanks for the inspiration.

Cheers to you all from Dools

[quirkywords]

The bro,

thanks for starting this thread.

Simply put, it was to have a daily schedule and stick to it. This is not simple for me.
Like Dools I like making lists but am not good at following through.

when I make a list and finish nothing on the list I feel more discouraged. I tend to keep list simple an doable. Get out of bed, take of clothes, turn shower on , step into shower. Etc etc.

[The_Bro]

Hi Quirkywords, Dools and Summer Rose

Your responses are great and very much appreciated!

I guess at the end of the day it doesn't matter what your list is or when you get around to ticking things off. Nothing wrong or unusual in making a bed before you hop into it!

To me the point is to try and not give your mind too much space to be idle. Even meditation can be an item on your checklist.

Idle minds can play tricks on us and give us time for negative self reflection.

Your differing thoughts on the subject certainly are interesting and thought provoking.....

Bye for now, The Bro

[Elizabeth CP]

I think the idea of a routine is that we get into the habit of doing things automatically so we don't have to think about them. This makes it easier once we establish the routine which suits us as individuals.

Writing a list is useful to help us prioritise what is important and remind us what to do. The problem is if we keep writing lists but no following them it is discouraging and doesn't help us get into a routine. Maybe a better way would be to reduce the lists to just a few things you really want/need to do each day. Once you get into a habit of doing those things add extra when you feel ready.

I was struggling with lists which kept growing instead of getting ticked off. I ended up removing things off the list because it was unhelpful for my MH feeling I was constantly failing. Having a more manageable plan was far better.