Where Did All The Time Go...Managing ADHD

While I was writing the previous post, I found myself wanting to elaborate on so many areas I have struggled with. Instead of making the other post even longer, I will start to highlight on some of the issues in individual posts.


In the previous post I stated,

At times, I still feel like I'm making excuses for myself for not being more persistent at carrying on tasks for more than a short period of time. Take this blog for instance, I wanted to keep up with this thing soooo bad. I'd keep up with posts for a while, then something would happen in my life that just throws me off my game.

As a child...like most children, I would get really excited when I got new things like clothes or toys. You may think that my actions were completely normal for a child who gets tons of goodies....well I didn't have a ton of anything. I would be so excited that I would unwrap whatever it was the first moment I could(normally the car). A few hours later, I had completely forgotten about it.

As an adult, I struggle with exercising for more than a few weeks, reading books(even for leisure) to the end, keeping up with friends(I spend way too much time alone), plus other things that I'm too embarrassed to mention. I would find myself "busy" all day long with school and work...the next thing I knew the entire day was gone. I could barely recall what I did throughout the day besides attending classes and working my job. I just knew I had be keeping busy and not wasting time...or had I? When I was having a hard time in one of my classes my mentor asked me, "Where are your notes from class?" I sat there scrambling through my school bag and flipping through my papers....I just knew they were somewhere but I had no clue where. I told her, "I just don't get it, I study every few moment I get." She asked, "O that's good, what time do you normally study?" Honestly, I had no clue at all. There were definitely, time gaps in between my classes...and at least a few hours I'd be home before I went to bed. Yet, during those times I wasn't studying, talking to friends, hanging out, organizing, or cleaning. "Where did all the time go?"

Now, I try my best to keep a daily planner, for me its a hardcover book filled with blank lined paper, with me at all times. I tried having a small agenda that already had dates in it, but it didn't work for me. I needed something that would allow me to add as many notes as necessary without running out of space. In my new planner, I taped a copy of my class schedule on the back of front cover so I could easily look at it to add things without double booking myself(or running out of time which I'm famous for).

On one sheet(I start with the backside of the last page used), I list everything I need to do(assignments and general to-do items like laundry). I break each assignment down as far as I can and list the dates they need to be completed by...I find myself less hesitate to tackle things I would normally avoid to the last moment. On the opposite sheet(front side of the next page), I write down the current date then list all the tasks I plan to complete that day. Next to the task I make a estimate of how long that task will take(I'm horrible at estimating time so I always add at least 5min to my original guess until I get a better handle of how long it takes for the type of task). In between each "required" task, I schedule myself a short break(normally 10-15 min). During some of my breaks, I make sure I also get up and stretch...this helps me get out of work mode. This method may not work for everyone, but it sure has helped me a ton....I now exactly where all my time is going.

I've realized I needed to make time for everything and write it all in my schedule...not only the things I thought were required like school work. I make sure to remember that my short breaks are also tasks, so I add break details like paying bills, walk the dog, reading my books, doing sudoku, calling friends, writing blog posts(I still need do better lol), cleaning, and exercising in my daily planner. I still struggle with all these things, but I can tell they are becoming more manageable.

Coming to Terms with Myself...Managing ADHD

All of my life, I've found it impossible to stay interested in anything very long. I thought that it was just my personality...after admitting it was too much for me to handle on my own..at 24 years old I went to get help. My issues, not keeping enough focus to complete the tasks at hand, have caused me to damage my credit by not keeping up with my bills, making subpar grades in school, living in a constantly cluttered environment, losing expensive items....the list goes on and on and on. I've always believed I was a responsible person, but my actions were not showing that at all.

When I tell ppl how my ADHD issues have effected me I find most of them just don't understand. Many feel I'm just making excuses for myself. Too often, I convince myself their right. My diagnosis alone has been a huge relief and has made a positive impact on myself personally. At times, I still feel like I'm making excuses for myself for not being more persistent at carrying on tasks for more than a short period of time. I know your probably thinking, "Why is this woman making random posts?". Idk maybe it is random....but I am random lol. Take this blog for instance, I wanted to keep up with this thing soooo bad. I'd keep up with posts for a while, then something would happen in my life that just throws me off my game.

After I was diagnosed, my mother practically begged me not to get medicated. I can bet she didn't I had a real problem before and doesn't believe I have one now. She thought I needed to work "harder." What the heck does that mean? At school, I found myself struggling in almost every quiz, assignment, and exam I took. I wasn't retaining anything from the lectures or when I was studying on my own. I felt like a complete failure. After getting medicated and receiving free ADHD coaching on campus, my grades skyrocketed. I've also have been keeping up with my bills...but I have to face the facts. The bank and credit card companies don't get a crap about me finding out why it was so freaking hard to keep up with my bills. The damage has been done and I will be suffering the consequences for at least another 6 months - 6 years depending on whose judging me by my credit. I feel horrible that I did not get help sooner. I should have listened to that voice inside of me that was screaming, "Your already trying as hard as you can...go find out why your still struggling" instead of the folks telling me "Girl, there's nothing wrong with you...I bet u pay attention to what you want to."


I have to say, there's no silver bullet for managing with ADHD. I am still working hard to keeping up with my credit so it can continue to improve. Eventhough I have been getting great grades for over a year I wasn't even able to pull my gpa up to a 3.0. However, now I'm better prepared for academia when I start grad school. I was able to find a great job and will move from the midwest soon. Currently, I'm stressing myself out beyond belief to make sure our move will happen smoothly. I'll keep my head up.

Managing ADHD

Hey Hey Hey,

It's been a while. I actually starting writing posts more than a few times, but just didn't get to the publishing part. I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but toward the end of my spring 2010 semester of undergrad I was diagnosed with ADHD. I have wanted to write about it for more than I while, but didn't think anyone wanted to read about it. Well, I've changed my mind. This is my blog and I can write about almost anything, right? I'll label these posts, so you can skip them if you want.

Am I allergic to working out?

By now you may think that I'm a hypochondriac and it's possible that I am lol. Sorry this post is so long, but I know I'm not the only person this is happening to so I want to make sure I explain what's happening thoroughly.

I decided that I will once again try to get in shape. I feel like I'm always hitting a wall that I don't have control over everytime I start working out.

In 2009, when the fall semester started I did pretty good for a while. Then I noticed I was having trouble breathing after working out and also when I was faced with drastic temperatures changes(when going from indoors to outdoors). Up until that point my doctors always told me that while I suffer from both food/atmospheric allergies and eczema I did not have asthma. Well...I ended up in the ER in desperate need of a few breathing treatments, given an inhaler, and prescribed Singular. All this put my workouts on hold(more like a long time break). Last September, I tried working out again then I gave it up to give support to my friend and new born baby.

So here I am...its January and I started working out again. I joined the group workout sessions on campus in hope that I would be more motivated. This time I love the sessions. However, when I do cardio immediately following the inside of my nose burns like hell, I start sneezing like I just stuck my nose in pepper, then eventually all the drainage give me a sore throat. My first thought was that it was my allergies, but what kind only flares up after a workout. The first couple of times after blowing my nose and sniffing all night I was good as new the next morning. However, this past Wednesday it got progressively worse so I laid off the workouts and did a little research. By Friday night, my body was sore, more throat felt a little swollen, and I began to have a congested cough. I really could find anything but suggestions to take ACV for rhinitis, sinuses, and asthma so I started back drinking it. I also grabbed some off-brand Emergen-C and I felt better everyday. This morning I drank my usual ACV and attended a Turbo Kick workout this afternoon...once again the inside of my nose is burning and my nose is running like a faucet. Ugh!!!!

I did more research and it seems that exercising are inducing my allergies....see told u I'm allergic to working out haha. Now I know what's wrong, but I don't know how to solve it. I don't want to add more allergy meds to my life so I'm looking for a natural remedy. ACV helps with a lot of my issues, but I don't think its strong enough to deal with this allergic reaction. For now, I will up my water intact(aiming for 2 qts a day), continue my ACV and Emergen-C, try to remember my three a day Flaxseed pills(I can't take Omega-3 since most are derived from fish oil), plus my Singular and Allegra whew!!! Ideally, I would like to opt the allergy prescriptions, but I don't know how. Right now it's too much!!

My Hair Issue Problems

Hey I've been working hard to keep better track of my hair obstacles and my actions to improve so here's and update

1. Problem: Short edges | Most recently: I will have to continue keeping close attention to my edges over the next few months to see if they are improving, so far I have still avoiding tight ponytails. Additionally, I have been applying Jamaican castor oil to my edges a few times a week.
2. Problem: Frizz | Most recently: I have invested in a new scarf which I wear at night but I accidentally bought satin fabric instead of silk...I'll make another trip to the fabric store soon. I also make sure to moisturize(Ingredients revealed soon) and braid my hair at night. The combined methods seem to be my answer!
   
3. Problem: Itchy scalp | Most recently: I discovered that there was an absence of H20 to my routine. I had been avoiding my original hair spritz I made after my big chop(glycerin, aloe vera gel, rose water, and water mixture that my hair was in love with that first summer) because I thought it was causing my twists to frizz prematurely. I opted to make a concoction of new and old by beating together shea butter, glycerin, aloe vera gel, rosemary, and coconut oil. The aloe vera gel was the hydration my scalp really needed. I then sealed with castor oil. My hair feels softer and my scalp is a lot less itchy.
   
   My roommate gave me the shampoo and conditioner from the Madame C. Walker line I mentioned a while ago. When I wash my hair I normally get a ton of hair in my drain and I always feel like I'm losing way too much. This time I gave myself a rosemary & EVOO hot oil treatment. Then tried washing my hair in braid that were very loose by the root like in this video
   
   
   
   This detangling/washing/conditioning method worked great for me and I will be sticking to it.

Until later

Boy I am SAD

I may have Seasonal Affective Disorder. See I knew I wasn't making all this up in my head. I've heard ppl talk of something like this before and I really believe I may have it. The moment I feel the temperature drop the and notice the sun staying out less and less my mood plummets. I get terribly moody and irritable. Plus I'm always tired. Since hopefully this is my last time having to deal with a blistering cold winter I'm not going to worry about my case too much...that is if I can make it through the season without a problem. I just had to drive to my lousy minimum wage college job in a blizzard for a freaking two hour shift FML ugh I HATE WINTER!!!

Determination

I have been still working on taking control of the things I can actually control and its working out let me tell u. Money has been sooo tight(or should I say nonexistent) since my interview in TX last month. I was already low on funds before the trip and I didn't expect to have to wait so long on my trip reimbursement. I feel like I'm constantly paying catch up with bills...but soon enough those days will be over bc I got landed a job. I'm very very excited and I finally feel that my dedication and determination are paying off.

Hair Determination Update(updates in purple):

1. Very short edges which I know can be caused by a lot since their so fragile. I hardly pull on my edges when making ponytails, braiding, or twisting. Plus I don't use brushes bc I hate how they feel scraping on my edges. I have been not worn any tight ponys and have been avoiding unnecessary strain(tight twisting/braiding, tying potentially hair scarves around my head). I haven't noticed any difference yet.
   
2. My two strand twists always frizz A LOT on the 3 or 4 day of wear. I tend to do small twists to extend the style. The frizz is always on the crown of my head which is also my area with the loosest texture(3c or less). I used to use shea butter only when twisting...then tried almond oil and coconut oil...now I use a mix of all three. I use a hair moisturizer spritz that contains water which maybe part of the problem. I have began to use a very small amount of my cream nightly, putting my hair in braids, coating my ends with a little additional cream, and wearing a silk scarf every night. I have noticed improved.
   
3. I wear protective styles more than 98% of the time. However, I usually wear them down or in a ponytail with the ends tucked in awkwardly. My ends are retched and I have split ends up the wazoo. I have been braiding my according to how I plan to style my hair the next day. For example, if I plan to wear a high bun I braid in a upward position. This really saves me some time styling in the morning.
4. I forgot to add the fact that my hair has been itching like crazy for a month now!!! I use my cream daily and my hair feels very soft, but the itch continues. I've clarified with ACV to try to give my moisturizing a fresh start...i didn't help one bit.
   
   Yesterday, I prepooed with castor and grapeseed oil. I tried not to shampoo my hair like crazy and instead applied my castile soap mix a couple times. I added castor oil to a Ion conditioner pack I grabbed from Sally's for my dc. I let my hair dry and twisted it with the Madame Walker cream again. Will see how this week goes.