Lifestyle

If You’re ADHD And You Know It…Attach Your iPhone With A Leash?

So…it’s not a Friday Find…because it’s not Friday…and also because I haven’t tried this product yet. Not that I tried The Isolator…but that’s not exactly a feasible purchase. Although…eBay? Sadly, at first search, it’s a no (and I did actually look and I probably would have bought one).

I digress…yesterday’s post was all about how we ADHDers are perpetually clumsy and tend to break stuff. Then, today…this handy dandy Kenu Highline pops up in one of my feeds. I’m looking up at my six open windows, but can’t figure out where the first click came from, but I did end up landing on this Wired.com article that has some pretty good info about it. I also like how they take the blame (of injured (sometimes fatally) phones) off of us:

“Our most indispensable possession is small, frail, and slippery.”

Okay, so what is it exactly? The Kenu Highline product page wraps it up rather nicely:

“…a clever security leash and protective case system that provides peace of mind while capturing photos and video in the most precarious situations. Whether you are on a chairlift, whale watching, zip–lining, rock climbing, or entertaining your child, Highline will be there to provide the ultimate protection for your iPhone.”

How many phones have you broken? I told you guys that I’ve managed to break an OtterBox before, right? I mean, it’s what we do. I can’t even remember all the ways that I’ve broken phones. And I’m just not good about using a case. I should be, mind you, but I’m just not. By now I’ve realized that I need to outfit all of my electronics with the most durable cases out there. Yet, here my phone sits case-less. Because, honestly, if the case makes it too hard to fit the phone in my pocket, that case is coming off. And if the case compromises my phone’s functionality (at all), it’s coming off, too.

Maybe strapping that sucker down, so it can no longer leap to (or be thrown to) its death, is the way to go (the Highline even comes with a protective case).

My only concern with that bungee cord situation? I know me and I will likely play with it. I will likely pull the crap out of it until it loses it’s spiral ways and is no longer bungee in nature. I will likely swing it around on my stupid, little finger (where it might have the tendency to slam into walls and such)…and honestly, I’m thinking that will just put the phone in a different kind of precarious situation.

Still, for $35, maybe I could learn to sit still. Okay, okay…who are we kidding? But, hey, there are definitely times when it might come in handy. I’ve been known to use a case in certain situations, for temporary protection in highly dangerous (aka accident prone) circumstances. Maybe a bungee leash would provide the added security I need when rushing around an airport or at a trade show. Although, no, not at a trade show…too many heavy boxes and awkward encounters with the closet and desk walls…unless the case is super sturdy, too (which it might be). I’m just afraid the bungeed iPhone might find a way to lodge itself between two boxes only to be released at great speeds into a wall…or, maybe worse, my face.

Anyway, I’m rambling and clearly still on the fence about it. I definitely like the idea behind the Highline and can appreciate the need for it. Just not sure if it’s good enough to handle my level of clumsy.

Can I just say, though…I have actually had my iPhone for quite some time now. It’s been a pretty durable survivor. Feels like I might jinx myself and I don’t want to end up running it over in the driveway later, but still.

Well, see for yourself below. Looks like a pretty convenient, durable, little gadget in action.

(Still deciding if I should buy one.)

Not Recommended For ADHD Use

Just a little “humor” for your Monday. I mean, seriously, guys, I break a lot of stuff…including, on a regular basis, myself. If you’re ADD / ADHD and you’re thinking about buying something and it warns that it’s fragile? You should just stop right there and take it as a sign that you shouldn’t buy it.

No reason in particular for this friendly reminder. Just been inventorying my past and have come across way too many broken things…phones, computers, cars, sunglasses…and everything in between.

Okay, okay…so some of the stuff that we need is going to be fragile. Despite our accident prone selves, we’re going to have to suck it up and buy some of these fragile, breakable things. Maybe I should say, “Fragile = ADHDers proceed with caution, ” instead of, “Fragile = Not recommended for ADHD use.”

Both fit…just, when you have to buy that fragile thing, I guess be as careful as possible. I know, I know…because these aren’t lessons you’ve learned all on your own already. And like it helps to be “cautious.” I feel like sometimes when I’m cautious, things end up even more broken than if I’d just treated them like I regularly do.

Can’t win for losing sometimes, which is why I recommend buying sturdy things instead. But, guys…I mean, I’ve managed to kill an OtterBox…so I got nothin’.

Of course, all this talk about “Fragile,” makes me think of A Christmas Story.

“Fra-GEE-leh!” It must be Italian!

5 Reasons The Isolator Is This Week’s ADHD Friday Find

This week’s Friday Find – The Isolator – is pretty old school (1925). As mentioned on Laughing Squid, The Isolator deafens the user, fills itself with oxygen and offers only a tiny slit through which the user can see. This entire contraption…built to help isolate people from external noises, so they could focus easier.

And while I doubt you can find The Isolator available for purchase, I still think it’s worth sharing with you guys…for a few reasons:

1. I discovered The Isolator on Distractify this morning, which totally fits the ADD / ADHD, distracting nature of this blog. (Also, it successfully distracted me as I had to find out more about this crazy focus-inducing helmet.)

2. …and it’s Friday (getting close to Saturday again) and I don’t have a Friday Find yet…so it just makes sense.

3. The Isolator looks pretty ridiculous and you guys can appreciate such things.

4. The fact that someone (Hugo Gernsback) back in 1925 felt the need to create The Isolator proves that people have been struggling with ADHD-type distractibility for a long time.

5. It also proves, like I mentioned in my first post, that these same ADHDers (or otherwise generally distractible folk) are pretty damn resourceful and are constantly trying to come up with creative solutions to the issues that plague them.

“Outside noises being eliminated, the worker can concentrate with ease upon the subject at hand.” –> Can you imagine being handed The Isolator as an accommodation at work? Can you say…claustrophobic!

Quick shout out to A Great Disorder (blog). While I referenced Laughing Squid’s article for a lot of this, they credited A Great Disorder with a lot of it.

ADHD Simulation – Listening With Distractions

A while back I shared the PBS site that simulates the challenge of reading as an ADHDer. If you haven’t given it a whirl, I recommend you do. The experience might give you some insight into why I have a million books (and love them all quite dearly, mind you), but haven’t been able to finish hardly any of them.

Below is the link to another ADHD simulation, again – courtesy of PBS. This one tests your ability to focus on auditory cues while burdened with distractions. Honestly, my Adderall should be working (unless it’s sugar pills again…which, you know, it could be) and I gave it a solid effort. After making it through the first two instructions without losing focus, I was just about to pat myself on the back…then I lost all hope.

Granted, it’s probably like a double-whammy, actually having ADHD and then partaking in a simulator that makes you feel like you have ADHD, so my chances of actually making it through were probably slim anyway.

The thing is, people with ADD / ADHD are usually hypersensitive to extraneous noises (and actually most extraneous factors in general), so we literally hear more than most people. Yeah, I know, here I am over here complaining about having super powers… I mean, super hearing can be a good thing, but it can also be super distracting.

When I can, I use a white noise machine or headphones to help drown out distracting noises. Some people prefer earplugs, but I have small ears and it’s hard to find a pair that fits. Also, I think they’re kinda gross and they usually hurt me after a while.

This is one of those symptoms that can be alleviated in the workplace by a simple accommodation like providing the employee a small office instead of a cube or giving them the ability to telecommute. In school, some students are given their own quiet room to take their tests in or they’re allowed to go to the library during individual study time.

There are solutions out there. It’s just a matter of figuring out what works for you. Which, I’ll admit, can be quite daunting. But! Don’t give up, guys. Remember that when you ARE in an environment that suits your brain style, you tend to excel (aka kick butt). Be patient and creative…and you’ll get there.

If you can listen and pay attention just fine? Well, good for you…must be nice. Just kidding (mostly)! Make sure your volume’s turned up (put your headphones on for the best experience) and click below to get an idea what it’s like to have a party in your head while trying to pay attention.

Upcycle Old Bike Tires Into Belts

In honor of Earth Day, I thought I’d share one of my favorite projects with you guys. I upcycled some old bike tires by turning them into belts. Unfortunately, I did this a while ago, so I can’t remember where I got the original info from. I do know that I researched quite a bit and pulled from multiple sources.

Anyway, it’s not all that hard…and the belts are actually pretty cool. It’s kind of a neat way for an ADHDer (or anyone, really) to celebrate Earth Day.

So, here goes…in eight easy steps.