Making reminders and calendars easier to use

Calendars and reminders can be handy, but they only help if you notice them and they make sense when they pop up. Here are some simple setups to try. Keep what suits you and ignore the rest.

Use one main calendar

If dates are spread across a paper diary, a work calendar and your phone, things slip through the gaps. Picking one main place, even if you copy things into it, can make it easier to trust.

Write reminders your future self will understand

• Instead of 'Dentist', try 'Leave now for dentist on High Street, bring card'.
• Instead of 'Email', try 'Reply to Sam about Friday, yes or no'.

Set reminders for when you need to act

A reminder at the time of an appointment may be too late. Some people set one the day before and another when it is time to leave.

Keep the number manageable

• Too many alerts can start to feel like noise, so remove ones you keep ignoring.
• Try a different sound for the few that really matter.
• Use repeating reminders for regular things like bins or bills.

A quick daily glance

Example: each morning with your first drink, you look at today and tomorrow on your calendar. It takes under a minute.

When it stops working

Any system can stop feeling useful after a while. Changing it is normal, not failure.

Tools you could try

If you would like a digital option, these official help guides explain the basics. You can open each guide using its named link in Sources & references below.

• Google Calendar / Google Tasks: the Google guide explains creating and managing tasks in Calendar, including dates and times.
• Apple Reminders: the iPhone guide explains creating reminders and lists, with optional dates, times and notifications.
• Microsoft To Do: the guide explains adding due dates and reminders to tasks.

You could start with one tool you already have, rather than setting up all three. Keep alerts to the things you want a prompt for, and adjust or switch off notifications that become distracting. These are optional tools, not paid endorsements or claims of effectiveness for ADHD.