Tracey Foulkes
Hands up if you want an extra 2 hours a day? Our productivity expert can help you maximise your time, optimise your space and activate your life.
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Recent Questions
QUESTION
Hi Tracy,
my husband has ADHD, mild enough not to need medication but you can still notice it. We have made the decision not to have a TV because if the TV is on he can't focus on anythign else. We are careful about listening to the radio too, putting classical CD's on when he needs to focus on doing something instead of listening to dj's on the radio. W're both in our early 30's and just married. Are there any other things I should be looking out for and are there ways that we can organise/manage our lives so that he can still be productive when he needs to and I don't tear my hair out when he's distracted all the time?
I can find a lot of information on how to manage ADHD in kids, but not in adults. I'd rather get into the neccessary habbits now, in the beining of our marriage and before kids come along.
Regards, Lucy
ANSWER
Hi Lucy, what a lovely proactive mail. Best to take care of these things before they become mountains. I'd recommend you reading "ADD-Friendly ways to organize your life" by Judith Koleberg & Kathleen Nadeau. It's filled with loads of practical solutions.
In my experience of helping adults with ADD get better organised and more productive, we look at how simple we can make things. Open containers, colour triggers, routine (pasted on fridge, wall, door for constant easy reference) and activities broken into small tasks to retain focus and prevent distraction. Buzzers tend to work well too (for time awareness).
Look at how your hubby works (like a time in motion study) and then get creative around that by following what comes naturally for him he wont be constantly frustrated with not maintaining what's implemented. Check what is working and then implement similar principals in the places where he is being challenged. What will make perfect logic for you, wont necessarily apply to him - have fun with the process.