Total 180

Oh Goodness Gracious do I have a lot to share about my recent lifestyle changes I made last weekend. Before I speak any further, I want to share that I have had a significant reduction in my symptoms. I have been functioning a lot more and better.

So here goes the 6 things I have brought into my life to deal with symptoms this past week...

1) Nightly Routine
I have drastically changed my night routine. Before this week, sometimes I woke up in the middle of the night as well as well as having issues falling asleep. I also used to dwell in paranoia when I woke up.

Curremtly, I have used some sleep hygiene "rules." I turn off all electronics between 7-7:30pm, except when I use my computer or phone to play a meditation or an emergency. After 7:30pm, I take a warm bath, meditate and read a book, all with dimmed lighting to foster calm feelings. When I feel tired enough, I get into bed and fall asleep.

2) Morning Routine
Prior to this week, I noticed that I woke up a lot with paranoid thoughts. I just laid there thinking negative thoughts.

Now, I put the dim lighting on again, and I write 3 things in my morning journal (3 Good things that happened the day before, 1 thing that needs improvement and 1 affirmation.). I have noticed that I currently wake up in a much more positive state in mind.

3) Meditating
Before this past week, I only occasionally meditated. This week, I meditated 3-5 times a day. I have seen a great difference in how I deal with difficult things that would have sent me into a spiral. I have been calm and positive. I also focus and concentrate a lot more and more easily. I listen to meditations online and a meditation CD that I bought a few years ago.

4) Orientation and Getting Ready for School
In case you did not hear, I was accepted to a top online MSW program. I have spent a lot of time this week getting ready for school, something that I am very passionate about. The excitement and anticipation has helped me to feel more hope.

5) Injection
Before this week, I took all of my pills orally. However, I took personal responsibility over the fact that I missed my medications twice in two weeks. I made a connection that whenever I forget to take a medication, even once, it shakes me up. So I asked my doctor if I could receive an injection for one of my medications. My psychiatrist said that if I take the injection, I won't be as affected by a lost dose.

I got my first injection this past week and I've had no side effects so far. I've also had minimum symptoms.

6) Reactions to Difficult Situations
Someone I talked to recently told me that I need to work on how I handle difficult and triggering situations. That's why it is something that I am working on. I cannot always expect others to comfort me or be there for me. This past week, especially on Friday, I was faced with a few situations that in the past would have sent me into a tailspin. Instead of running away, I faced those situations, meditated or used deep breathing to calm down and eventually dealt with the situation very well, with no help from others.