I need to learn executive function skills and how to manage my time, and life

[crlyn0710]

i would love to have any kind of feedback as I feel completely alone in this.

[NYCmom2]

I have ADHD, and am a mom to two neurodiverse children one with ADHD. What helps me personally is therapy with someone who specializes in ADHD, getting an official diagnosis and taking ADHD medication.

I use tools and strategies from a range of helpful sources such as podcasts: Women and ADHD Interviews with Katy Weber and ADDitude Magazine’s ADHD Experts. Some people I know benefit from the structure and accountability of working with an ADHD coach.

I am a member of a local adults with ADHD support group.

ADHD books I found useful:

Taking Charge of Adult ADHD by Russell Barkley

Organizing Solutions for People With ADHD by Susan Pinsky

Anything by Sari Solden for encouragement

Younger generations speak really highly of the ADHD community on Tik Tok.

For support with time blindness I use timers and set recurring alarms. I schedule a block of time on my calendar for transitions and traveling to my destination. I use a daily written to do list (today) along with a digital to do list (future). There are lots of to do list methods both analog and digital, find the one that suits you by searching online or explainers on YouTube.

For exercise I use OrangeTheory gym because their classes are structured and never boring. They also remind you to book ahead, motivate you to set goals, show up and periodically check on your progress.

The struggle is real and the hardest part is learning to be patient and kind to yourself through the ups and downs. You took the first step of posting to this group. What will you choose for your next step toward enhancing your executive functioning skills and managing your time?

[Hidden]

I don’t know if this would be relevant in your situation but today I had a chat with this person and she works as a project manager in a very big museum in one of the European capital cities (a museum which is a must see for everyone visiting this city). She said that a few members of her team have ADHD (diagnosed as adults) and a couple of them take meds but there is also one who is choosing not to medicate. She said that the strategy for her is that it’s acknowledged by her line manager that she has anxiety with starting the project so she needs support and encouragement. But then once she starts she is great. But other team members know that she needs project broken into chunks and then it’s easier for her to manage and not get overwhelmed and side tracked, and then she needs a bit more supervision in regards of how it’s going, she needs people checking that she is on time moving to the next part of the project. She is lucky to work in such forward thinking environment with people who acknowledge her neurodiversity and that her brain works a bit different. She is however amazing at her job once she gets this little bit of support from her team.

I was listening to all this in disbelief, how times have changed, how forward thinking and inclusive some workplaces are. I am an adult with undiagnosed ADHD and it was actually quite emotional for me to listen to this- how certain workplaces in Europe are so understanding of neurodiversity and are making adjustments so these amazing creative people can succeed and contribute at their workplace.

But definitely breaking projects into smaller chunks and then having time lines for completions and reminders on calendar etc. This would be the first step.

Also think about how you deal with anxiety. Do you get anxiety and maybe that’s then overwhelming and making your performance worse. Stimulant ADHD meds make anxiety worse so in my opinion then it’s a no go as you’d make yourself even more anxious but you could consider non stimulant ADHD medication options.

[OlderparentOlderkid]

Have you considered using an ADHD Coach? (Not therapy) You might try Googling "Fleurish ADHD Coaching" to see if that is a fit. We contacted them when looking for a coach for our ADHD daughter - who turned out not wanting to use a coach, but we felt very good about the owner (Traci) and our conversations with her.