timetables

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On Thursday, I went to see the psychiatrist who initially diagnosed me with AS. I told him about the situation described below and he gave some suggestions. When I told him about WP he suggested that I also post here to get your views as well.

I've finished with writing my thesis and submitted it in May already. I'm now waiting for the results. I have inflexable routines (I know its a symptom of AS). Now the routine that I had before is now gone. The routine I have now is basically sleeping half the day and not doing much for the rest of the day, so to get back on track, it was suggested that I draw up a timetable. I need to have a better one at least in terms of planning for the future. In which case, there are a few things to think about at the moment. The first thing is that I've been trying to get some work. I have few options which mostly would take place at the university (We currently between semesters over here). They would include being a marker or tutor. Another possibility would be a programmer to help with research, but they need funding for that so there's no guarantee. The problem is that they are not taking anyone at the moment because they say they don't have the money at the moment, probably to do with the global recession. Another possibility would be to see what's available at Wits (University of Witwatersrand) but I haven't tried that yet. I also need to start doing some work to prepare for my PhD, which I probably won't register for immediately. Another thing I've been thinking about is living independently in the future, but that would of course depend on how money I have financially. I need to a bit of research to work out what my cost of living will be.

With regards to timetables, do you think they have helped with routines? I normally don't like unexpected changes in my routine that much, but I've been told that timetables can help with that if you make the changes to them accordingly.

Jonathan

I think a timetable, or in my case a day planner is an invaluable tool. When I'm actually using it! (I slack off quite a bit). When I do use one, my day feels much more planned and I tend to get WAY more accomplished. It helps me not to procrastinate.... and the reward you feel drawing a line through each accomplished task is awesome! I say do it! Of course, if you could have a therapist or a friend show you how to use it most effectively, that'd be even better.

Good luck!

^Thanks. Anyone else have some opinions?

I use a planner to keep myself on a schedule and organized. However, this schedule isn't really consistant in terms of rigidity. Here's how I create my schedule:

First, I write down lessons and things that happen at the same time each day/week/month. So basically I start with things that don't change and go on from there. Next, I add my appointments and one-time activities that I have to go to and get done. Now is when I add little things I know I need to get done such as shopping, cleaning, etc. These things fit in wherever I feel they will. Finally, I add time for things I want to do such as indulge in my interests and similar things.

I usually plan the major things as soon as I learn about them, even months in advace. The smaller things that pop up are planned on a weekly basis, and the even smaller activities are planned daily or ev every few days. I DO NOT plan my schedule with so much that it is a 24 hour schedule. I'm a little more flexible than that and I understand that sometimes things don't always go as planned.

I hope this helps.

^Thanks Aspienoid, that does help . Though I'm trying to get the views/experiences of different people in this thread, people post in this forum so often that my thread disappears pretty quickly onto second page.