My husband is a clinical psychologist. He specializes in high conflict-post divorce couples who still have to parent children together. But he has another speciality: adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, better known as adult AD/HD.
You've probably known about AD/HD in children, but did you know adults can have it, too? My husband has it, which is one of the reasons he does a lot of work with AD/HD adults. He truly understands what they're going through every day!
Adults with AD/HD are usually disorganized and easily distracted. They may find it difficult to focus on tedious activities. They frequently have piles laying around everywhere. If this sounds like you, talk to your doctor. There is medication available to help you, and you can start learning some behavioral techniques, as well. Also, read a few books by Dr. Edward Hallowell, an AD/HD expert. Start with his classic, called Driven To Distraction.
Just because you're disorganized doesn't naturally mean you have adult AD/HD. But if you are nodding your head to the symptoms above, it's worth looking into some professional help. It can make a huge difference in your life.
Showing posts with label AD/HD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AD/HD. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Just 15 Minutes Each Day
In my organizing business, I have had several clients with adult AD/HD. Clutter has taken over their lives. They actually want to be organized, but because of the AD/HD, they procrastinate or they have no task persistence and can't stay focused.
I've found the best way to deal with these people is to get them to only spend 10 to 15 minutes each day organizing. They can pick an area or a box or a closet, go at it for about 15 minutes and then stop. I encourage them to use a kitchen timer. If they do this every day for a week, they give themselves a reward. The reward can be a multitude of things, such as a nice dinner out or a movie. The reward absolutely does not need to be another piece of clutter to bring in the house.
I also encourage them to take the bag of give-away items that is a result of the 15 minute session to the thrift store right away. If the bag sits by the door, they are tempted to go through it and take stuff out to keep.
Everybody can spare 10 or 15 minutes each day. It may not seem like much, but over a month or so, those minutes add up, and before you know it, you're organized!
I've found the best way to deal with these people is to get them to only spend 10 to 15 minutes each day organizing. They can pick an area or a box or a closet, go at it for about 15 minutes and then stop. I encourage them to use a kitchen timer. If they do this every day for a week, they give themselves a reward. The reward can be a multitude of things, such as a nice dinner out or a movie. The reward absolutely does not need to be another piece of clutter to bring in the house.
I also encourage them to take the bag of give-away items that is a result of the 15 minute session to the thrift store right away. If the bag sits by the door, they are tempted to go through it and take stuff out to keep.
Everybody can spare 10 or 15 minutes each day. It may not seem like much, but over a month or so, those minutes add up, and before you know it, you're organized!
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