If you often find yourself losing track of time, you may be experiencing what’s known as time blindness – a common challenge for those with ADHD.
In a recent article from ADDitude Magazine, Losing Track of Time? 8 Ways to End ADHD Time Blindness, Mareen Dennis, MS LPP, shares eight valuable strategies for managing time blindness, organized under the “ACCURATE” acronym. To give you a quick, actionable summary, I’ve condensed her insights into five tips that can help you stay on track and regain control of your time:
1. Set Alarms and Use Clocks: Alarms can be used to remind you of tasks and transitions. Keep clocks or other time-tracking tools in sight to help you stay mindful of the time as you move through your day.
2. Create a Visual Schedule: Design a schedule that includes engaging, easy-to-read visuals. This can provide a quick reference point and help you stay organized and on track.
3. Break Tasks into Smaller Chunks: By breaking larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, you’ll be able to stay focused and make steady progress without feeling swamped.
4. Establish a Routine: A predictable routine helps you better understand how long tasks will take, making your day more structured and manageable. Consistency can significantly reduce the stress of uncertainty.
5. Make Time-Tracking Fun: Use familiar activities – like songs, TV shows, or movies – as benchmarks for estimating time. You can also try the “estimation game,” where you predict how long a task will take and compare your guess to the actual time spent to help you improve your estimation abilities in the future (Dennis, 2024).
By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can take meaningful steps toward improving your time management skills. Time blindness doesn’t have to dictate how you live your life. With the right tools and mindset, you can overcome it and take charge of your time.
Explore the Empowerment Through Understanding: Adult ADHD and Autism Modules here for additional insights and practical strategies to help you thrive!
I also encourage you to download the AuDHD Strong app – which offers research-backed tools to help you improve executive functioning and better manage stress – and the Faces of Health app – which teaches mental health and stress management skills through short, educational videos.
Download AuDHD Strong now from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store.
And
Download Faces of Health now from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store.
Reference
Dennis, M. (2024). Losing track of time? 8 ways to end ADHD time blindness. ADDitude Magazine. https://www.additudemag.com/losing-track-of-time-adhd/?ecd=wnl_additude_241210_cons_adhd_adult&goal=0_d9446392d6-e1442b1ddb-302800373