#executive dysfunction hacks

Try externalizing your working memory! (Working memory is kind of like a desktop in your brain... you can be aware of all the stuff spread out on the desk, but some people have very small desks to work on, and are constantly bumping the desk and knocking stuff into the dusty corners behind it.)

My new card holders just came in, and I'm in the process of redoing my Do Deck (cards that help me keep track of things, like my daily routine, my day-of-the-week routines, spring cleaning tasks, goals I want to make progress on, etc.).

The Do Deck is a customizable, portable, modular, infinitely rearrangeable, external memory system that doesn't need to be plugged in, charged, connected to the internet, or otherwise require anything more than cardstock cut to an appropriate size and writing implements. My first Do Deck was made from index cards that I had cut in half. Then I discovered blank playing-card-sized cards.

I use ink to color-code the more permanent categories of card (daily, day-of-week, end-of-month, middle-of-month, spring cleaning). I use pencil to make temporary cards that can be erased when completed, and to make temporary notes on the permanent cards.

Instead of trying to remember each and every thing that Past Me wanted to get done, I only have to remember to check and update my Do Deck hands. It's become part of my day in the mornings, looking at the day's hand, discarding any cards I don't feel like doing that day, arranging the remaining cards into an approximate order of events, etc.

(TW: mental health, just in case)

I struggle so much with executive dysfunction atm and I have trouble managing food and sleep, much less a very rigorous uni workload. A few years ago, I think I barely managed to scrape by a proper burnout and have since then feared I have not been able to return to a (new) normal. As soon as stress hits, my anxiety spikes (especially about my ability to cope and do all the work I need to do) and my brain essentially sets the brakes aka executive dysfunction sets in. I get so in my head that my mental health temorarily tanks dramatically, almost reaching depths I only know from my most depressed times.

I fear I am not cut out for academics, at least not at the moment but I really want to finish this degree. The problem is that with my program, the workload cannot be spread out (which is bs if you ask me but well).

My routines are almost non-existant rn too I am afraid since I have not been able to figure out what works for me.

I struggle so hard to make decisions when multiple things need to be done, but Wheel takes the decision out of it and gets right to the do!

"OooOOoh but I can't make a wheel because of the disfunction!" HERE!! HAVE THIS ONE I HAVE MADE FOR YOU TO GET YOU STARTED!!!

Wheel has many benefits, like pretty colors, spins, and fun little animation! It also works like a list that you can check off!

This was after spacing out on the couch for hours btw and putting it off.

(Hopefully this will turn into a series.)

1: Tell someone, that is not near the problem, that I will do the thing.

As an example, household chores need doing, I want them over with, I can’t seem to do them. Telling other people in the house that I intend to do the dishes does nothing. But! Telling an online friend that I have to do the dishes, especially if I say I’ll text them again when I’m done, works wonders.

But, this only works for a short time period. For long term goals this only adds pressure.

2: Put the item next to the action.

I will be in pain and forget to take medicine if I have to go find it, or go upstairs. Putting the pill bottle by the sink helps incredibly. Putting cleaners to clean the bathroom in the bathroom works as well.

Duplicates work well too. If I do a thing in multiple places, having the item I need to do it in all of the places helps a lot. For example, leaving ibuprofen in my bathroom cabinet, in the medicine cabinet, near the sink in the kitchen, and in my purse, helps me to actually take it when I’m in pain.

3: Listening to music that makes me angry.

Not like angry at the music, but angry with the music. I find it often makes me move more quickly, and want to keep moving and not stop, cause I’m mad! It works especially well for cleaning up a lot of clutter and mess that doesn’t need detailed work or organizing.

"Working memory" is like a desk, covered in all the things you're keeping in your mind. My desk is well lit, but very small. And every time I move stuff aside to put something else on the desk, stuff falls off, into the dark and dusty spaces.

When I'm really focused on a project, I'll clean off that desk in my head, and I'll organize the needed piles and put everything into order so I can work on the project. But the second I lose focus... it all gets shoved aside.

Having physical objects that I can look at, manipulate, and arrange is a way to make that metaphorical desktop larger.

I've been using cards to keep track of things I need to do, and it gradually evolved into a rotating routine of seven stacks of cards (one for each day of the week) and a stack of 'each and every day' cards. There's also a deck of once-a-month things, and a deck of 'when needed' things that I can pull individual cards out of. The cheaper craftpaper cards are for one-time things. Card sets have been color coded to make it easier to keep organized as time passes.