Navigating Time Blindness: A Closer Look at Adult ADHD
A true story
One Saturday afternoon a man went to mow his lawn and discovered he needed petrol, at the filling station the man met his friend who was going fishing and invited his friend along. So they went fishing. A few hours later his friend said he was thirsty and suggested they go for a beer.
At this point the Police found the man and told him they found his car at the filling station with the engine still running a few hours earlier after his wife reported him missing.
The man has ADHD and this is an extreme example of time-blindness.
Another example of time-blindness in reverse is one I personally struggle with. If I have an appointment at noon or I’m catching a flight at noon. I’m unable to achieve anything before that for fear of getting distracted and missing the meeting or the flight.
Time blindness, a common symptom of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, refers to the challenge of perceiving and managing the passing of time. For those experiencing it, understanding its impacts and developing coping strategies is key.
Understanding Time Blindness:
Adults with ADHD often struggle with time blindness, making them perceive time differently. This can lead to challenges in estimating how long a task will take, leading to procrastination, missed deadlines, and increased stress.
Impacts on Daily Life:
Time blindness can significantly affect daily life. Adults may find themselves often running late, struggling to prioritize tasks, and feeling overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable responsibilities. This can strain personal and professional relationships and contribute to a cycle of stress and frustration.
Strategies for Management:
1. Time Tracking: Utilise timers and alarms to break tasks into manageable chunks and stay aware of the passing time. I personally now use the Pomodoro Technique or https://pomofocus.io/
2. Visual Aids: Employ calendars and planners to visually organize tasks and deadlines. Google Calendars shared with family members help enormously
3. Prioritisation: Learn to differentiate between urgent and important tasks, prioritizing accordingly.
4. Mindfulness and Reflection: Practice mindfulness to stay present and reflect on time management successes and areas for improvement.
5. Seeking Professional Support: An ADHD coach or therapist can provide personalised strategies and support. George Nursey’s ADHD Reset is a six-month program which is known to help significantly with this and other areas too.
Holistic Approaches:
Holistic Hypnotherapy offers an innovative approach to managing time blindness. By addressing the subconscious mind, it can help individuals reframe their relationship with time, develop healthier habits, and reduce the stress associated with time management.
Conclusion:
Navigating time blindness can be challenging, but understanding its effects and implementing coping strategies can significantly improve daily life for adults with ADHD. Exploring therapies like Holistic Hypnotherapy can offer additional support in managing this symptom and achieving a balanced, fulfilling life.
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