In this post, I will be continuing my series on Demystify Executive Functioning: Part 5 Organization. For a woman with ADHD getting and staying organized is a real challenge. Many women may have difficulties with clutter both in the home and at work and feel overwhelmed or stuck. Getting organized can help you in many ways, including:
– Helps you get started right away– when you are organized and have what you need, you can begin your task with less wasted time
– Allows you to think more clearly- Mental energy can be completely drained when you have to worry about where things are, when you are more organized it helps reduce the mental energy because you already have things in order.
– Gives you more confidence – when you become more organized it allows you to feel good knowing you have what you need to start a task or project.
– Provides a system you can rely on- The goal of being organized is that it is a system you will have now and for the future.
After reading the strategies below some women will be able to start organizing right away and others may find that you may need the assistance of a coach or professional organizer. If you don’t get being organized right away, don’t despair or give up. It took me a lifetime to get out of the state of being disorganized, its going to take time, the key is to just get started.
Ways To Maintain An Organized Space
Handy Box Keep a box for your items that are out of place as you are cleaning a room. When you come across this item place them in the box and then after have completed cleaning the room, take a few minutes to put the out of place items in their proper place or room.
In the moment
– When you pass an open drawer, close it.
– When you pass a full wastebasket, empty it.
– When you see a clothing item on the floor, hang it up.
– When you see some loose papers, put them in the to-file box.
Quick Pick Up At Night- try to spend at least 10 minutes each night on doing a quick pick up. Take a box or basket and go through the house and quickly pick up and drop off items on where they belong.
Just for 15 minutes- This is an excellent way to get started on a task that you have been putting off
– Set a timer for 15 minutes.
– Focus your effort on that one task for those 15 minutes.
– When the timer goes off, decide whether you can keep going for another 15 minutes.
– If you can, set the timer again for the next 15 minutes.
If you can’t, simply stop and do the same thing later in the day or the next day, until the task is completed. It may seem like a short amount of time but it soon makes a difference. You can always see and feel what has been accomplished in those 15 minutes.
Make a Rule- Making a rule for yourself not to purchase any new items unless you get rid of the old ones (new books or maganizes, clothes, shoes)
Put Away Items- If and when you have a few minutes to spare take a few minutes to put away a few items that are not in their correct space. These could be letters that need filing away or socks that need to be put in the drawer.
Keep a Donate Box- When you notice an item that you dont want to use, put it in the donation box and bring them to the goodwill as soon as possible.
Getting and staying organized with ADHD can be challenging but very rewarding. When you know how to stay organized, you will reduce ADHD struggles and free yourself to move forward and thrive.