Can’t Keep Track of Time? Are Schedules Impossible To Keep Up With? You Might Have Time Blindness

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Antara looked outside her window relishing her masala tea as the breeze blew on her face and played with her hair. It was beautiful weather and the steaming tea mixed with strong spices just complimented it. She closed her eyes and smiled, but the consistent ringing of her phone distracted her. With a frown of reluctance, she walked towards it. Her heart raced as she saw the caller ID, it was her Creative Head. With a hard gulp, she swiped the green icon.

"Sir," she said, trying to mask her anxiety. "Antara, I hope you realize your weekend just got over. It's 11am, and you're still not in the office. What's going on?" he asked, his voice clipped and stern. Antara's stomach dropped. How had she lost track of time again? She thought. "I'm so sorry, sir. I-" she began to say. "This isn't the first time, Antara. You've been warned several times. Do you realize you're a new joinee?" A wave of panic washed over her. "I know, and I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to-" she apologized.

"No, enough is enough. I'm sorry, but we can't accommodate such an irresponsible employee anymore. You can collect your documents and pending salary tomorrow," he said, cutting her off. "Please, sir, listen!" Antara pleaded, but he had already disconnected the call. The tears began to flow as she sank onto her bed, overwhelmed by despair. She dialled her roommate Alina's number with trembling hands.

"Antara, I reminded you not to be late to the office today. How did this happen again?" Alina's voice was filled with concern after listening to Antara's story. "The only times you've made it to the office on time were when I dropped you. What's wrong?" she asked. "I really don't know, Alina. I've lost my job because of this. It's like I can't keep track of time, and it's been this way since I was a kid. Is it some kind of problem?" Antara sobbed. After a moment of silence, Alina said gently, "Maybe we should see a psychologist, Antara. It could help to figure out what's going on."

Encouraged by Alina's support, Antara made an appointment. As she sat in the psychologist's office a few days later, she learned that she had ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The psychologist explained that one of the common challenges people with ADHD face is something called time blindness.

What is time blindness? How does it happen and what are the ways to overcome it? Let's find out -

Time Blindness

"Time blindness" is a term that describes the struggle some people have with keeping track of time or estimating how long tasks will take. According to Dr. Manos of Cleveland Clinic, it's not a formal diagnosis but rather a way to describe how easily we can lose track of time-something everyone experiences from time to time. However, individuals with ADHD are especially susceptible to this phenomenon. While they're often known for their attention deficits, they can also get so engrossed in certain activities that they completely lose sight of the clock. It's a bit of a double-edged sword!

How Does It Occur?

Our brains toggle between two types of attention: automatic and directed. Automatic attention kicks in when we're doing something enjoyable, like decorating a cake or going for a long run; it's like cruise control for our minds, making time fly by. On the flip side, directed attention is what we use for less stimulating tasks, like listening to a boring lecture or doing taxes, which can feel like a real drag. For people with ADHD, this directed attention can be even tougher. They often dive deep into hyperfocus when engaged in something they love like how Antara got immersed in the beautiful weather, but struggle to muster the effort for tasks they don't enjoy. This is why they can seem time blind-when they're in their groove with something fun, they lose track of time.

How Does It Affect One's Life

Time perception challenges affect both kids and adults with ADHD in various ways. For starters, it can make productivity tricky, as switching between tasks-like going from a shower to breakfast-can take way longer than expected. Relationships can also feel out of sync; you might often be late or too early, though you may vibe well with others who share a laid-back approach to time. Deadlines can be a struggle, too, as the urgency to complete tasks often hits at the last minute, making it hard to gauge how long things will take. On the flip side, time blindness can enhance your ability to be fully present in the moment, which is a strength many people seek, even if it complicates transitioning between tasks.

Understanding Time Blindness in ADHD

Time blindness, a term coined by Dr. Russell Barkley, describes the common experience among people with ADHD of losing track of time, like having a sort of nearsightedness when it comes to timing. Research suggests this can be linked to challenges with executive function and differences in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that helps us perceive time. It's important to remember that struggling with time perception isn't something people with ADHD do on purpose; it's not just a matter of "trying harder." Coping with time blindness requires self-compassion and effective strategies, highlighting the need for understanding and support.

A Viral Example

Sarah Trefren sparked controversy on TikTok last year, after asking about accommodations for "time blindness" during a trade school interview, claiming she was yelled at for her question. Defending her request for a "15-minute window" to arrive late, she explained that time blindness is often associated with ADHD, affecting her ability to manage time. While some sympathized with her struggles, many criticized her as "entitled" and suggested practical solutions like using clocks and alarms. Trefren argued that educational institutions and businesses have a responsibility to support individuals facing such challenges, emphasizing the need for empathy over profit.

How To Overcome It

If you're struggling with time perception, there are some handy tools to help you stay on track! Dr. Manos suggests that putting physical reminders around can snap your mind back on track. Set a timer to keep you moving, be aware of activities that tend to consume your time (like scrolling before bed), and use the "if-then" technique to reward yourself for completing tasks like if you do that, then you'll do the next thing on your list. While it's okay to lose time in fun moments, once it starts interfering with your priorities-especially when you're living with ADHD-talking to a healthcare provider might be a good idea.

Break tasks down into smaller steps; for example, grocery shopping involves making a list, getting ready, travelling, shopping, and returning home, which gives you a better idea of how long it will take. Try the Pomodoro technique, where you can set a timer for 15 minutes of focused work followed by a five-minute break. If that's too long, begin with just two minutes and gradually increase. Don't hesitate to communicate your challenges with friends, like letting them know you might be late because you struggle with time; a quick text when you leave can help keep everyone in the loop.

And remember, it's all about being kind to yourself-time blindness is just a brain difference, and there are plenty of tools out there to help.

Antara listened, her heart racing as the psychologist explained in detail about her condition. "So, it's not just me being irresponsible?" she asked, her voice quivering with relief. "Exactly," the psychologist replied. "It's a real condition that affects how you experience time. Understanding it is the first step toward managing it."

With newfound clarity, Antara started to implement strategies suggested by the psychologist. She used timers, scheduled reminders, and even set a dedicated clock in her apartment that displayed the time in large, clear numbers. While it wasn't an instant solution, she began to see small improvements day by day.

A few weeks later, as she walked into a new office-this time with her head held high-she spotted Alina who helped her in getting her a job in her office. She gave her a thumbs-up. The journey ahead was still daunting, but Antara felt empowered by the knowledge of her condition. It was just one part of who she was, with each passing day, she learned not only to manage her time but also to embrace the unique strengths that came with her ADHD.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.