The unseen struggles of ADHD
Three of my favorite things are video games, crochet, and YouTube. I am a stay at home husband with no transportation, so… I am quite literally always home, except for one or 2 days a week every other week for doctors appointments and visiting my mom & sister.
My wife mentioned a few months ago that it seems I switch off my hobbies, for example, ignore video games for crochet, or vice versa. I tried to prove everyone wrong by doing both in one day, and I did that for about a week before I became hyper focused on video games again (tears of the kingdom, echoes of wisdom, and acnh). I want so badly to finish projects I’ve been working on but I am unable to do so as long as I have video games on my mind. I *do* have ADHD and I feel like that’s part of it, with my micro-obsessions.
How do the rest of y’all chronically ADHD peeps (medicated or unmedicated) manage your time? Is it even possible to do both?! Send help because as much as I love playing my games I also wanna finish my cheese pants 🤣🤣
Pic of my v first (perfect) snow boy, the waist band of my pants, and a bag that needs to be … blocked and sewn together for tax :)
Living with ADHD often means facing unique challenges when it comes to managing time and maintaining focus on multiple activities. Individuals with ADHD frequently experience hyperfocus, where their attention becomes intensely fixated on one task or interest while other responsibilities may be neglected. This can make juggling hobbies like video games and crochet particularly difficult, as both demand sustained attention but compete for cognitive resources. Effective time management for someone with ADHD can involve structuring the day into distinct time blocks dedicated to each activity, using alarms or reminders to transition between tasks. Breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable steps helps to sustain motivation and provides a sense of accomplishment. For example, in crafting, focusing on completing one portion of a crochet project before switching to video games may facilitate better progress and satisfaction. Additionally, minimizing distractions during focused time can improve productivity. Creating a quiet, organized workspace tailored for crafting, and designating a separate area or time for gaming, might reduce mental switching costs. Some people with ADHD also find mindfulness or cognitive behavioral techniques beneficial in managing impulsivity and maintaining flexible attention. The emotional aspect of ADHD should not be overlooked; feelings of frustration or guilt due to unfinished projects can exacerbate stress. Connecting with supportive communities—whether online or in person—where people share similar experiences, can provide encouragement and practical tips. Using ADHD as a framework for self-compassion helps shift focus from perfectionism to progress. In summary, balancing hobbies like video games and crochet while managing ADHD involves recognizing personal patterns of hyperfocus, implementing structured routines, leveraging practical strategies to reduce distraction, and fostering a positive mindset. These approaches empower individuals to enjoy diverse interests and successfully complete valued projects, turning challenges into strengths.
