Many famous actors and sportspersons have said they have ADHD, so you're in pretty good company. But how can you stay productive? And what does productivity even mean for someone with an attention deficit?ย
Below, you'll discover tips on how to be productive with ADHD.
What Is ADHD And What Are Its Hidden Benefits
What does ADHD feel like? Imagine you're watching several TV shows simultaneously with the remote control stuck on "fast forward." It makes it hard to focus on one thing for long, as your mind jumps around like a brain frog. People with ADHD may struggle to express their emotions and stay organized.ย
But it also comes with unique strengths. If people with this disorder learn to channel their energy, they can be overly creative.ย
How To Focus When You Can't: 7 Essential Tipsย
Be kind to yourself as you mix and match these ideas:
Rethink The Idea Of Productivity
You're special if you have ADHD. So stop following someone's expectations. Some people are OK with hitting the gym in the morning, working 8-9 hours, cooking dinner for the whole family, and watching new TV series undistracted. But this might not be your idea of productivity.ย
Work at your own pace and reach small goals every day. Open up to your work pals and accept your condition if you can. Don't ruin your life trying to overperform. You're enough.
Treat Yourself As A Friend
You would be compassionate to a friend with a broken hand, right? So, be your best friend and show the same understanding to yourself.
The Liven app can help you analyze your inner chatter by tracking your moods, feelings, and behavior. Use Liven as a companion on your self-discovery journey. Liven also comes with bite-size courses to help you learn more about ADHD and an AI assistant, Livie, to help you step back and gain self-observability.ย
Organize A Secluded Working Spaceย
People with ADHD say that it's the workspace they're in that shapes their progress. Organize a secluded place for work. This could be your cabinet, living room, or even a balcony. If you can, arrange a nature view to boost creativity. But if you lack the generational wealth to afford it, try pulling up a 4K YouTube video of a place that inspires you.ย ย
If you work offline, set up a comfortable and inviting workspace with photos, flowers, memorable objects, and soft lighting to boost your mood. Don't get obsessed with keeping it spotlessโfocusing too much on tidiness only leads to distractions.
Try Time Management Techniquesย
Take a notebook and list your tasks for the day. Collect your thoughts and lay them out on paper just to get them out of your head. Don't pressure yourself to complete 100% of the list; start small and do what you can. When you finish a task, cross it off to experience a sense of fulfillment.
Try the Pomodoro technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.ย
Keep Your Notifications Balanced
Our phones are a great way to stay connected with friends, family, and work, but being constantly available can be exhausting. Here's how to deal with that:
Put On Some Musicย
Music is set to channel your thoughts and allow you to perform better. For many, this works. Look for ADHD YouTube music playlists, or create your own.ย
Choose the sounds that best fit your mood: hip-hop, classic, or hard techno. Still, keep it silent when you need to focus intensely.ย
Be Mindful of What You Eat
It's vital to maintain a balanced dietโor at least try to do soโespecially if you have ADHD.ย
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables of all colors to improve digestion. Choose healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts to support your brain health. Eat beans and peas to support the production of neurotransmitters, which act like mail carriers delivering messages between neurons in your brain. Neurotransmitters help regulate mood, memory, and overall brain function, keeping your mind sharp and balanced.ย
People with ADHD also need to limit coffee to avoid anxiety spikes. Try decafโyou'll love it!
Bottom line: remember to love yourself enough to embrace all that you are. ADHD doesn't define you. With the right approach, it can help you become better at what you do.