How to get organised!
 

Hi,

This has probably been asked a couple times before but I'd really appreciate some tips on how to organise things.

I'm fortunate in that I am able to work, and that I have a job but the hours are taxing.

Although it's probably not the healthiest option, I do live on my own.

When I get home from work and try to continue with my general responsibilities, I often tend to mess things up. I can't concentrate properly thus creating more work for myself.

I'll start with one thing then continue with another realising like an hour later that I was completely sidetracked. My head and my "comfort zone" are nowhere in particular & everywhere in between. All it does is add further to my anxiety & lack of energy.

I wasn't always like this, I used to ENJOY organising my life...
Any advice?

You may try using a timer. Set it at your first task so that if you walk away, it goes off and calls you back to that location.

I use this system when I put something on the stove. I set the timer to go off before things get burned or overcooked. If I walk away, it goes off and calls me back in time to check the stove.

The timer needs to be one that requires you turn it off. If it shuts off by itself after a set amount of buzzing, it may just go off before you were withinh ear shot.

It also may help to have something on that draws your attention. A radio program that you follow or a audio book playing on a speaker.

We need to experiment to find what works.

organize
 

I love the timer idea and will add that to my coping skills. Don't forget lists. I kept forgetting my personal hygien in the morning. My wife suggested a checklist for the hygien. It really upset me but it has helped.

Hi,

I found in hospital they put you in a strict routine and I have tried to continue that at home. When I eat, take meds, wash etc.

Maybe your subconscious would benefit from you teaching it a new routine.

So when you wake up at the time set by your "timer", your subconscious kicks in.

The same when you get home from work.

It is hard knowing you are different now, but I believe as humans we just need to reteach our brains something and quickly our bodies respond.

You may not be able to be spontaneous any more. This is not a bad thing it is just new to you.

You need to accept your new challenges as I am and accept this is how it is now.

A new schedule may help you be more productive and organised for you, with the challenges that you have.

Above all do not beat yourself up, do not compare yourself to others, this will add to your anxiety.

I hope this helps.

As peacheynscream says above routine is good thing. I always have my meals at the same time and follow fairly set diet.

I also make electronic lists of things to do on my phone or PC. The apps I use a have a reminder that keeps on prompting you even if you are not actively using your PC or Phone.

I also tend to have to lay tablets in advance as I forget if I have taken them.

Thanks for your ideas,

I'm sure to try the timer option.

I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to routine as I work inconsistent hours but a plan of action is definitely in the making!

I sort and package my meds and supplements in advance. I use zip lock snack baggies. When I start breakfast, I pull a bag out of the cabinet and leave it in view on the counter. I take it after eating my breakfast but since it is on the counter, I am less prone to forget. At least I can take them later when I notice them on the counter.

Research has shown that using electronic aids like iPads and smart phones are successful ways to help memory limited people function better. I know someone who has severe word-finding struggles who uses his iPad to speak common sentences for times when he is under stress and needs to explain himself. He has buttons to touch on his iPad that say such things as : "I have a brain injury and have difficulties speaking. " "I am not drunk, my stagger is due to a brain injury" "I can fully understand what you say if you do not speak too fast"

His iPad also reminds him of appointments and other time oriented needs.

I couldn't cope without my "smart phone" at the moment.

If didn't sort out my tablets into daily timeslots I would be in real trouble. At least once a day I sit there and think I need to take my tablets, check the time and then see the empty section - I had already taken them a few minutes ago! Then I repeat the same thing shortly after.

I find now building a daily routine (with flexibility) does help a lot.

After I take my meds and supplements, I leave the baggy on the counter. If I wonder later, I look for the empty baggy. If I see it, I know I took them. The baggy gets put away at dinner time.

Meds
 

I take meds twice a day. Use a 7 day, am, pm container system. I still can be off by a couple hours if I am not careful.

Memory issues
 

I sympathize with the meds issue. Since I noticed I am having memory black outs, I have organised my meds daily with the help of espresso mugs - improvising, hoping that the memory issues get sorted very soon :)
I have 4 of them on my dinning table at the moment , each one with a post-it reminding me of the time I should take the meds. I refuel them every night after my last dosage, and it's just like Mark said, if I'm not sure about have taken the meds, I just check the mugs and if it's empty, it's all good :)

Now, my iPad has been of great help since the accident. I haven't been at my computer once these last 3 weeks, I have only used my iPad.
I find writing and typing quite difficult at the moment, so I use the microphone on the iPad's keyboard to write stuff. I'm using it right now, to write this post. You need to go over what you dictate before posting, as there are always some mistakes, but still it's a big help to have this piece of technology working to make life easier. Yesterday I found an app where you can record your voice memos and it converts it all to text and organise it as a diary/journal. Could be useful for recording symptoms and activities while recovering.

Tech
 

Mark told me the same thing. I use an Ipad as well. I keep trying to utilize my skill sets pre-injury. I can look and look, it will look right but if I go back later it does not make any sense. Thanks for the advice. I guess I am in denial.