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Managing life with Executive Functioning Issues?

User Profile: Midnightoddities
Midnightoddities April 8th, 2019

Hello everyone! So according to my neuropsychological evaluation that I had done sometime in February, I have a executive functioning deficit. I was curious if anyone else has this? If so how do you manage your daily life better?

So far this is what I find helps.

I tackle only on task at a time, and when needed I limit my task choices to one or two tasks only. I also need to adjust and be more flexible so I often alternate between two or three familiar tasks at regular intervals. I also set a time limit for each task before I have to switch. This is probably the hardest part for me.

I have difficulty starting projects so in order to get going I have schedule and routine for daily activities. Then I write them in a list or index cards and cross them off as I do them to keep the ball rolling. I also break down tasks, but not so much that my perfectionism kicks in. When I take breaks in work I try to walk or do exercise to keep myself going. I also keep a notebook of "recipes" for steps for basic and advanced daily or weekly activities like going to church or doing the dishes.

My working memory is bad so I need to be well organizes, write everything down and even record things with my phone because I understand things better when said vocally rather than written. I try to make cues like timers galore or the Pomodoro method. I talk myself through the steps vocally too. I use notebooks, calendars, and planners both on my phone and paper.

To avoid becoming overwhelmed I keep all my workspaces clutter free or if I don't' have the energy to clean I go to a place that is clean like my living room. I set goals about my tasks and evaluate how well I did the task and how I can do it better next time. Then, I write it down or record it.

Anyone else have any ideas that we with executive functioning issues could use?

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