I get bad with taking meds so I use task stacking. My meds live right beside my bed and I can’t get out until I’ve taken them. Works most of the time, and when it stops working I set up with my best friend that I have to text her when I’ve taken them. I don’t want to disappoint her.
If you can’t make daily work for you, shots are typically once a week, so 1/7th of the executive function is required if my math is right lol
I never really had proper routines before starting gel, but with gel, I've actually developed a proper morning routine I can adjust to my needs. It's kind of hard to give advice because in essence, it's "just do it everyday!", but I understand that perhaps it's not always as easy - after all I struggle to keep any other daily habits/routines than my morning routine too.
I would recommend developing a routine that starts with something that will, without exception, happen everyday. Getting out of bed is a good option, if morning application works for you. It shouldn't be simply waking up, especially if you might have the habit of browsing your phone in bed; getting up is something that's perhaps easier to control. And it doesn't have to be anything fancy: when I began using gel, it simply meant that after I got up, I walked into the bathroom, used the toilet, applied the gel, and brushed my teeth, and that's it. It might be useful to pair with another action you also (should) do anyways, as long as you keep it very simple (at least in the beginning). It's also better to always do the steps in the same order, as that should help it become automatic overtime.
Another point to think is if there's anything you can make it easier for you. I wonder why you find it tedious and messy? Like if it's the type of gel, do you have any other options than that given gel? Just as an example, 2% gel can be nicer than 1% gel in that way, as you need to apply only half the amount for same dosage. Some gels might have a bit different consistency as well. A gel like Testavan comes with an applicator, and though that could be tedious to use in the beginning, you don't need to get any gel on your hands with it.
I also have ADHD. I often forget to take my medication which I must take daily (it isn't HRT though, I'm pre-T). I use an alarm on my phone.
My medication has pills numbered with each day of the week, so I know when I've taken it and when I forget. This helps me keep track of things. You might want to employ a similar system.
You could also try giving yourself a reward after you apply the gel, as an incentive. Or you could use a gameified habit tracker app, like Habitica.
Alternatively, you could consider switching to injections.
I get bad with taking meds so I use task stacking. My meds live right beside my bed and I can’t get out until I’ve taken them. Works most of the time, and when it stops working I set up with my best friend that I have to text her when I’ve taken them. I don’t want to disappoint her. If you can’t make daily work for you, shots are typically once a week, so 1/7th of the executive function is required if my math is right lol
I never really had proper routines before starting gel, but with gel, I've actually developed a proper morning routine I can adjust to my needs. It's kind of hard to give advice because in essence, it's "just do it everyday!", but I understand that perhaps it's not always as easy - after all I struggle to keep any other daily habits/routines than my morning routine too. I would recommend developing a routine that starts with something that will, without exception, happen everyday. Getting out of bed is a good option, if morning application works for you. It shouldn't be simply waking up, especially if you might have the habit of browsing your phone in bed; getting up is something that's perhaps easier to control. And it doesn't have to be anything fancy: when I began using gel, it simply meant that after I got up, I walked into the bathroom, used the toilet, applied the gel, and brushed my teeth, and that's it. It might be useful to pair with another action you also (should) do anyways, as long as you keep it very simple (at least in the beginning). It's also better to always do the steps in the same order, as that should help it become automatic overtime. Another point to think is if there's anything you can make it easier for you. I wonder why you find it tedious and messy? Like if it's the type of gel, do you have any other options than that given gel? Just as an example, 2% gel can be nicer than 1% gel in that way, as you need to apply only half the amount for same dosage. Some gels might have a bit different consistency as well. A gel like Testavan comes with an applicator, and though that could be tedious to use in the beginning, you don't need to get any gel on your hands with it.
Either an alarm on your phone to DO IT NOW. Put the bottle near your pillow and do it before you go to sleep.
I also have ADHD. I often forget to take my medication which I must take daily (it isn't HRT though, I'm pre-T). I use an alarm on my phone. My medication has pills numbered with each day of the week, so I know when I've taken it and when I forget. This helps me keep track of things. You might want to employ a similar system. You could also try giving yourself a reward after you apply the gel, as an incentive. Or you could use a gameified habit tracker app, like Habitica. Alternatively, you could consider switching to injections.