Tips for Staying Organized in College with ADHD

BatsAndButterflies · Jul 25, 2012, 02:22 PM

Any tips anyone?

I'm gong into my Junior Year of college. I just want to know that this year I will be able to stay organized and be able to do my best despite my ADHD.

I've become slightly obsessed with planners and calendars. I enjoy them! Any tips that you think are helpful would be appreciated.

BlueInanna · Jul 25, 2012, 03:36 PM

Bats, you're doing great - sounds like the right things.

I have no advice on this one, I dropped out of college, 38 now. Sitting at my work desk trying to work and cannot focus! I took the adderall... but I just want to go back to bed. I am doing accounting, not what I wanted in life, but it pays the bills. And all these numbers and debits and credits and the general ledger, holy cow. I'm a CFO and sometimes I'm totally on my game, but nope not today, just sitting here going duhhh... cannot wrap my head around it today

I also have a bpII dx, maybe I'm just going into a down cycle and will have to wait it out. I also have a little tummy ache, could have some cold or flu coming on.

I wish I had awesome advice on staying organized. I want to be organized!

Jul 25, 2012, 10:33 PM

Bats... You are doing great. I share some things with BlueInnna. I had dropped out of college after many majors. I did go back to college after I realized I was going nowhere fast. I got fired from a stupid job and this woke me up. I went back to college and majored in something I was "Interested In", go figure... and I was fueled by anger of my wasted years in and out of school. I support a commercial accounting software, trouble-shooting accounting errors and programming/customizing accounting modules. I never miss my Adderall doses and some days are better than others.

I would say set very rigid schedules for yourself. Use your calendars, tasks, reminders and alarms. When you need a break, use a timer to help keep the break from stealing the day. Start early... I was always better early on, hitting hard classes and not giving myself time to flounder in the mornings. If my days start slow, I rarely have a productive day. Exercise has really been my ally, since my diagnosis. My days are much better when I start with a good walk. I wish I has some real tips for you. You seem to be pretty together

BlueInanna · Jul 25, 2012, 11:44 PM

I thought of something - probably obvious - make sure to get adequate sleep

Jul 26, 2012, 05:49 AM

Absolutely!!! Sleep is #1

I forgot that one. Imagine an ADDer forgetting something

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueInanna

I thought of something - probably obvious - make sure to get adequate sleep

BatsAndButterflies · Jul 26, 2012, 11:41 AM

I definitely don't get enough sleep during the school year. With my schedule, it seems like night time is the only time I have to myself, so I hate to waste it sleeping!

Jul 26, 2012, 11:48 AM

Everyone needs some un-wind time for sure, me especially

BlueInanna · Jul 26, 2012, 01:31 PM

Maybe it's because we're older, we need more rest

BatsAndButterflies · Jul 26, 2012, 01:52 PM

I think I've become way too obsessed with planners, calendars, and to-do lists...

I have:

A large wall calendar
A dry erase calendar
An hourly day planner
A regular day/ month planner
And a book of to-do lists...

BlueInanna · Jul 26, 2012, 02:09 PM

That's cool Bats

I don't think I could keep up with writing down all the appts in different places. I use my computer / ms outlook calendar, and i carry a small monthly calendar. I have a huge amt of appts between work, dr appts & t appts for myslef + the 3 kids! I used to use my phone calendar but after losing it and another 2 breaking, not doing that again. (I know I could've backed it up and have the info)