The magic of a backpack

[DistractedAlways31]

Throughout my life I found myself losing things all the time. In fact I found it very difficult to leave the house sometimes due to the things that I’ve lost or misplaced. One of my girlfriends in the past give me a small bag which are used to store some of the things I needed most commonly. It started off simply with a battery charger lip balm my water and other such essentials. I discovered that I no longer was losing things because those things I could just put back in the bag and know where they were when I needed them.

Today I know that I suffer from ADHD with an executive function disorder as well as rejection sensitivity. My backpack which has grown has everything I need to feel safe and organized. So even when things get overwhelming and I need to step away from a situation I know I will have everything I need to help me get back to a good place.

To provide examples for anybody who may be struggling I will give you a quick list of things that are in my backpack that may be able to help you think about ways you can be more organized. It definitely changed my life and maybe it will change yours.

* bulletjournal (the tool that ensures I don’t lose my mind, nor track of my life)

* my medication & anxiety relief tools

* my tablet & my laptop (I’m a small business owner, so being able to get back to work quickly or escape in a funny video is essential to me)

* headphones (wired and Bluetooth depending on my needs - sometimes the Bluetooth starts hurting after awhile)

* 30k mah battery pack to ensure I have what I need to make it through the day even if I forgot to charge everything I have before bed the night before.

* a lifestraw - for when I run into water that is not as clean as it needs to be - never should I go thirsty (big problem with adhd meds)

* 32oz water canteen - filled to the brim with ice and water ready to stay cold all day.

* water flavor enhancers (to reduce my dependence & impulsivity on soda)

* wall chargers - so I can keep my battery pack for emergency use only as much as possible

* snacks - never underestimate the power of forgetting to eat with adhd - pack snacks. It’ll change your life.

* first aid stuff - due to my anxiety I sometimes scratch myself or pick at skin and injure myself this way - having things I need to relieve the pain and keep it sterile handy has really improved the quality of my life

* sun screen - you never know when you’ll end up getting burned because you forgot to check the uv index.

* all my glasses, sunglasses - gaming/computer glasses - driving glasses

* self defense tools (I like to carry a portable saw and pepper spray)

* A book my wife gave me that is a story of our love - to remind me in the hardest times that our love will endure and things will be ok.

* zipper locks

* pepsid - I have GERD and get heartburn a lot - having this with me has greatly reduced my suffering and allowed me to enjoy life more.

* controller so I can game on my tablet or laptop if the need strikes - this is really important when I get overwhelmed so I can escape and then refocus afterwards.

* flashlights for emergencies.

* some extra batteries for the flashlights

* chapstick, my inhalers, and a Vic’s vapor inhaler

* tissue for nose & small pack of wet wipes for any needs (toilet/cleaning a spill, etc)

* I’ve also got some carabiners to help hook things on my shoulders or bag - it makes carrying groceries and other things much easier - I even use a stroller hook (a big one) to make carrying my son in his car seat easier.

If anyone is interested the bag I have is by a company called everyman - and has a lifetime warranty - but is a little pricey - quality you can’t beat. My cats can’t even scratch it even though they have tried

I hope this helps someone find a way to cope with their adhd better. It was a tool that has changed my life.

[Louloubelle26]

That's a really good idea and I'm glad it works for You. Thank you for sharing that because we all need help and tips

[ZtoThePhour]

okay, i actually love that a saw is in the defense category, not sarcasm.

i wish fanny packs were cool.... not that i care but i rag on myself just for the thought lol. there was a time i literally had an entire office in my packpack, including chair and desk+. i always thought that a giant sombrero to hold a mosquito net would complete it, i know that's over the top (pun not intended, but is now?), but i figure have fun with it, put a little umbrella hat on top just because. do you have any tips on keeping a planner? im aware of how easy it's supposed to be.. creating routine is extremely difficult for me

[writer35]

I really love this tip. I used to do this when I traveled pre-covid - a tech & travel back where everything is stored and never gets misplaced. Your post reminds me that I can adapt it to my current lifestyle & rhythm, even with much fewer work trips. Thanks!

[KGsrKGsr]

You are so organized! How did you do that? Organization is a problem for my son. Did you have a coach or therapist or a resource teacher at school that taught you this skill?

[KGsrKGsr]

Who taught you to do this? You have to be organized ro do it! And what meds do you take.?Are tou adhd hyper or inattentive?