Ever started something and suddenly hours have passed—but it feels like minutes? Or maybe you’re always running late, missing appointments, or struggling to finish tasks on time? You might be dealing with time blindness.
For many Nigerians in the UK juggling work, parenting, studies, or immigration stress, time blindness can be frustrating and misunderstood. It’s not about being lazy or unserious—it’s a genuine issue, especially common among people with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
Let’s break it down.
🕒 What Is Time Blindness?
Time blindness is when your brain struggles to sense or track the passage of time. This makes it hard to:
- Keep to schedules
- Meet deadlines
- Arrive on time
- Switch between tasks smoothly
It’s not a formal medical diagnosis, but it’s very real—especially if you have ADHD, autism, or have experienced brain trauma.
🚩 Signs You Might Be Time Blind
If any of these feel familiar, you’re not alone:
- You get so focused on a task that you lose all sense of time.
- You always feel rushed or late, even with plenty of time.
- You leave things until the last minute—not on purpose.
- You underestimate how long tasks will take (or took).
- You struggle to plan your day or stick to a routine.
- You spend too long doing “nothing” while waiting for something important.
🧠 Why Does It Happen?
Time blindness is often tied to how the brain processes time. In ADHD, the brain may have lower activity in parts that help with time estimation, memory, and focus.
Dopamine, the brain chemical that helps with motivation and reward, also plays a big role. If it’s out of balance, tracking time can feel almost impossible.
🧪 How It’s Diagnosed
Time blindness itself isn’t a medical diagnosis, but it often shows up in people with ADHD. If you think you or your child might have ADHD, speak to your GP or mental health provider. They may refer you for an ADHD assessment, which involves:
- Symptom checklists
- Interviews
- Possibly cognitive testing
Note: ADHD diagnosis isn’t a quick chat—it takes time and a thorough assessment by professionals.
⏰ Tips for Managing Time Blindness
Here are some strategies that can help you stay on track, especially if you’re juggling parenting, work shifts, or study deadlines in the UK:
- Set Alarms and Timers
Use your phone to set reminders for everything—from cooking to Zoom calls to school pickups. Add buffer time to avoid rushing. - Use Visual Timers
Apps like Time Timer show how much time you have left visually—great for tasks like cooking, working, or getting ready. - Try the Pomodoro Technique
Work in 25-minute chunks, then take a 5-minute break. After four rounds, take a longer break. This method keeps you focused and stops you from losing hours to a single task. - Use Music
Background music, especially instrumental or lo-fi beats, can help you focus and keep a sense of rhythm and time. - Track Your Day
Keep a daily log of how long tasks actually take. This builds your time awareness and helps with future planning. - Get Support
Consider a coach or therapist who understands ADHD. Even CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) can help improve time management and reduce stress.
🙍🏾♀️ Why This Matters for Nigerians in the UK
Many of us were raised in an environment where being “on African time” was the norm. But in the UK, punctuality and planning are critical—especially at work, school, or immigration appointments.
If you struggle with time blindness, you might:
- Miss job interviews or shifts
- Get complaints about lateness
- Fall behind on bills or paperwork
- Feel overwhelmed and frustrated
The good news? With the right tools and support, you can manage time more confidently.
🧭 Where to Get Help in the UK
- Your GP – for referrals to ADHD specialists
- ADHD UK – offers info, support groups & resources
Website: adhduk.co.uk - CHADD (US-based but useful) – chadd.org
- Mind UK – general mental health support: mind.org.uk
📌 Quick Summary
Time blindness means struggling to keep track of time—and it’s common in people with ADHD. It can affect your work, school, family life, and wellbeing, especially in a fast-paced environment like the UK. But there are strategies and support systems that can help you take control.
👉 You’re not lazy. You’re not alone. And help is available.
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