Time management and getting into a routine

Is there a way of doing this, please? I volunteer a few hours a week, study part-time and attend a few social groups a week. I spend far too much time doing well, nothing.

I have looked at visual timetables; but these seem to be aimed more at children.

  • Even scheduling the ' doing nothing in particualr things' can help.

    My son had a timetable with hour slots and puts things into some of these. so if you have a whole afternoon you might put 2-3 read book and 4-5 playstation etc.

    You can fill in your regular commitments then see where your big gaps are and plan some things in - eg go for a walk , visit library , do shopping, or find some more groups/ courses that keep you busy

    If you are into technology you could set reminders on your phone or in Outlook calendar.

  • Lots and lots of people suffer with this regardless of whether they have an ASD so do not beat yourself up.

    Some tips would be:

    • try and establish regular times for going to bed and waking up
    • use lists to plan your week and plan your day
    • try and achieve things in small bits ie if you have a big task, try and break it down into manageable chunks
    • if you are finding it hard to get started on something use a timer.  Give yourself 10 minutes to get started and then a break of ten minutes etc.  You will find that you can then get stuck into the task and manage 20 or 30 minutes without a break.
    • If you have a reliable friend or relative get them to ring you at set times to check which task you are on.  You might find this enough of a 'threat' to get going.
    • Promise yourself a treat if you achieve a milestone.

    If you just want to fill time why don't you try learning a new skill.  There are things like skill exchange schemes which might even help eventually with job hunting.  You may think you have nothing to give to a skill exchange, but you can give people an insight into ASD and how to treat people with ASD with respect and support.

    I know its not easy.  I can sometimes be a hell of a procrastinator, but I hope some of these tips help.