ADHD Tool Tip: Use an Analog Timer

Coaching clients frequently ask for recommendations of ADHD tools, apps, worksheets, planners, and products that they can use to improve productivity, time management, memory, focus, and other executive function skills. I generally balk at telling clients to use specific products because everyone is different and no one thing works for every person. The products that make my life easier may not be helpful to you.

Nonetheless, I recognize that the abundance of product options available can be overwhelming and potentially either cause paralysis or hyperfocus and rabbit-hole diving. Having someone narrow the field for you can be useful. So I am beginning a series of posts in which I share an ADHD product that I really like and provide informational bullet points on it.

I’m beginning the series with a tool for time management and productivity: a timer. You may be familiar with the Pomodoro Method, in which you break focused work into timed intervals separated by short breaks. A timer is a key tool for this strategy.

Most Pomodoro timers are digital, like the one pictured here.

This one is simple to use. You can change the interval time or the break time just by turning the cube over so that the desired time is on the top side.It vibrates to indicate that the interval has expired. It can be very useful for people who judge the passage of time well.

For those who don’t, though, it’s important to make the passage of time visible, to give time a spatial dimension. That’s what analog clocks and timers do for us. They show us how much time has passed and how much time remains so that our brain doesn’t have to struggle to guess.

This timer is visually simple and color-coded to aid the brain in determining how long you have worked and how long you have before stopping work to take a break. Likewise, it gives visual information regarding how much time remains in a break. It has lighted face and it’s easy to set by turning the knob.

It helps the brain process and understand time better. The body becomes familiar with what the passage of time feels like. Combined, this leads to better productivity and improved time blindness overall.

Either of these timers can be purchased from Amazon by clicking on the image or the the highlighted descriptive words. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I am not implying that the timer method will solve issues with time blindness, focus, or productivity for every person with ADHD. If, however, you think you might benefit, I encourage you to experiment with using a timer.