Becoming and keeping organized probably isn't high on anyone's list of things to accomplish unless you're a professional organizer. But, it may be incredibly challenging for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. All the confusion and fuss in your head will make it way more difficult to keep your obligations at bay and still have some quality time for yourself. The good news is that this does not automatically rule out the possibility. Here's how to get organized when you have ADHD.
Learn to accept your chaos
First things first. In order to even begin to think about improving your organization, you need to accept your condition to the fullest. It's easy for people with no ADHD to talk about healthy habits and make lists. But, when your brain is wired differently, general rules don't apply. Yes, we can talk about making lists and setting goals, but all of that needs to be adapted to your situation. You can't really begin to think about organizing stuff in your bathroom while denying the chaos in your head. When surrounded by chaos, you need to learn to swim in it to improve, not run away and deny its existence.
Accepting that your terms of living are way more challenging for establishing any organization is tough. But it's the only way that you can make any progress. When you suppress yourself, you can only make everything worse.
Seek professional help
If you haven't seen a mental health specialist because of your ADHD, it's a good idea to come to at least one session to consult about your organizational problems specifically. Why is that?
We can give you some general guidelines, but everyone's head is different because everyone's chaos is different. Only an experienced professional can give you a recipe to follow to solve the part of your problem. A one-on-one session will reveal what path is the best for you to follow according to your personal traits.
ADHD is a health condition and should be taken seriously
Don't forget that this is, in fact, a diagnosis and that you shouldn't take it lightly. Now you might have a problem with the organization and other skills. But, if untreated, it can escalate to severe measures. Did you know that ADHD is strongly connected to substance abuse? The chaos in the head makes it unbearable to live without chemical additives for some people, and if they avoid going to a health professional, they often give in to drugs or alcohol. Addiction recovery experts at archstonerecovery.com suggest that the best cure is prevention, and one of the best preventions is going to a therapist on time.
Limit how long you have to make a choice
People with ADHD may take days to make choices others complete in seconds. Quicken the process by establishing a deadline or financial limit. This will keep the focus and help you get organized when you have ADHD. For example, suppose you're picking a summer camp for your kid. Give yourself a deadline and do everything you can to settle on a program before then. If shopping for a new phone, choose a maximum pricing point and only consider phones within that range. Or, if you're planning on executing roof repairs, put on paper all the expenses in advance and give yourself a deadline.
Before making a choice, it's vital to zero in on what matters most to you, whether that's cost, ease of use, aesthetics, functionality, or something else. Don't consider anything else except that in making your choice.
Resist the need to overcommit
Whenever you take on a new responsibility, it's important to release an old one. For example, if you want to help out with school fundraising, you'll have to step down from your position on the neighborhood watch. Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder sometimes try to do too much. In order to make a proficient organization, that's the spot to target.
Support groups can help
The benefits of support groups extend beyond simple consolation. When it's time to do the dull stuff, like taxes or paperwork, the members may gather together online. One by one, everyone gets up from their desks, works on the project for 15 minutes, and then checks their DMs to share jokes, vent, and celebrate successes. Having a support group can be a crucial part of the healing process if you have any additional problems, such as substance abuse. When you have a long-term recovery plan, people around you can help you stay motivated and focused after substance abuse recovery.
Say farewell to long lists
Create an index card with no more than five activities written in prominent, bold characters. You may then place any more information on the reverse of the card. When you've finished those five items, use the instructions on the reverse of the card to make a new to-do list and then throw away the old one. It's a good hack for organizing essential things in your life, simple and not-so-simple ones. For example, it can be suitable for organizing your apartment or for big tasks with a long-term effect. There are so many benefits:
your output will increase
your mood will stabilize
your time management skills will improve
Is it possible to get organized when you have ADHD?
It might seem unlogical and impossible to use the words "organized" and "ADHD" in one sentence and make it make sense. But, if you follow our advice, you can get organized when you have ADHD. Of course, don't put a lot of pressure on yourself, as it won't be the kind of organization you see in magazines or people with OCD. But it will surely improve that part of you, and that useful skill will help you live your life easier.
