Keeping Time with ADHD Part Three: The curse of overscheduling

I'm not even sure if overscheduling is a word, but it's my blog and I'm going with it.  Everyone is capable of getting themselves into a situation where they are overscheduled.  Any parent can tell you that if your kids play sports or are involved in other activities, having more things to attend than time allows is fairly regular occurrence.  In our society today almost everyone is being confronted with the pressure of career, family, and social events crowding our schedules to the breaking point.  It's no wonder that for someone with ADHD, a crowded busy calendar often leads to disaster.  Here's an overview of what can go wrong:

First, many people with ADHD have a hard time keeping a calendar or day timer updated with any consistency.  Most people will try to write down their appointments and the locations of the appointments, but there are always those instances where they forget.  Secondly we have already discussed how people with ADHD completely underestimate the time required for a given task or activity.  They build an hour into their schedule for something that will take two hours, and then spend the rest of the day playing catch up.  Third people with ADHD can have a hard time saying no to activities or opportunities.  Many will impulsively say yes before checking their calendars, and then realize they have other commitments.  Rather than back out they will often try to find a way to do it all.  Finally people with ADHD can become overwhelmed or overloaded when there's too much to do and not enough time to do it.  They can withdraw and simply shut down due to mental exhaustion.  It's not pretty when this happens, because it sets up a vicious cycle with the person wanting to prove themselves and taking on too much again and again.

What can you do to avoid over scheduling yourself?  Here are a few strategies that I have used myself and have also seen my client's use:

1. Identify your priorities and build around them.  If you want to make sure you attend your child's Little league games then book them in your calendar and don't allow other things to interfere.
2. Find a calendar that works for you.  There are a lot of scheduling tools out there.  Look for one that "speaks to you" in that you find it easy to use and maintain.
3. Never agree to taking on a new activity until you check your calendar first.
4. Look at what you are doing now.  Is it too much?  What can be dropped or outsourced?
5. Be mindful of needing time for self care and maintenance.  Make sure you are booking time in your calendar for getting exercise, going to the grocery store, cleaning your house, and spending down time with family or friends.

 Our world today is hectic and fast paced for everyone.  If you have ADHD you owe it to yourself to be vigilant about your time, and not allow yourself to become overwhelmed with activities and commitments.  Life is more than just a series of meetings!