In the Car
One of the biggest contributors to poor attention in the car impacts everyone: the cell phone. Create a plan on how to handle your phone while in the car. Perhaps, you can trust yourself to make calls while others must leave it in their pocket or purse because it is too distracting.
If you use your phone for directions or music when driving, look into purchasing a dock that mounts on the dashboard or windshield. This device can hold your phone in a safe position while maintaining its usefulness. Going hands-free encourages your attention and concentration.
Sunglasses are another common distraction when driving. You may be reaching under your seat or behind you when the sun shines bright. Maybe you have too many pairs that have accumulated over the months that you fumble through to find the right pair.
In either case, you can benefit from establishing one pair as your driving sunglasses. Keep them in the car in the same location to build a safe routine. There are a number of products that can clip your shades to the sun visor to simplify the process.
Driving music can increase your attention but excessively scanning through the stations leads to a higher risk of inattention and broken concentration in the car. Before you leave your driveway, plan what music you would like to listen to and how it will be accessed.
Reduce the number of times you change the station and skip to another track or only do this when stopped. This keeps your eyes on the road. Adorning your dashboard with a note or sticker that prompts you to focus and stay alert could be a welcomed addition if old habits prove hard to break.
Another set of potential distractions are the people in the passenger seats. To avoid inattention and ensure your ADHD-proof car, communicate your expectations to your passengers before the car is in drive.
Let them know that your ADHD creates problems in the car. Share with them your desire to have them sit calmly and quietly during the trip. If they try to show you something out the window or on their phone, politely refuse and remind them of your need to concentrate on the task at hand.
If your children create backseat chaos, create an organized stockpile of books and activities to keep them occupied for the drive.
Conclusion
Throughout your life, there are many opportunities for inattention, poor concentration and impulsivity. There is always another distraction waiting to get you off task. Taking an inventory of your life and your surroundings are fantastic steps towards symptom management. Now your home and car are ADHD-proof, what’s next?
