A disruption to your schedule can easily throw off your adherence to your medication. You stop being able to take your dose in the morning, and suddenly you’re not taking it at all — and your symptoms are getting worse.
Here are three tips to take your dose even when your schedule changes.
1. Be intentional about changing your medication schedule.
Let’s say you usually take your medication at 7 AM before work, but you’re headed off on vacation and you know you won’t be up until 9 AM at the earliest.
Instead of thinking, “I’m sure I’ll remember to take it,” be intentional about how your schedule will change. Change your medication schedule in Propeller by going to Treatments and tapping Dosage Times, then setting your dosage to the new time that works for you.
Then, set a reminder on your phone to change your dose time back if your schedule is changing again soon.
2. Pair your dose with another necessary daily activity.
It’s easier to remember your dose if you always do it at the same time as another activity: say, brushing your teeth or putting your contacts in. Make sure to choose an activity that you’ll do every day no matter what, even if your schedule changes.
To help you remember to take your medication, put your inhaler next to your toothbrush, contact case or other activity-related object. The visual cue will help you remember the dose and keep you adherent.
3. Reward yourself when you go five days without forgetting a dose.
Repetition is the best way to make a habit stick. Once you’ve gone five days without forgetting to take your dose, give yourself a little reward. This could be something as simple as putting up a post-it that says, “I’m proud of you!” on the mirror, buying a little item you’ve been wanting, or indulging in a delicious meal you’ve been craving.
We’re proud of you, and we want to make sure you feel great about taking your medication every day! If you have ideas for what Propeller can do to help improve your adherence, you can always reach out to help@propellerhealth.com.