How to Rebuild Time Management Skills After Addiction Recovery

The overly stimulating effects of synthetic drugs like pink cocaine often lead to the person losing track and sense of time. As a result, they may end up spending hours and yet feel that time has not moved an inch. The distortion in time perception, paired with the effects of pink cocaine (especially strong hallucinations), makes it difficult for a person to get things done in a specific time frame.

While treatment options for pink cocaine misuse are carefully planned to ensure complete detox and recovery, the disturbances in time perception might be an area that may still need work. This happens because it usually takes the brain at least 90 days before the dopamine levels start behaving normally, allowing a person to feel content without overwhelming excitement.

Following are some effective ways to regain control of time management after addiction recovery:

Create To-Do Lists

We all have only 24 hours a day, and not determining what you want to do during that time will leave you feeling like time is slipping away. Creating a to-do list allows you to consolidate all the “Oh, I will do this today” thoughts in a single place.

Once you have noted down everything you have on your bucket list, you can start calculating how much time you will need for all these tasks. The key is not to complete as many tasks as possible but to enjoy everything you do without the need to revisit them anytime soon. For instance, if you plan on doing laundry, pair it with something that doesn’t require too much back and forth.

Minimize Distractions

Distractions can make it challenging to remain focused and productive. Everyone's definition of distractions is different; some may prefer keeping the TV playing in the background as they work, and others may want silence.

It is important to understand what works for you and how you can use it. You can also consider trying white or brown noise while you work. These background noises can help the brain focus.

Work with the Clock

The clock is your friend when you are trying to regain control of how you spend your time. Assign a realistic time limit for each task you have listed. You can club two (or more tasks) together if they are low intensity. As you decide what you will be working on for the day, allocate how many hours you will spend doing them.

This will prevent procrastination while giving you ample time to rest once you are finished. Remember, you don’t have to exhaust yourself while managing your time.

Prioritize Important Tasks

A big mistake many people make when trying to manage their time is not deciding what’s important and attending to each task with the same intensity. This will sooner or later lead to mental exhaustion and burnout.

Instead, determine which tasks are important for you to work on and the ones that can be dealt with later. By doing so, you will be able to do more without feeling overwhelmed and tired.

Evaluate Your Performance

Keeping track of your progress is crucial as it allows you to look at areas with lower productivity with a fresh perspective. It also helps you recognize blockages in your working methods and seek help to correct them.

At the same time, know that not every day will be productive, and there will be times when you want to take more breaks and not get everything done. It is absolutely fine to have these days, and you shouldn’t push yourself too much.

Take Breaks

While regaining your ability to manage time is important, avoiding overstressing yourself can lead to feeling demotivated. As a result, you may eventually drop your goals, feeling you cannot achieve them. Taking breaks allows you to refresh your mind and not think about working with the clock at all times. There are numerous benefits to having slow and lazy days.

The Bottom Line

Addiction can distort one’s ability to comprehend time. While recovery aims to help people regain their strength and capabilities, learning to manage time effectively is crucial to gaining control of one’s life. Ensure you are not pushing yourself too much; instead, you should hear what your body and mind feel like and stop when it gets too much. Remember, it takes one effort a day to build a habit.