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Managing Treatment > Getting Into a Routine

Getting Into a Routine

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Being organized can help you stay on top of your treatment and care while you manage your home and work responsibilities. Here are tips to help you get and stay organized.

Here are some ideas to help you stick to a medication routine:

  • Link taking medicine to something you do every day, such as eating breakfast or brushing your teeth.2
  • Think about what might get in the way of taking your medicine, such as being away from home or having some type of change to your daily routine. That way, you can prepare for them ahead of time.3
  • Think about your goals—the things you’re working toward.4 Perhaps you are:
    • Looking forward to enjoying time with family and friends
    • Planning to attend a special event, like a loved one’s wedding or graduation
    • Wanting to be your best self so you can be there for your family
    • Working toward your goals may help you to stick with your treatment routine.

Here are some other things you can try2,5:

  • Set reminders on your phone or other devices2,6
  • Put your medicine in a safe place where you will see it when you need to take it7
  • Ask a family member to remind you to take your medicine2,5

Where to next? Learn about how to manage your healthcare appointment >

REFERENCES

  1. Breastcancer.org. Depression or feeling unmotivated. https://www.breastcancer.org/tips/compliance/feelings. Accessed November 3, 2019.
  2. Breastcancer.org. Forgetting to take medication. https://www.breastcancer.org/tips/compliance/medication. Accessed November 3, 2019.
  3. WebMD. How to manage your medications while you travel. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z- guides/travel-medication?print=true. Accessed December 9, 2019.
  4. National Cancer Institute. Keep up with your daily routine. https://www.cancer.gov/about- cancer/coping/day-to-day/daily-routine. Accessed September 8, 2019.
  5. National Institutes of Health. Taking medicine at home ‑ create a routine. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000613.htm. Accessed September 8, 2019.
  6. Drugs.com. 8 creative ways to remember to take your medicine every day. https://www.drugs.com/article/taking-your-medicine.html. Accessed November 29, 2019.
  7. Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Remembering to take your medication. https://med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/gastroenterology/documents/IBD/Mercy-Adherence-Handouts.pdf. Accessed November 29, 2019.