No Sense of Time
Does anyone else have a problem with no sense of time passing? This is a problem for me even when I am not hyperfocussing.
This causes a real problem for me at work. Appointments are scheduled for 10 or 20 min, but I have no idea as to when that is coming to an end. I have moved the clocks in my exam rooms so that I can see them by just glancing up, so as not to look rude or like I am in a hurry by looking at my watch. My staff is going to start paging me near the end of a 20 min appointment, and I will leave my pager on vibrate so that it won't be too intrusive or obvious. It is hard to use an actual timer when I am with patients.
Does anyone have any other suggestions? One of my goals for this year is to do my best to stay on schedule and not run late. However, when I have no sense of time, it is very difficult. For all my other everyday things, I use a timer. This is just the one situation where I feel awkward about using one. Any suggestions would be appreciated!!
This causes a real problem for me at work. Appointments are scheduled for 10 or 20 min, but I have no idea as to when that is coming to an end. I have moved the clocks in my exam rooms so that I can see them by just glancing up, so as not to look rude or like I am in a hurry by looking at my watch. My staff is going to start paging me near the end of a 20 min appointment, and I will leave my pager on vibrate so that it won't be too intrusive or obvious. It is hard to use an actual timer when I am with patients.
Does anyone have any other suggestions? One of my goals for this year is to do my best to stay on schedule and not run late. However, when I have no sense of time, it is very difficult. For all my other everyday things, I use a timer. This is just the one situation where I feel awkward about using one. Any suggestions would be appreciated!!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sherra Scott on
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Does your cell phone have a timer or alarm? It probably does. You could set that right before you walk into the exam room. There should be a vibrate setting for that also. I've set timers/alarms for myself so I don't forget to stop for something or make a phone call, etc. Even if you don't have a vibrate setting for alarms on your phone, just set the alarm tone to something that's not like a "cell phone ring" and say something like "Excuse me. That's a reminder I set up for myself so I wouldn't forget something." Maybe it's just me, but I almost expect my doctor to get a call or page when I'm in with them. As long as it's a very brief interruption I don't get offended at all - I figure it goes along with the job. I would especially expect it with a pediatrician.
I think sometimes we think other people will be much more upset about things than they really would be. But I "get it". Besides, think about it...would your patients be more irritated with a brief 5 second interruption to keep you on track, or you getting so behind because you loose track of time they're stuck sitting in a doctor's office much longer than necessary?
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Permalink Reply by Jess H on -
I can't remember where I read it, but one author described the ADDers sense of time as "elastic" and I thought that was a perfect way to say it. I, too, struggle with it constantly.
Using a kitchen timer has been the most helpful thing I've tried. Not only does it remind me what I should be doing, but with continued use, gives me a somewhat better sense of how long 5 or 10 (or whatever #) minutes really is. (OK, let me not get too carried away...there's some improvement for me, but it is still seriously limited). Although it isn't practical for use at work, using it at home could help bring awareness of passing time.
I found a product online called the Watchminder and would love to give it a try. Hypothetically, it sounds like an incredibly helpful tool (although I haven't actually spoken with anyone who has tried it and tend to be skeptical about these things..and it's quite expensive).
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Permalink Reply by Gail Pelletier on
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I'm so glad that I stumbled on to this topic! I have the same issue with losing track of time. I was substitute teaching and was really worried that I would forget to end recess on time (the kids only get 20 mins) so I used my cell phone alarm. As it turns out, I remembered to bring the kids back to class on time but forgot that I set an alarm. The alarm went off shortly after we returned to the classroom, and I literally walked around the class trying to figure out where the beeping was coming from. I'm not kidding. I spent a couple of minutes trying to listen to where it was coming from before I figured out that the alarm was in my pocket on my cell phone. I am so glad that the kids didn't know that it was coming from me and forgot all about it. This was a PMS day for me so my forgetfulness was even worse than general. Whether anyone knew what happened or not, I still felt so humiliated. If it wasn't for this site, I'd feel completely crazy!
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