Hi there, mama! If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve experienced the time warp that comes with ADHD. One minute, you’re thinking, “I’ve got plenty of time to get ready,” and the next, you’re running out the door with your shoes in your hands. Time blindness is real, and as a mom, it can turn even the simplest tasks into a chaotic mess.
The good news? I’ve found some simple strategies to help manage time blindness and get a better grip on my day. No, it’s not about becoming a scheduling superstar—it’s about finding what works for our unique ADHD brains. Let’s dive in!
1. Use External Timers (Your New Best Friend)
Timers are a lifesaver for ADHD brains. I use them for everything: getting ready in the morning, cleaning, cooking, and even playing with my kids. Setting a timer helps me stay aware of how long I’ve been doing something and keeps me from falling into the time warp.
My Favorite Timer Tricks:
- Use your phone’s timer or invest in a visual timer that shows the time disappearing (great for kids, too!).
- Set a timer for transition times, like 5 minutes before you need to leave.
2. Break Tasks into Micro-Blocks
Big tasks can feel overwhelming, and time blindness makes them even harder to tackle. I break my day into small, manageable chunks of time. For example, instead of saying, “I’ll clean the kitchen this morning,” I’ll say, “I’ll unload the dishwasher for 10 minutes.”
Why It Works: These micro-blocks help me focus without losing track of time, and I actually get more done.
3. Create Visual Schedules
I’ve learned that if it’s not in front of me, it’s out of my brain. I use a big wall calendar and sticky notes to map out my day. Seeing my schedule helps me remember what I need to do and when.
Quick Tip: Color-code your schedule for different activities, like chores, appointments, and fun time. It’s a game changer for staying on track.
4. Use Alarms to Stay on Track
I set alarms on my phone to remind me of important tasks or transitions throughout the day. For example, I’ll set an alarm to remind me to pick up my kids or to start making dinner. Each alarm has a specific label so I know exactly what it’s for.
ADHD Hack: Choose fun or quirky alarm tones to grab your attention and make the reminders more enjoyable.
5. Plan for Transition Time
One of my biggest struggles was underestimating how long it takes to get out the door. Now, I build in extra time for transitions, whether it’s getting the kids ready, packing bags, or just finding my keys.
Example: If I need to leave by 9:00 a.m., I’ll start my “getting ready” routine at 8:30 a.m. to avoid the last-minute scramble.
6. Automate the Repetitive Stuff
Time blindness makes it easy to forget repetitive tasks, so I automate as much as possible. Bill payments, grocery deliveries, and recurring reminders on my phone save me time and mental energy.
Pro Tip: Use apps to simplify your life. My favorite is a to-do list app with built-in reminders.
7. Give Yourself Grace (and a Little Wiggle Room)
Mama, let’s be real: No system is perfect, and some days will still feel chaotic. That’s okay! What matters is that you’re trying. Give yourself permission to adapt and adjust as you learn what works best for you.
Encouragement: Celebrate the days when you nail it, and don’t sweat the days when you don’t. You’re doing an amazing job.
Time blindness might feel like an uphill battle, but with the right tools and mindset, you can take control of your day. Timers, visual schedules, and a little extra grace can make a huge difference. Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection.
You’ve got this, mama—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!
Looking for more tips to simplify your life as an ADHD mom? Download my free “ADHD Mom’s Time Management Toolkit” and take the stress out of your day. And don’t forget to share your favorite time management trick in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other!
