ADHD Life Lesson 29

Can you relate? - lesson 29

ADHD Life Lessons I wish someone told me after getting diagnosed, number 29 of 50

If you have ADHD you will often loose or misplace important things like your keys, wallet or phone, because whatever you don’t see is currently out of your mind. You are constantly on edge and afraid of misplacing your precious belongings because you’ve already spent hundreds of dollars on re-buying things you’ve lost, making you a lot less relaxed when out in public.

This is when I learned about working memory and adhd, and how to take care of my posessions. I learned that my brain simply can’t keep track of the keys in my pocket, the wallet in my jacket and the sunglasses in my bag at the same time and so now I make sure to only carry 1 small bag with me at all times, small enough to not be a nuisance so I can wear it wherever I go, but also big enough to not be forgotten and hold everything I need to keep track of. This small bag strategy has helped me to not lose a thing over the last 5 years, saving me lots of money, time and frustration in the long-run.

Lesson 29: Centralize important belongings

[_InsertName_]

Sometimes I wish I really had such an understanding person like you who'd understand all my ADHD happenings.

[elizabethhouse]

Patting my pockets with those items keep me calmer.

[alleyolsen]

Not to mention that when you do have ADHD, possessions act as a second memory base. We hold on to things, in order to recall important memories that would other wise be lost.

[ktwhimsy]

Since I’m a mom of 2 & enthusiastically perpetuate the stereotype of the “mom bag” with my Mary Poppins purse, I started carrying the “staples” (keys, wallet, phone) in the little halfie apron I wear while working… it’s so nice to not have to dig, most days I end up just not removing it after my shift 😂😂

[casard]

I'm a fan of pockets /compartments and the routines associated with them. Carrying many small items when I go out gives a sense of calm and control for my busy brain. If need be, I can travel light yet always return to the pack what I think I need.
And, out of sight, out of mind is a literal truth. No details, those who know, know. Peace.

[fpassow]

I keep exactly the same things in the same pockets at all times. Never set down keys anywhere. They can only be in hand, pocket, or ignition of a running car. And I never close a locking door without touching my keys with the other hand. Also, when I take out a credit card, driver's license, etc. I keep my wallet in my hand until the card is back in the wallet.

[nuynobi]

I definitely relate to the anxiety surrounding keeping track of my stuff while out, especially while travelling. I do pocket checks constantly.

Instead of using a bag (except only when necessitated by the amount of stuff I have to carry) I have a system which I stick to religiously. Each important item I carry has a dedicated place on my person while I'm out and about, and a dedicated place at home where it's stored otherwise. That way I can very quickly find what I need when leaving the house, and very quickly verify that I haven't lost anything while I'm out.

If I were to carry a bag, I'd need to rummage through it regularly which would waste time and also prolong those moments of anxiety. Plus, I just don't like carrying things. I think the common thread is to find a solution that fits your needs and to make it habitual so you don't need to think about it.

My system, in case anyone is curious:
- wallet in front right pocket
- phone in front left pocket
- keys in back right pocket
- garbage in back left pocket
- keepers (eg receipts) in back right pocket

[jenniferh.]

I have a count: If I have to keep track of my keys, my phone, and my passport, I keep the number ‘3’ in my mind and always count the belongings before I leave an area. This is really helpful when I go through security checkpoints at airports and have to separate from belongings.

[sacrilegiousboi]

I don’t have ADHD but that brief sensation of panic when you don’t feel your phone in your pocket only to realise it’s in your hand is relatable 😅

[tactical_trucker]

I developed something similar when I was a tow truck driver. I packed everything I needed in a backpack so in the middle of the night when I got called I only needed to remember to grab one thing. If I had my backpack I didn't forget anything. I still do it today.

[Motorcitynights]

The fanny pack has been a game changer for me.

[GucciDollTheDon]

Thank you for making these videos I find so much clarity and understanding I used to think something was wrong with me you taught me our minds are just wired differently and that's OK

[belieflibrary]

Yes!!!! I am a woman with ADHD, and I have always kept just one purse, and always on the small side, and always one that I’m obsessed with aesthetically so I am highly motivated to not lose it. I use it until it falls apart.

[barubary]

Tile and other trackers help so much, too. I have one on my laptop bag, purse, and keys, and the TV remote. I used to use just RF trackers that work short-range because they were cheaper, and they're great. Also, I get important items in bright colors that stand out so I can spot them easier. Also, my purse is my wallet, keys are on a neck lanyard, and my phone also connects to that lanyard or goes in the purse. One thing I haven't figured out are water bottles. I've lost so many nice water bottles that it's probably more eco friendly to just use disposable bottles

[zombiemolly]

Love that you feel comfortable with a murse!

[gabrielabhaktirasaveiskate]

I don't have adhd, but I always wear an over the shoulder purse. Best part is that my key bundle is attached to the purse with a pretty and strong string.

[raylouis]

I also make sure the cover for my phone etc is a bright colour. Easier to see harder to forget.

[Lbd_lbd_]

Good move! I do the same. There must be a process. The thing is, it’s still hard to relax completely but it helps a lot.

[datfella]

My OCD helped with a solution for this. I always put my things in the same place so I don't have to think twice about where certain things are

[kylaluv]

The best thing about ADHD is how customizable it is...

I would always lose my purse, I'd leave it in shopping carts, in the restaurants, even at a ballgame.
But once I downsized to a handheld wallet, I no longer leave it places. First cause I carry it in my hand, so my hand feels empty without it, it works as a fidget toy, and I have my car keys attached to it.
I also stopped losing my keys as well.