|
ADHD Organization Gadgets That Have Worked for Me...
Franklin Covey Dayplanner - $11.99 at Target
Cheap, easy to refill, also easy to take out sections that you feel you might not need. I got the 5x8 size. Just big enough to write in info in the daily view & calendar view. Also good for keeping track of spending. But again, it's cheap and requires little in the way of upgrades etc.
Daily use & updating of Dayplanner:
I get up, get some coffee, and try to just make a simple list of things I think I can get done during the day. Things I might not have completed, get carried over & crossed off once completed. More importantly, it's a good way of gauging what you think you can get done in a day, and what you actually get done in a day. Helps to manage expectations. I've tried timing myself on certain actions to get a better idea of how long it takes me to do certain things (e.g. answer emails, send resumes etc)
Weekly Planner check-ins:
Usually Sunday night or Monday morning I try to look over the last week, and sort out what needs to get done, hasnt been done, & whats coming up in the next week.
Google Calendar/Gmail w/ GTK plugin:
Google Calendar is a big help in regards to online planning. Easy to use, set up reminders, dates etc. The GTD (Get Things Done: http://www.gtdgmail.com/) can help too. Allows you to set priorities on incoming email. Hasn't been my favorite thing but Ive spoken to others who liked it a lot. Gmail, in general, has been a great way to group all the things I need on the web in one place (Docs, Pictures, Maps etc). So long as you are diligent about deleting unwanted mail (which is essential anyway) it's great.
Countdown timer:
Cheap, I've seen them for as low as $4.99 at Target. There are some snazzy ones on Amazon too. There are one's with dual timers, which could have some applications (esp if you're a creative and into Lynda Barry's 'What it is!'). But a single countdown timer does wonders. Try to work out 1-to-2 hour stretches where you try to get things done, then take a rest.
MeeTimer: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/5168
If you really want to get hard-assed on yourself, esp about the time you may or may not waste online, MeeTimer is a mighty & terrible taskmaster. Firefox plugin that times when and where you spend your time online. Not for the beginner in my opinion. I tried it and found it a bit too harsh (or truthful?). But it's a potential tool for the right person.
Books:
Millions of books out there on the subject, best to check them out in a store, but 'Driven to Distraction' was recommended to me and I've found it helpful in understanding the condition. Some people love David Allen's GTD system, which has a huge following on lifehacker.com (also recommended), take what you like and toss the rest.
- Driven to Distraction, Edward Hallowell MD: http://www.amazon.com/Driven-Distraction-Recognizing-Attention-Childhood/dp/0684801280/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246558828&sr=8-1
- Attention Deficit Disorder, Thomas Brown phd: http://www.amazon.com/Attention-Deficit-Disorder-Unfocused-University/dp/0300119895/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246559023&sr=1-1
- Getting Things Done - David Allen: http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0142000280/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246559857&sr=1-1
Adderall/Adderall XL:
Speaking for myself, Ritalin was like a daily buzz. Adderall is a little less of a rollercoaster, has worked fairly well, but watch out if you run out. Detoxing from it for a few days inbetween prescriptions left me cranky!
Provigil/Modafinil:
Everybody is taking this stuff these days it seems. Initially a govt funded neuro-enhancer for surgeons/jet pilots/military contractors etc, then widely prescribed for narcolepsy, and now popularly given as an option for ADHD. Worked well for me in the short-term (3 months?) but tapered off and became ineffectual. You be the judge. Talk to your doctor about the options.
Meditation:
Learning how to calm down and not spin out due to stress/deadlines/arguments etc is key (for me). I recommend audio books by John Cabat Zinn and Pema Chodron. Good book called 'Breath by Breath' about breathing meditations too.
Just my 2 cents :)
Quote
|
2 Jul 2009 @ 3:44 PM
22 Mar 2010 @ 9:21 AM