Anxious people often find that disorder and confusion are their worst enemies. When we are worried, we look for ways to gain control, and de-cluttering and organizing provide us with that power. However, excessive clutter might make it difficult even to begin. And individuals who have attention difficulties often have either an insufficient amount of concentration or an excessive amount, which causes them to get fixated on one item at the detriment of others to finish a job.
Here are ten ways to get organized when you have ADHD.
You Should Perform Daily Planner Checks At Least Thrice
If you have ADHD or have too much to keep track of, you might benefit from learning some basic organizational techniques. Start using a calendar as your go-to organizational tool. Whether you use a smartphone app, a traditional desk calendar, or a day planner doesn’t make a difference. It should be kept in a single location and checked daily. It should become a daily habit to check at certain times.
Create a new list of things to do each day
Make a plan for the day’s activities each morning. Keep your list reasonable so that you have a probability of doing everything on it. Prioritize your work so that it is completed as soon as possible. Identify the best time of day for you to do each job. Then, mark it off the list once you’ve finished an activity.
Get your act together.
Do not let the prospect of organizing your life discourage you. Your first step in the process should be to remove any objects that are no longer required and restore them to the locations where they were initially stored. Take it one room at a time, and start with minor difficulty. Then, separate the space into smaller areas as required. Mark some time on your calendar to get things in order. Make use of a timer to keep track of how long you spend working. It’s essential to evaluate whether you want to retain or eliminate things. If you’re unsure, put them in a box.
Don’t use paper
Sending monthly statements, invoices, and other bills electronically is becoming more common. If you sign up to get them digitally, you may be able to reduce the amount of paper clutter in your house.
Gather Your Smalls
Make sure there’s a table or bookcase next to the front door. Keep your keys, wallet, watch, glasses, and phone on a tray or basket placed above it. You may keep your lunchbox, briefcase, essential documents, and outgoing mail here as a visual reminder.
Incorporate visual cues
It’s possible that using color to distinguish between related objects can help you complete chores in the proper order. One option is to designate a color as a signal for immediate focus, while another is to use a different hue for each day of the week. As a means of maintaining order in your life, object orientation is a technique you could find helpful. Turning the bottle upside down might be a visual reminder to replace the shampoo when it’s almost empty.
Create a list
It’s often helpful to have a list to return to while you try to sort through your stuff. They can assist you in choosing where to begin and what has to be done. Many individuals with ADHD have told me that listing down their to-dos is simple, but they struggle to choose the best sequence to complete them. Sometimes, people have a lengthy list of things to accomplish and don’t know where to begin. Start by listing all that you can think of that has to be done, and then classify it into relevant personal, professional, and family areas.
Create a Menu That Changes Frequently
It might be challenging to plan healthy, balanced meals for the whole family consistently. Make a dinner list or a rotating menu of quick-to-prepare items and stick to it. Please do your best to always have these items on hand, or at least write a list on index cards so you can carry them. Don’t put all the responsibility of feeding everyone on your shoulders. Enjoy a night without worrying about where your food is floating by ordering in or splitting up the cooking duties between family members.
Avoid Being Distracted While Working
Because of interruptions, adults with ADHD often find it challenging to focus on their job. Put calls straight to voicemail and only check them at specific periods throughout the day. If you need to get work done without interruption, ask to move to a cubicle or office where you won’t have to deal with noise. Try using headphones or a white noise generator to block background noise as you work. Focus on one thing at a time.
Get in the company of those who will encourage you.
It’s common for people with ADHD to experience deep-seated guilt, the agonizing realization that they’re not good enough. It’s hard to get about in the neuro-typical world when you constantly feel broken. So put yourself in the company of those who will appreciate your brilliant quick intellect.