Despite my best efforts, I took a break from daily posting to make space for social busyness and this past weekend of epic fun (a few months ago). This is an excellent example of how freedom from schedule can sometimes benefit mental health more than a strict adherence to a daily routine. Let me elaborate on this.

Routine is a very important component of my life. Activities happening at specific times of the day creates landmarks which I can use as goalposts to achieve goals throughout the day. These activities, such as meals, walks and weekly social committments help to reassure me and stand in the face of the near constant anxiety I feel regarding the uncertainty of each day.

The most crucial of these habitual activities is the (maintenance of) regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and regular uplifting social interaction, as well as a regular brain workout and good sleep hygiene.

I contrast this with freedom for spontaneity/last minute activities. Flexibility is important for creativity, fiting in with others who plan less rigorously, and maintaining a feeling of novelty in one’s life.

The balancing act is difficult. Too far towards structured living, and I isolate myself from others, and potentially limit the social and nutritional variety in my life. If I try to, or fall into living a life without structure, I gradually fall into depression, anxiety, and memory problems associated with those mental health struggles.

I know I am not alone in this tightrope act of life, but that knowledge isn’t particularly helpful when held in the grips of depression or anxiety.

So, instead I’ll continue to take small steps forward, and zig-zagging towards my goals (where the straight, direct route represents the structured path, and the deviance from this represents the spontaneity life might throw at me). Take care of your friends who might struggle to navigate this balancing act.

I hope to write again for you soon.

Janine.