Using a Timer to Focus ADD

Using a Timer to Focus ADD
By Dana Rayburn, Adult ADD Coach

Welcome to ADDed Success,
Let's face it, one of the big challenges of living with ADD is keeping track of time. We get involved in what we're doing and before you know it, we're late for a meeting or it's too late to start supper and eat at a reasonable hour. That's why my timer has become my best friend. Well, not really my best friend, but it is the friend I rely on the most! My timer keeps me on track. It gently and faithfully reminds me to check in to see if what I'm doing is what I want to be doing.

Although there are different types of timers you can use, I recommend a timer that you can carry with you easily. For instance, I use a wristwatch timer. Since I started wearing it, I've discovered lots of creative ways to put it to work and my life runs much more smoothly as a result.

Here are a few ideas on how you can put timers to work in your daily
routines:

-- Break big, daunting, icky jobs down into small chunks of time. For example, if I think I need to spend an hour organizing files, I won't do it. But if I set my timer for 15 minutes and commit to doing only what I can do in that time, I can handle it. Remember, even 15 minutes makes progress toward getting something done.

-- Pull yourself out of hyper-focus. If I'm doing Internet research, setting my timer for 30 minutes will cue me when it's time to stop.

-- Depart on time. When I need to leave for an appointment in 25 minutes, I simply set my timer for 20 minutes and I'm out the door right on schedule.

-- Enjoy your siesta. My after-lunch nap is a lovely part of my day but I can't let it eat up my whole afternoon. I set my timer for 15 minutes and get enough of a snooze to keep me perky until bedtime.

-- Get your child out of the bathtub. As a mom I use my timer for tracking and managing all kinds of everyday events, from bath time play to timeouts. As a bonus, it helps my daughter learn about time, tasks and limits in a meaningful, consistent way.

Reliable, inexpensive timers are easy to find. Check any sporting goods store or large retailer.

To Your ADDed Success,
Dana

PS. - Trouble Staying Organized? No Problem! Reserve your copy of 'Organized for Life' at the special 'early-bird' price.

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