Time + Perception: A Neurodiverse Challenge

Ever feel like time is slipping through your fingers? It might race by when you're absorbed in something new, and drag on when you're tackling a task you really dislike. In this episode, we chat about why our minds play tricks with time and how it's so easy to lose track of it.

We dive into a classic conversation about perceptions of time, especially for those of us who juggle dyslexia and ADHD. This episode highlights how the stories we tell ourselves can shape our schedules and our emotions. You’ll hear some straight talk on common struggles—like double-booking or daydreaming at the wrong moment—and ways to handle them.

Understanding Our Different Sense of Time

Time can feel elastic. One day seems to whizz by, while another drags like a slow afternoon in school. That’s partly because we each have a unique sense of time. With dyslexia or ADHD, our minds tend to process information in bursts, which can distort how we measure minutes or hours.

Instead of relying purely on the clock, we often rely on how intensely we focus or how emotionally invested we feel in a task to keep track of time. But as we've learned, that approach can be unreliable. We need more than just mental energy to stay on top of our schedules. We need practical techniques—like timers or simple reminders—to make sure we don't drift too far from reality.

Why We Keep Losing Track

We’ve all done it: we look at the clock, think we have loads of time, then blink, and suddenly we're late. This happens for all sorts of reasons, but mostly because we get lost in the flow. Even if it feels good, it can leave us scrambling when we finally come back to the real world.

When you hear yourself saying, “I’ll just finish one more thing...,” be careful. That’s the thought that can lead to surprise deadlines. It’s also worth noting that dyslexic or ADHD minds may be extra vulnerable to time blindness. This isn't about laziness—it's about how our brains are wired.

“Time isn't really the issue, it's how we feel about time. When we feel pressured or disconnected, we lose track—and that’s when panic hits.”

Reframing Time with Small Shifts

One of the biggest eye-openers is discovering we can actually reshape our approach to time by making small changes in our routine. We talk about creating micro-deadlines and using visual cues like sticky notes or phone alerts. Nothing too fancy, just consistent habits that remind us to pause and check where our focus is.

We also touch on the power of reframing. If you tell yourself you ‘never have enough time,’ you might believe it’s all hopeless. But if you switch your mindset to ‘I can deal with this moment by moment,’ you might notice you have a bit more peace. Doing one small task at a time can make a massive difference in how you feel at the end of the day.

Practical Tips We Loved

We shared a few strategies to help you stay balanced:

• Set frequent reminders: An alarm every hour can help you refocus or stretch.
• Create mini milestones: Break a task into 10 or 15-minute chunks.
• Use a calendar you trust: Pick paper or digital—whichever one you’ll actually use.
• Celebrate small wins: Give yourself a quick break or reward after completing a tiny step.

These pointers aren't just for your work day. They’re handy for days off or planning fun events too. It's all about living more intentionally without losing that spark of creativity.

When Time Feels Like a Frenemy

Stress often creeps in from feeling rushed. It's not the clock's fault, it's our perception. If you find yourself listening to that negative voice—"You should be further ahead by now"—pause and check what's really happening. Does your to-do list need trimming? Maybe you need a breather or a fresh perspective.

Time is a resource, but it doesn't run our lives. We can reclaim mastery over it by noticing where it slips through the cracks. Even a tiny awareness can change your day. If you catch yourself saying, "I have no time to rest," it may be a sign you do need a rest, even if it's just for two minutes.

• Time is flexible: We see it through our emotional lens.
• Check in with your mind: Ask if you're lost in thought or tension.
• Short reminders work wonders: Pause to breathe and reset.
• Find a time ally: Could be a friend, app, or alarm.

No strategy is foolproof, but combining a few that resonate with you can have a noticeable impact. There's no single right way—just the way that helps you feel calmer and more aware.

• Time illusions aren’t a personal failing: They’re part of the ADHD/dyslexia landscape.
• Steady practices move us forward: Consistency beats perfection.
• Gentle self-talk can lessen stress: Be encouraging rather than critical.

Key Takeaways

• Dyslexia and ADHD can make us experience hours as minutes, or minutes as hours.
• Small routines, like mini-deadlines or hourly check-ins, can keep us grounded.
• Changing our thoughts can rewire how we handle time.
• Celebrate minor successes. They’re building blocks for deeper change.

If you’re eager to hear more about time perception and practical ways to keep track of your day, have a listen to the full episode—just scroll up to the podcast player at the top. We hope it sparks fresh insights and a sense of relief.