How to break routines and "systemising"?

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LimboMan
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23 Dec 2016, 3:31 pm

Uncertainty bothers me, and I've noticed over last 2 years or so I've developed a strict routine and way of coping with my anxiety with everyday life. I like to eat usually the same foods every day whether its bad or healthy, do certain tasks at an exact hour otherwise it feels strange in a different hour, even go to the bathroom at a specific time each day.
When these routines are disrupted it bothers me very much, to the point of making my mood really low.
The worst thing this systemising affects me is with socialising. I don't want to be completely alone or have no connections but its getting that way if I don't act. I like to do logical things, and I try to work people out with logic, even though it never works.
If I have dinner that is earlier and worse, later than my usual time I get really stressed and I almost never have meals outside because I'm familiar with my food I have at home and there isn't a certain system to get it. But a big way for people to socialise is to have meals, like dates.
Which brings me to something else. I want to find my first partner too. But since I moved away from home anxiety has increased, and these routines I do feel like they keep me sane almost. It worries me though because of the restriction it poses, especially with relationships as they are uncertain.

How can I feel more comfortable breaking these routines and does anyone do same thing?


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r.steiner4
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23 Dec 2016, 7:50 pm

When it comes to gradually trying to get out of routines I think its a combination of a lot of willpower mixed with taking baby steps. Perhaps in your own time with no social demands adding extra anxiety, try changing the time you eat by an hour or half an hour earlier then usual. Make the conscious choice to eat something cooked a little differently or add or take away an optional ingredient? It may be stressful but just remember to take your time and practice self care while your doing it. This was the method that worked for me in trying to limit some of my more compulsive needs for specific routines and it helped with some things and for others it did not. Best of Luck!



starkid
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23 Dec 2016, 11:18 pm

LimboMan wrote:

The worst thing this systemising affects me is with socialising. I don't want to be completely alone or have no connections but its getting that way if I don't act. I like to do logical things, and I try to work people out with logic, even though it never works.


Have you tried studying a personality typing system like Socionics, MBTI, or Enneagram? They can help you to understand people (including yourself) without taking away the comfort of systematising.
Quote:
But a big way for people to socialise is to have meals, like dates.
Just go on dates that don't involve eating until you feel more comfortable.

Instead stressing yourself out more by trying to stop your coping strategies, maybe you should work on decreasing your anxiety before you search for a partner so that your coping strategies decrease or go away by themselves.



nick007
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25 Dec 2016, 2:00 am

Perhaps you have OCD. I would suggest seeing a doc/psych about anxiety & OCD treatment.


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