Managing Adult ADD/ADHD: Use a Day Planner

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ ADHD) is being diagnosed more and more frequently in adults. Although symptoms of ADD are often more mild than in children, adults have greater responsibilities, which can mean more severe consequences if the condition goes untreated. Fortunately, adults often have the experience and skills to ameliorate their ADD symptoms by developing good life habits.

One very beneficial technique for managing adult ADD is to use a day planner for time management. Don't think of this as scheduling your life; your planner is just a handy list of things you have to do, and when they should get done. Hour-by-hour, week-at-a-glance planners are best; you can see what is coming up, but they still give specific times. Get one small enough to keep in your pocket or purse.

Ten tips for Adults with ADD/ADHD involving using day planners for ADHD:

Managing Adult ADD/ADHD: Use a Day Planner Tip 1: Write every obligation and appointment in your planner immediately, so you don't forget it.

Managing Adult ADD/ADHD: Use a Day Planner Tip 2: If something doesn't have to be done on any particular day or time, pick one anyway.

Managing Adult ADD/ADHD: Use a Day Planner Tip 3: Check your day planner at breakfast, to see what the day has in store.

Managing Adult ADD/ADHD: Use a Day Planner Tip 4: Check your planner every hour. If it helps, set your watch alarm to remind you.

Managing Adult ADD/ADHD: Use a Day Planner Tip 5: Break up large or complex tasks into smaller ones, and put them in different hours.

Managing Adult ADD/ADHD: Use a Day Planner Tip 6: Cross off tasks as you complete them.

Managing Adult ADD/ADHD: Use a Day Planner Tip 7: If you have done everything scheduled for the hour, day, or week, treat yourself to a break.

Managing Adult ADD/ADHD: Use a Day Planner Tip 8: If you feel like procrastinating, just move a task to a later time.

Managing Adult ADD/ADHD: Use a Day Planner Tip 9: Every time you move a task, put a star by it. If a task has five stars, you must force yourself to do it now.

Managing Adult ADD/ADHD: Use a Day Planner Tip 10: At the end of the day, look at all of the tasks you have crossed off, and acknowledge your productivity.

These simple suggestions can keep you on track despite your Adult ADD symptoms and adult ADHD condition.

Author: S. West, Adult ADHD Product Reviews