Last weekend, I had a houseguest. An old friend from the city I used to live in needed a short break from her surroundings, so I spoke up and invited her to come over for a weekend. She jumped at the chance.
We had fun. We ate some very good food at a number of good restaurants I know around the city. We visited a famous site where she’d never been and took a tour. I’d been to this site only once before quite a few years ago, so I was delighted to get to go again. We also went to the mall and walked around the shops. We happened across a high-end chocolatier, and I splurged on some very good chocolates. We also got to spend time with a mutual friend, and that was delightful.
I did my laundry on a day that I don’t normally do that chore. I skipped cutting my hair on Saturday morning. I also didn’t go for my regular powerwalk.
On Sunday afternoon, I drove my friend back to the airport and hugged her goodbye. I then drove home and stayed inside for the rest of the day. I played on the internet and read a book and relaxed.
Monday, I was oddly distracted all day. It was hard to concentrate on work, and my colleague asked if I was feeling okay.
Then it struck me that I was irritable. I wasn’t feeling completely normal. I felt a bit off kilter, if that makes sense.
As I was realizing this, the reason flashed across my mind. My routine had been completely upset over the weekend. I didn’t get to do anything at my normal times.
I’ve understood this before. Routine is very important to individuals with mental illness. It’s a way we self-manage our illnesses. By performing the same tasks in the same way over and over, we comfort ourselves with the knowledge that the time is passing calmly. It’s a way to maintain equilibrium.
It has taken me a few days, but I now feel like I’m back to my old self again. My routine is in place, and my equilibrium has returned.
I am grateful for this reminder. I am also grateful I could enjoy the weekend. It felt wonderful to participate in activities that enriched my life. I loved seeing my old friend again. Even though my routine was discarded for a few days, I was able to cope, and then I regained my routine shortly after and got back to my comfortable feelings.
Winning with Bipolar 
Totally agree…positive routine is important, but going off routine is also good, just as you described by enjoying such a lovely weekend. Only way to permanently overcome anxiety for example is to break (routine) practice of avoidance and face the fear. That may mean that an agoraphobic reaches their turning point by venturing outside and discovering that they CAN and should…painful a first, but those baby steps lead to recovery.
You are correct. It’s good not to rigidly stick to a routine. It has been a long time since I had a guest and completely altered my routine. I think next time I will be able to anticipate the change and prepare myself in advance.
I do not do well with change in routines or change in general.
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it. I understand. When our routines change, it can upset our sense of calmness greatly. It’s good to be able to allow some change. It can make life joyful.
I have never understood that routine could be *that* important, honestly. I’m 49 now, and until just a few years ago, I actively resisted routinely. I embrace it more readily now, but haven’t really achieved the discipline necessary to adhere to one.
I’ve found it’s important for me. It gives me a sense of calm, but we each get to choose for ourselves. I sometimes wish I could be more spontaneous.