Hacking life as a neurodivergent... memory edition

So, with executive dysfunction, it's really easy to misplace things and to lose track of scheduled appointments/activities.

The #1 most helpful hack here is consistency…

Misplace your keys often? Only ever put them in one spot. This way, when you're not paying attention, you will automatically put them there. Same with glasses, shoes, your wallet/purse...

Have a hard time remembering when you have scheduled appointments? Try to always schedule them on the same day of the week, same time of day (if possible.) This way, you'll be more likely to remember to check the calendar before that day to see if you have anything scheduled

Which brings me to... do you have a calendar but have a hard time keeping it updated? If you're offered a card with appointment info, take it (if not jot it down yourself) When you get home, stick it in a spot you will 100% see when you have the capacity to add it to the calendar

Have an important daily activity that you have a hard time remembering to do (like taking medication) or an activity you only have do once or twice a week? Tie it to something you easily remember to do (like eating meals, or even just waking up  )

P.s. I know people with executive dysfunction often struggle with eating meals at consistent times, so if this doesn't apply to you, try to think of something else that does.

What's important here is to make decisions about things you often forget... while you are actively paying attention... so when you are going through your day, the stuff you need to remember to do becomes an automatic part of it.

Can't find your keys? Check the spot you always put them in. (I have a spot for when I'm home and a spot for when I'm out... sometimes I leave them in the "out" spot when I get home, so if they're not in the "home" spot, they are 100% going to be in the "out" spot)

Most importantly... come up with strategies that work with your brain. No two neurodivergent brains are alike... so, if my examples won't work for you... use the general approach to come up with things that will.