10 Productivity Hacks I use for ADHD that can Work for Everyone!

Crafting a lifestyle that plays to the strengths of your neurodiverse brain can lead to remarkable productivity boosts.

Do you ever feel like you're juggling a dozen tasks at once, and yet, the day slips by without much to show for it? You're not alone. For those of us in the corporate world with ADHD, the struggle to stay on top of our game is real. But here's the good news: some productivity hacks work exceptionally well for ADHD brains and they might just be the game-changers you need. Let's dive in!

1. Time Blocking Instead of To-Do Lists

Traditional to-do lists can be daunting. Instead, break your day into chunks and assign activities to each block. This method leverages the ADHD ability to hyper-focus, allowing for deep dives into tasks without the overwhelm of an endless list. 

If something needs to be done, it doesn’t exist if it is not in my calendar! Same goes for my personal life, I have Outlook for work and a shared Google Calendar for family. 

2. The Power of the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. It's a rhythm that can mesh well with the ADHD brain, providing structure and frequent breaks to avoid burnout. This is for the larger tasks of preparing a presentation to share but also works well for the smaller tasks bunched together - my first and last 25 mins of most days are dedicated to staying on top of my inbox.

3. Prioritise with the 'Must, Should, Could' Method

Decision-making can be a challenge. Simplify this by categorising tasks into 'Must do,' 'Should do,' and 'Could do' buckets. It helps prioritise what's essential and what can wait, making sure you're always on top of the most critical tasks.

4. Harness Technology Wisely

Use apps and tools designed to support focus and organisation. From project management tools to noise-cancellation apps, find what works for you and integrate it into your daily workflow. I mainly use MS To-Do for work stuff and Notion for my personal life. Notion is free, top tip is you do not need to pay for anything to be more productive!

5. Declutter Digitally and Physically

A cluttered space is a cluttered mind, especially for ADHD. Take time to organise your digital files and your physical workspace. This creates a more calming environment and reduces the time spent searching for things. For me this is a regular clearing of my virtual and physical desktop. I’d love to be the person that does everything in a really organised way, but I’m not so I take steps to regularly clear out the mess.

6. Establish Routines for Regular Tasks

Routine can be a lifesaver. By creating standard procedures for regular tasks, you reduce the mental load and free up cognitive resources for more demanding projects.If something needs to be done but it’s not the most engaging task - routines help to switch to ‘autopilot’. 

7. Be Realistic with Your Schedule

Overcommitting is a common trap. Be realistic about what you can achieve in a day. It's better to under-promise and over-deliver, especially when managing ADHD in a high-paced corporate setting.

8. Communicate Your Working Style

Be open with your team about what makes you most productive. Setting boundaries and having clear communication can create a supportive work environment that acknowledges your unique working style. Figuring out how to be most productive is great, but can be a challenge for colleagues if you keep them in the dark. Let everyone know what you’re changing and how they can help. 

9. Self-Care Isn’t Optional

Exercise, nutrition, and sleep significantly impact everything in your life. Make them non-negotiable parts of your routine to maintain peak productivity.

10. Reflect and Adjust

Lastly, regularly reflect on what's working and what's not. Be willing to adjust your strategies as you learn more. Track your productivity and frequently ask for feedback!

Incorporating these hacks won't just benefit those with ADHD; they're universally effective. Why? Because productivity is not about doing more things — it's about doing the right things in the right way. So give them a try, tweak as you go, and find your productivity sweet spot!

Crafting a lifestyle that plays to the strengths of your neurodiverse brain can lead to remarkable productivity boosts. If you’ve tried any of these hacks or have others to share, drop a comment below. Let's navigate the corporate labyrinth together, turning what might seem like challenges into our greatest assets.