how to get projects done with fatigue

[wesleybilbo]

so I’ve been pretty stressed this week. I’m a teacher and I’m teaching a new class and the prep is pretty intense and I’m also in meetings all day and have another big project on top of that and what tends to happen is that I just get overwhelmed by all of it and then procrastinate and it just gets worse. I wonder what people here do with ADHD to not let the sheer size of all the tasks attack your consciousness. I mean I know intellectually that you break it down into small pieces but I can’t help but feel the weight of everything which is not helpful when you’re trying to get work done. and also it sucks the joy out of everything aany advice?

[Ejcox2002]

I used to be a teacher 🫣🫣! But I use Sunsama as an app to help reduce the pain.

Also, it used lesson planning websites 🤣

For the record I was a good teacher ha. Just didn't like the principal, so left. As ADHDers do

[N8-The-SK8]

One thing that's really helpful for me is creating little wins.

When I have a stressful day ahead, I try to sprinkle in "treats." For example, after I finish 1 step or a designated block of time for that thing, I'll write in my planner that the next thing on my list is to eat a mint Klondike bar.

Being able to attribute those little treats to something positive I did ( no matter how "small" ) has really done wonders for my ability to tackle the bigger stuff without being so wigged out.

Hope this helps

[Gettingittogether]

Oh wow, you have captured the perfect torture scenario for ADHD.

Well one thing that helps me is to think of the absolute, rock-bottom, shame-inducing minimum I can do to meet the deadlines. I find that my ADHD is often unrealistic in thinking about how high quality the work needs to be done. Lots of work only has to be done, a basically decent level of quality.

Really sometimes if I'm not feeling like my strategy is totally shameless I haven't been creative. And most of the time--overwhelming percentage of the time--my shameless minimum is fine! Not all assignments need to be graded with detailed notes and feedback. Sometimes just entering the grade so the student can see it is enough. And maybe I'll send some detailed comments to people really struggling (a few) or some congratulatory comments to people who did outstanding work.

Also, I ask for extensions or take extensions. My old method: tell classes that the grading I'm supposed to have done is going slower than anticipated. More recently, I'll tell my classes I've been working on another project and haven't even begun their grading yet. Paradoxically the second one--telling them I haven't even started--eases the shame and anxiety and thus eases the pressure to procrastinate. I no longer feel under pressure or "behind" and thus it's much easier to just get to work and to feel good about the work I do accomplish.

If on the other hand, I'm hiding that I haven't begun grading yet, then even when I start, I feel in debt ... I feel like I'm in trouble/I've failed/I'm behind and completing the work I need to complete won't change that. OMG, a terrible mindset for getting to work.

I also use the 5-minute timer method. Set a 5 minute timer just to get started on a project. The goal is to lower the pressure. And after multiple rounds of 5 minutes, my brain now sees that this work isn't going to kill me and may even be satisfying.

I have an annual report that's coming due early September. I know my supervisor is fine with extensions. I'll see if I can get it done by the deadline. But I'm totally willing to take an extension. BTW: I almost always grant extensions to students (often ADHD but not always) who want more time--without any penalty.

Also, sometimes it helps me to start on the EASIEST project I have to do-even if it's less important than the others. Psychologically I need that victory.

And I try my best (my situation allows this) to avoid all meetings.

Now, if you want more detailed suggestions, just get more detailed on what's due when. But you have touched on the great ADHD challenge for teachers and others as well.

[wesleybilbo in reply to Gettingittogether]

great suggestions! thanks 🙏

[wtfadhd in reply to Gettingittogether]

that is AWESOME all around!!! im laughing at your transparency n the way you worded this😂😂😂😂

[Knitting20projects]

Pomodoro method? Maybe?

[STEM_Dad]

Suggestion to help you with the fatigue: Once or twice a day when you take a break, make it a short nap or mindfulness meditation session (about 5-15 minutes, you don't have to sleep during the nap, just rest). During that time, let your mind relax, wander, daydream. The point is to not think about work. (Ideas may pop into your head, not unless it's a solution to a problem you're working on, it might be best to just let it go.) A little bit of "unfocused" time like this can be rejuvenating, enabling you to have more focus and energy for your work.

Try to manage your stress and anxiety. I've found that when my anxiety is out of control, my ADHD symptoms get worse. When my anxiety is lower, my ADHD is easier to deal with.

Consider the 80/20 Rule, also known as the Pareto Principle. Typically, 20% of our effort produces 80% of our results.

• That doesn't mean the other 20% of the work isn't important. It does mean that 80% of your effort has diminishing returns.

• Focus your creative energy to the most important parts of you work. Focus your attention on what will produce the most results. Do this at the times of day that you are most focused and energetic. (For many people, that's not morning; while early-to-mid afternoon typically is the least productive time of day, due to the body's circadian rhythm.)

Working with a "body double" is another strategy that many people use to be more productive. Since we are essentially social creatures, working alongside someone else (even if you're doing be very different things) can be motivating.

[wesleybilbo in reply to STEM_Dad]

thanks 🙏

[STEM_Dad in reply to wesleybilbo]

There are lots of ideas and advice out on the web. Find what works for you.Be patient with yourself, don't be too hard on yourself, and trust that you'll find strategies to help you in your work.

As a teacher, you will undoubtedly have students with ADHD in you class from time to time, and so you will have the opportunity to help them.

(There's another idea... If you had the opportunity to help a student or fellow teacher who is experiencing overwhelm like you are, think about the kind of advice and encouragement you would give to them... And use it to help yourself in this situation.)

[Gettingittogether]

t's easy to overwork and over-prepare (and get all nervous and insecure about it) when I'm setting up a new course. I try to not let my insecurity (i need to know everything!) push me over the edge. And for a new course, give yourself room to change and update the syllabus as time goes on.

I once taught an intense class on war. I was exhausted emotionally from the class. I had planned a research paper. I got to the end, and realized that my students were also exhausted. I killed the dang research paper. My students had written tons of online responses to the reading. I changed final project to a personal reflections paper about what they learned, favorite readings and so on.

Reflection papers as finals!!!!!!! And look for any assignment you can make pass/fail.