Get Organized: ADH...SQUIRREL!

Ok so what is ADHD? The quick definition is this: 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition of the brain that results in excessive activity (hyperactivity), impulsivity, and difficulties with focusing attention. (source)

But what does that really mean? The best way I've seen it described is by my long lost sister-from-another-mister, The Frazz. She puts it this way:

The best way to describe having ADHD is feeling like you have swallowed an entire pack of Energizer batteries. That's the hyperactivity. Here's the kicker:Imagine your brain as a TV set with Tivo and Picture-In-Picture. Most people have the control and choose to watch one program at a time with full ability to pause, rewind if you miss something and fast foward through the stuff that isn't important. An ADHD brain is like having that same TV, with multiple PIP's going and someone gave the remote to a monkey on speed. Every channel is changing, most are at different stages of fast forward (you know, the one, two or three arrows...) and it's impossible to slow it down, pause it or turn off the PIP's because you have no control of the remote!

As you can imagine, getting organized can be INCREDIBLY difficult when your brain is operating at warped speed (yes, I just used a star trek reference) So, here is your list of "Get Organized" tips for the ADHD adult (or child). 

1. Create a Calendar of events, tasks, deadlines, general things to do etc etc and keep it all in ONE location. If you have multiple calendars, lists, and reminders floating around your house you'll start to lose focus pretty quick and you'll end up missing something that you needed to get done. 

2. Color-Code your labels and use brightly colored sticky notes to identify important tasks. Having visual clues will help to focus your attention on the really important things BUT, don't overload on the sticky's. Try to have only one of each color sticky note at a time. Blue - Bills, Pink - Cleaning, Yellow - Appointments, and Green - Random. 

3. Create an alarm system that will work for you. For example, my good friend The Frazz has set up a Cozi Calendar and she gets text message and email reminders for events she schedules into her calendar. This has seemed to work out very well for her. If an online calendar is not for you, set up a phone alarm as a sticky note back-up system. If you have to pay a bill by the 19th, write it on the sticky AS SOON AS IT COMES IN THE MAIL and then schedule the alarm on your phone to remind you. 

4. Establish a routine. Sit down and come up with a realistic routine for the week. Don't be specific with your routine, leave the specifics to your daily planner/list. Ex. 

          Monday - Laundry Day

          Tuesday - Clean Bathrooms 

          Wednesday - Clean Common Areas

          Thursday - Dust 

          Friday - nothing 

          Saturday - Vacuum 

5.  Plan your next day-ALWAYS. Plan what you're going to get done tomorrow, today. Here is where you need to be specific. You might have errands to get done, bills to pay, cleaning, etc, just make sure it all gets put down on that list. As you get it done, cross it off. Here is my example list for today:

          - Make the hubby's lunch

          - Go to HHS box office (volunteer)

          - Update Cozi Calendar

          - Update blog

          - Create a TH flyer for schools

          - Get in touch with ******

          - Call the ***

          - Call Calhoun CC 

          - Run by the Apt 

          - Take chicken out of freezer to thaw

          - Spot clean downstairs bathroom 

          - Clean master bath:

                      - Fixtures

                      - Tub/Shower

                      - Toilet

                      - Floors

                      - Endust cabinets 

          - Cook Dinner

6. Build in some "Catch-Up" time into each day. Make sure that if you have a list that needs to get done by a certain time, you leave enough time to "catch up" if you get distracted or you start to hyperfocus. 

7. When you begin a task, set an alarm for 15 minutes. If you're not done, you can make the decision to reset the alarm, or move onto the next task depending on your time crunch. 

8. As always, USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM. If you're easily distracted and you tend to hyperfocus on small tasks...get a friend to sit and talk while you work. You won't hyperfocus quite as much because you'll more focused on the task at hand.

9. Give EVERYTHING a home. If it doesn't have a home, get rid of it. If you haven't used it in a year, get rid of it. If you think you might need it in 7 years, just get rid of it. Really. You don't need any extra clutter. Don't sabotage yourself.

10. My personal favorite...Use the "10-in-10" rule. At the end of each week, go through your home for 10 minutes and find 10 things to toss. Things you don't need, don't use, don't want, or forgot about are probably not that important to you. Getting rid of clutter will help you feel instantly less-stressed. 

I hope these tips help. If you have a tip I didn't mention, leave me a comment! I'd love to hear from you.

Weekly Line-Up

So I have been thinking more and more about the purpose of my blog and how I'll structure my week. I've decided on this:

Monday - Mischief Monday! Monday's are usually boring and it tends to be a little difficult to get back into the swing of things, so I'm going to begin each Monday with a little mischeif! I'm going to post a funny prank I've done, witnessed, or googled to jump start each week and I encourage you to write me yours! I'll be doing Mischief Monday contests, too, so look out for those!

Tuesday/Thursday - Tuesday's and Thursday's will be my "Get Organized" days.  I'll post tips and tricks on how YOU can get yourself organized in no time at all. (And, if you've got a mess you think no one can tackle...CONTACT ME. I'll get the job done.)

Wednesday - HUMP DAY. Wednesday, like Monday, tends to be a little hard to get through so I'm going to try to post some general funny business that I find on the internet.

Friday - I'll be attempting "Weekend Wonders" ...just general happenings that we all may want to venture out to over the weekend. Obviously this will be mostly focused in the Huntsville, Alabama area (and possibly some happenings in the Philadelphia area) but from time to time it will include general things to do that everyone can enjoy!

Saturday - "Someone Had to Say it Saturday"...I'll be picking random articles, pictures, events, news, etc and talking about it as honesty as I know how. (Those of you that know me, know that I can be...ahem...VERY honest).

Sunday -  I'm going to reserve Sunday as a personal day. I'll blog about whatever it is I want to. It might be about me and my life, or about things I'm excited about.

Anywho, I hope you enjoy my weekly routine and if you have any suggestions, comments, questions or concerns, just head right on over to the Contact Me page! I'd love to hear from you!

Getting Organized: Where, Oh Where To Begin

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am INSANELY organized. Well, with the exception of my desk, which I fear will be eternally UN-organized (sigh). I am able to organize the crap out of things. It's a gift, a curse, my cross to bear...anywho...my friends are always asking me how I do it. The thing is, there is no one sure-fire way that is going to work for every single person. I can, however, tell you what works for me and direct you towards people that may be able to help you in your specific situation. So, in order to kick start the "Get Organized!" portion of my blog, I'll leave you the following tips:



WHERE TO BEGIN

1. YOU'RE NOT ALONE - Remember that despite how embarrassing it can feel, despite the looks people may give you, despite the fact that you feel overwhelmed, you are NOT alone. I can't tell you how many people I know that come to me so upset and depressed because they feel like some kind of failure for being so unorganized. You aren't the only one! Please, please, please remember that.

2. BE POSITIVE - If you keep thinking to yourself, "This is never going to get done," then it's probably never going to get done. Keep a positive outlook on getting  yourself organized and you'll be more likely to succeed.

3. PARTNER UP - I find that the best way to overcome a personal struggle is to find a buddy or a mentor. Find someone who will help you on your journey to becoming organized and make sure it's someone supportive! If you can't find someone, contact me! I'll be glad to help.

4. MAKE TIME - Set aside a block of time that you can devote to organizing. Whether it's once a day, three days a week, or once a week, setting aside time will ensure the job will get done eventually. I find that in order to GET organized, setting aside 30 minutes to an hour a day can be very effective at getting your house organized in a short amount of time. Once your house is organized, you won't need to devote as much time every day to organizing, you'll be less stressed, and you'll have more time to do the things you love.

5. SET GOALS - Set some REALISTIC goals for yourself...and write them down somewhere you will see them every day. If you always have them in plain view, you'll be a little less likely to avoid them. 

6. START SMALL- Start with one room and divide the room into several organizational projects. Tackle a new project each day and chances are, you'll be all cleaned up and organized in no time at all.

7. TOSS IT - If you haven't seen it, used it, or thought about it in over a year it's time to get rid of it. Let go of the inner pack-rat in you. It will be ok, I promise. This is the hardest step for a lot of people. Throwing away something that you may possibly need at some point in your life is difficult, I know, but you will feel better when your house is less cluttered. Plus, it will make it easier for you to stay organized when you don't have boxes full of things you NEVER use piled in closets and under beds. You can do it, I believe in you!

8. REWARD YOURSELF- Getting organized is not easy. If you've done a good job, take a little time for yourself. Go out to eat, watch a movie, take a walk or whatever you fancy! You deserve it!


I hope this has been helpful thus far! If you can't wait until my next "Get Organized!" post, please feel free to contact me (info in the contact me section of my blog) and I'll be sure to get back to you asap. Or, if you feel that you have a mess no one can handle, send me a picture! If you live in the Huntsville, Alabama area, I'll help you get it done FOR FREE.