Calendar Overwhelm
Calendars can be overwhelming. They tell you what to do, are difficult to manage, and can easily spiral out of control. If your calendar is overwhelming/out of control, this is the blog post for you. Read on to learn how to get your calendar to work for you, not against you.
Have One
ADHDers do not remember well. So, even though you think you will remember that thing you need to do, there is a good chance you will not remember. When it swirls around your head, it can get lost, or the details can get confused. It behooves you to get it out of your head and down on paper or in your phone.
Use It
Having a calendar is one thing, but using it is another thing. In order for it to help you, a calendar must be used. Set up a system for recording what you need to get done and when you are going to do it. This is easier said than done. Part of the challenge is finding a system that works for you. It can be difficult to know what exactly will work for you without some experimentation. So, take some time to play around with a few different calendars to find the right one for you. A coach might also be beneficial in helping you find the right system for you.
Change of Attitude
Some ADHDers have a resistance to calendars. To them, it feels oppressive and ruins their natural spontaneity. However, calendars do not have to be draconian. They can have some flexibility. A resistance to having a calendar is also rigid thinking. Be open to the idea of a calendar. If you embrace the idea of a calendar, it will be more likely for it to work for you.
Say No
One way to avoid the overwhelm of a booked calendar is to learn to say no to tasks you really do not have time to do or do not want to do. Saying no can be a game-changer. It opens you up to do other things that inspire and excite you. Whenever you say no to something that is not in line with your priorities, you say yes to yourself.
Plan for Transition Time
One way to ensure you stay on schedule is to plan transition time into your day. Moving from one task to another takes time, especially when you have ADHD. Therefore, it is good to build some transition time into your day. Give yourself at least 15 minutes to move from one task to another. This will help you be on time and in the right frame of mind for whatever you have planned for your day.
Plan for Downtime
One thing ADHDers need is unstructured time to do whatever. We need the rest and relaxation of not having an agenda. However, in order to ensure that you get this unstructured time, you must block off time to do whatever. It seems paradoxical to schedule unscheduled time, but it is necessary.
Accept That Not Everything Can Get Done
One reason that calendar overwhelm creeps up is what seems to be a scarcity of time. You have too many things to do and not enough time to do it in. One way to help keep this type of overwhelm at bay is to accept that not everything can get done. It helps to know that you have to let go of some things. It is relieving to know that you do not have to do it all. Yes, there are some things you cannot avoid, but the rest are optional. You do not have to do all the things. Some things can be left undone or be delegated to someone else.