Are you always late? Doctors say you might be suffering little-known condition
ARE you always running late for everything?
You could be suffering from a little-known phenomenon known as time blindness.
It refers to the inability to recognise when time has passed or to estimate how long something will take, according to counselling psychologist Dr Becky Spelman.
So you might find yourself dashing for the bus at the last minute, failing to meet deadlines, or thinking a task will take you 30 minutes when in fact it will take double.
While everyone will experience this to some degree throughout their lives, time blindness is a persistent skewed perception of time, the expert and founder of said.
It is not a medical condition per see, but doctors use it as a way of talking about the concept of losing track of time.
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"Time blindness is often associated with neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)," Dr Becky told The Sun.
But this doesn't mean you have to have ADHD to experience time management issues.
She explained that time blindness can sometimes happen when our brains suffer from 'executive dysfunction'.
This is when something happens to disrupt the brain's ability to control and regulate thoughts, emotions and behaviour.
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"When this starts to take place it can be hard to plan, organise or manage time," she said.
Both ADHD and time blindness are generally associated with hyperfocus, which is when a person is so absorbed in a task they can tune out everything else.
You might notice this when you're doing something you find interesting and time seems to fly by.
"Hyperfocus can lead to a distorted perception of time, where hours may feel like minutes or vice versa," she said.
On the flip side, those with ADHD are more prone to getting distracted and being impulsive.
"In this case, individuals can become sidetracked or lose focus on time-sensitive tasks," she added.
This happens when you procrastinate so much you end up missing deadlines or having to cancel plans to get work done.
But there are several ways those who suffer from time blindness can manage the symptoms, according to Dr Becky.
These include:
1. Using visual cues
Start using timers, alarms, and calendars.
"These will help create a more tangible sense of time passing and to provide reminders for important deadlines or tasks," she said.
2. Breaking tasks into smaller chunks
Try crunching large tasks into smaller ones.
"Smaller, more manageable segments can make it easier to estimate and allocate the necessary time for completion,"; she said.
3. Setting clear routines and schedules
Establishing regular routines and schedules can help provide "structure and consistency" making it easier to manage time and stay organised, Dr Becky said.
4, Seek support and accountability
Consider working with a coach, therapist, or support group who specialises in ADHD.
The doctor said: "This can help you to learn strategies for managing time effectively and provide accountability."
5. Practice self-care and stress management
Try engaging in activities that reduce stress, such as exercise, mindfulness, and adequate sleep.
"These can all help improve focus and overall well-being," she added.
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6. Explore medication and therapy options
Finally, Dr Becky said: "Consult with a healthcare professional to explore medication or therapy options that can help manage ADHD symptoms, including time management difficulties."