Struggling with time? You may be experiencing time blindness, a common experience for those with ADHD. The inability to judge the passing of time can lead to difficulties in planning and completing daily tasks. Experts explain the connection between time blindness and ADHD, as well as offer tips for managing this challenge in everyday life.
– Donna McGeorge, productivity coach and author of The 1 Day Refund: Take Back Time, Spend it Wisely
– Jessica McCabe, host of the YouTube channel “How to ADHD” and author of How to ADHD: An Insider’s Guide to Working with Your Brain (Not Against It)
– Sasha Hamdani, MD, psychiatrist and ADHD specialist
– Tracy Otsuka, ADHD coach and author of ADHD for Smart Ass Women
– Zoe Martinez, MD, PhD, behavioral neuroscientist, board-certified psychiatrist, and clinician at ADHD telehealth company Done
What is time blindness?
Time blindness, or the inability to judge the passing of time, is often associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While it’s not an official clinical term, it is a very real challenge for those in the neurodivergent community.
How does time blindness affect those with ADHD?
The experience of time blindness for those with ADHD can vary, with difficulties in attention regulation and differences in temporal processing resulting in symptoms like hyperfocusing and distractibility. These experiences can lead to procrastination, difficulties in estimating how long tasks will take, and struggles in planning ahead.
Recognizing time blindness
Running late, procrastinating, and overcommitting are common experiences for those with ADHD and time blindness. Difficulty in assessing time accurately can make planning for the future a significant challenge.
Effects on everyday life
Time blindness can impact daily tasks, deadlines, and overall time management. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, guilt, and shame, and may impact others’ views of reliability and trustworthiness.
Tips for Managing Time Blindness
1. Recognize patterns and self-report issues with time management
2. Utilize tools such as timers, alarms, and reminders to stay on track
3. Break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps
4. Create structure and routines to establish a sense of time
5. Use time tracking methods or apps to become more aware of how time is spent
6. Seek professional help from ADHD coaches and specialists
7. Set realistic expectations and allow for flexibility in planning
8. Practice self-compassion and understanding towards struggles with time management
Through awareness, understanding, and implementing strategies, those with ADHD and time blindness can better navigate day-to-day challenges and improve their overall well-being.
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