Finding What Works

I have to admit that I am finding it very hard to follow my chore schedule strictly, but as I mentioned in my other post, that's not what this is about. It's about baby steps.  I have named a goal: following my weekly chore schedule.  My first step to being successful at it is making the chores a part of my routine.  There are some that are easy to get done and I don't mind so much like vacuuming, mopping, picking up toys, doing laundry and others that I absolutely hate doing like cleaning bathrooms, washing dishes, cooking.  Like it or not they have to get done.  I also have good days when I am full of energy and feel motivated to tackle anything. I take advantage of those days and add an extra chore.  That way on the bad days when I'm sluggish and having difficulty focusing I can skip a chore and just focus on maintaining the house neat; picking up toys, washing dishes, etc.  I try to get most of it done early in the day so I don't have to worry about it the rest of the day.  Once the chore for the day is done, I feel accomplished and the anxiety subsides. 

Writing down a weekly menu has taken the fuss out of grocery shopping.  I make a list before heading out, and I know exactly what I need to buy so I'm not overwhelmed at the supermarket.   Sandy Maynard from ADDitude Magazine put it this way: "Supermarkets seem to be designed to play tricks on the ADD mind, with their eye-catching displays, seductive product packaging, and food choices too numerous to count. And all those 'on sale' signs? They’re rocket fuel for impulsive types.  Other shoppers stroll up and down the aisles, placidly loading their carts and checking items off their lists. We ADDers stand there, frozen like, well, a box of frozen veggies: Should we go for the chopped or the julienne string beans?" The picture on the right is a pretty good representation of this.  I also found it in ADDitude Magazine.  I create my list with a handy little app for my Android phone and text it to my husband.  We go together and split the grocery list.  That way, we are done in half the time.

Writing out my routine has helped both me AND my daughters.  There's no freezing up wondering what to do next.  I've been sticking to my routine pretty well so they are getting used to it, and they pretty much know what to expect and have fewer melt downs.  I've scheduled time for them when I read them a story or get down on the floor and play with them so when it's time for me to work they aren't fighting for my attention. 

It's not a perfect system but considering I'm not on any meds at the moment I have to expect some downfalls.  Hopefully, once I start treatment again things will go smoother. Until then, I'll continue with baby steps and writing about it.

I'd like to know what works for you?