Order and ADHD
Order and ADHD
Order is very important for people with ADHD.
As someone who lives with this challenge myself, I have learned how important it is to create order in both the external environment and in one's head. In this blog post, I would like to share my experiences and insights with you and explain why it is so crucial for us people with ADHD to have an organized environment.
The connection between external and internal order:
For people with ADHD, it can often be difficult to maintain focus and concentrate on a task. Our brains are constantly looking for new stimuli and can easily become distracted. However, by creating an orderly environment, we can help our brains to focus better and direct our attention to what is important. A tidy and structured environment can help us to be less distracted and work more productively.
The advantages of an organized environment:
An organized environment offers numerous benefits for people with ADHD. First, it helps us keep track of things and organize our thoughts. If our workplace or home is chaotic and messy, it can overload our senses and affect our concentration. By creating order, we can better organize our thoughts and focus on what is really important.
Second, an orderly environment can reduce stress. People with ADHD are often prone to stress and overwhelm. However, when we work or live in a tidy environment, we automatically feel calmer and more relaxed. The feeling of control and structure can help us reduce stress levels and increase our productivity.
The effects on thinking and creativity:
An orderly environment can also have a positive effect on our thinking and creativity. When we are in a tidy environment, we can focus better on our ideas and thoughts. Our brains are not burdened by clutter and distractions, but can develop freely. This can lead to an improved thought process and increased creativity.
Tips for creating order:
1. Clean up regularly:
Taking time to clean up your surroundings and put things back in their place regularly will help you stay organized and prevent clutter from accumulating.
2. Create structure: Create a plan or to-do list.
As someone with ADHD, I know first-hand how important it is to create structure in my environment to be more organized in my head as well. One of the most effective ways to do this is to create a plan or to-do list. By writing down my tasks and obligations, I keep track of things and can set priorities.
Start by breaking your tasks down into smaller, manageable steps. This will help reduce feelings of overwhelm and allow you to focus on one task at a time. Set clear goals and deadlines for each task to motivate yourself and track progress.
It's also helpful to prioritize your to-do list. Identify the most important tasks that need to be done and then work your way down. This will help you focus on what's important and prevent you from getting lost in unimportant details.
In addition, it can be helpful to incorporate certain routines and habits into your daily routine. For example, you can set fixed times for certain activities such as cleaning your workspace or doing household chores. These routines help maintain a certain structure and order in your life.
3. Create a tidy workspace
A tidy workspace is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it can also improve your productivity and focus. As someone with ADHD, a messy workspace can quickly lead to distractions and make it difficult to focus on tasks.
Take time regularly to clean and organize your workspace. Remove unnecessary items and make sure everything is in its place. Use folders, filing cabinets, or other organizational aids to sort your documents and materials. This not only makes it easier to find important documents, but also reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.
A tidy workspace can also help reduce stress and anxiety. Knowing where everything is and keeping your workspace organized will make it easier to focus on your tasks and be productive.
4. Create a calm and inspiring environment – or not
A calm and inspiring environment can help your mind to be more organized and focused. As someone with ADHD, it can be difficult to concentrate in a noisy or chaotic environment.
Create a space that is free of distractions. Reduce sources of noise, such as loud music or the TV in the background. If possible, choose a quiet place to work where you can concentrate well.
Additionally, it can be helpful to design your environment to inspire you.
As similar as the effects of ADHD are, we also deal with them differently.
This point may well be contradictory. Sometimes it is helpful to listen to calming sounds, such as your favorite music or TV series, in the background. If your brain knows what is going to happen next, it is not constantly on alert. If it is too quiet, every unfamiliar sound can startle your thoughts, thus achieving the opposite of concentrated work.
Try out what calms you down and makes you happy at the same time. The combination of both is true soul food for the ADHD brain.
