As someone who lives with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), I’m always on the lookout for something to help me focus.
Usually and quite often it’s music, but there are plenty of situations where you can’t listen to music all the time.
Even at work it’s hard to focus on background music when the phone is constantly ringing or the dog is barking.
In fact, it throws off my entire groove for the moment and often times derails my thought processes.
Then, I have to take time to find another song that inspires me to focus or follow another sort of distraction until my mind gets back on track to concentrate on what I’m doing.
I know I’m not the only one since both of my parents find music helpful when juggling a bunch of tasks at once.
But during those other moments when you have to hear instruction or maintain a conversation, it can be hard to pay attention without a little help.
With social media’s help, you can even find other adults and seniors dealing with similar issues.
It’s good to know that ADHD isn’t just a childhood problem – it follows those kids well into adulthood and can morph or grow as they age, too.
I’m glad that people are noticing taking notice and fidget toys and tools are becoming more mainstream for all ages.
The fad has changed lately from fidget spinners and cubes to these silicone mat things called “Pop Its.”
Pop Its are like eternal versions of bubble wrap in that they are silicone mats with dimples that can be popped in or out repeatedly.
Plus they come in a variety of colors and shapes to suit your fidget needs.
I’ve only got a small keychain Pop It, but I’m already hunting out other fidget toys since my cube broke a year ago.
Now, I could just save my money and stick to the other old-fashioned fidgets like pens and markers that click or food – but I think these small toys could be a worthwhile investment.
While I still have two tins worth of putty and a squish-able silicone cat, I’m thinking that test driving another fidget or two could give me more options when I’m not able to listen to music.
Then again, I could just scroll endlessly on my phone, play a mobile game or read a book!
Though I think those options might come off as rude to others, so, I’ll have to do a bit of research in the meantime.
I guess the only other upside to figuring out a few more fidgets is that I’m in the perfect season to make some purchases.
Or, more likely, it’ll be easier to get some as stocking stuffers for Christmas this year.
With a month left to shop, I’m sure I’ll see a few by Dec. 25 and I have to admit that it sounds like the perfect sort of gift to get.
The only hard part is convincing mom that said toys deserve a spot on my desk within reach rather than languishing away in my room or purse.
Maybe I’ll stick to music at my desk and just turn the sound up a little higher to drown everything else out?
