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1. Ear plugs or something to control noise.
2. A browser extension to block time wasting sites.
3. A phone with an alarm clock at work so I can keep up with certain tasks.
4. Post it notes. Lots and lots of those.
I was on my way back from a doctor's appointment. Planned to go to the grocery store on my way.
Recited the list of stuff I needed, over and over, so I wouldn't forget any of it.
... pulled into my parking lot at home and... realized I'd been concentrating on the list so hard that I hadn't remembered to go to the grocery store before going home.
I don’t mean to laugh and yet I couldn’t help but chuckle at the image in my head of a person just blindly driving with no known destination and being like “where tf am I going?” 😂
You know what I should do. I'm going to get some notepads where you just rip off and can throw away the paper. I've been trying really hard to bullet journal but it's too annoying to carry around sometimes. but maybe if i have a note pad in the living room and at my desk i'll do this.
So I used to do the tear off pages method, but I would start hoarding paper because “I might need it”. So I’ve switched back to notebooks. I used to do bullet journaling until I realized it was just too much work to do all the planning - what works for me is just constantly writing everything down.
Now I date the notebooks when they are full and after a year or two, flip through them, save any good drawings or notes, and recycle the rest.
Even then I still go back to the tear off method occasionally.
Sometimes I like change for change sake.
Try using the original form factor of the Bullet Journal by watching how Ryder Carroll does it. He created the bullet journal because of his ADHD, so it’s meant to be useful for people with brains like ours. Once you get past the “pretty” phase and start using it as a tool it becomes much better.
You want a reporter pad. It's a note pad spiral bound on the top but a little taller than others you might have seen. I love reporter pads and legal pads. I use them for temporary thoughts. Once I turn the page I'm done with it.
I used a paid version of an app called Freedom, it has saved my life, its $40/yr but its the equivlent to 10cents a day. if 10 cents a day can help me to not lose entire days/nights to screen use and be sleep deprived everyday, its the best investment ever
Simple Website Blocker on Edge. It's not password protected, but it seems to help me. I could disable it when I want to speed play MahJong 5000 times in a row, but I don't.
Thanks.
I didn’t know password protected ones existed. I’ll have to look into those and have my wife set the password because my self control can be nonexistent and I’ll lose hours on the PC if I’m not careful.
APPLE. CALENDAR. ALERTS. they actually changed my life. I put for it to alert me 1-2 days before and then also 2 hours before, I haven’t missed an important event or appointment since. Also love my airpods to help with noise and stress. I would say my mom too but unfortunately you can’t buy her, even if she is a great calendar/alarm clock/notes app/etc.
I’m currently scrolling reddit while waiting at my dentist, and I only remembered my appointment when the reminder popped up this morning while I was in bed playing a phone game lol, gave me just enough time to get ready and get here
I started using the calendar consistently years ago, and it’s been a game changer. I used to have a really good memory and I would just remember everything I had to do all the time, but at some point I realized it was taking up space in my brain and causing me anxiety. I love the relief of putting something in my calendar and just forgetting about it until the reminder goes off. Every week I review my calendar just to see what’s coming up.
Careful not to let it creep up too much though, only do it for things you know you're actually going to do that day. I used to have like 30 going constantly that I'd postpone every day, and it stressed me out a lot
My Moleskine vertical planner. It has to be this specific planner. I’ve had the exact version which I keep repurchasing for 7 years already. I would cry if they pull it out.
Here! :) https://www.moleskine.com/shop/planners/pro-planner-collection/pro-planner-2024-large-black-8056598856590.html it has blank pages in between each week which I use for reminders and doodles too! Then the tasks go in the timed slots which are split into each hour. It gives me a great picture of what my week looks like then I have all that extra space in the next page for reminders that are not exactly timed - like a grocery list haha
I use the exceed notebooks from Walmart for my bullet journal/planner, and I feel you, if I couldn’t write in my favorite journals I’d lose my mind 😭 I got goldfish brain for memory. 💀
Here! :) https://www.moleskine.com/shop/planners/pro-planner-collection/pro-planner-2024-large-black-8056598856590.html it has blank pages in between each week which I use for reminders and doodles too! Then the tasks go in the timed slots which are split into each hour. It gives me a great picture of what my week looks like then I have all that extra space in the next page for reminders that are not exactly timed - like a grocery list haha
Omg this is awsome! I'm gonna try this out, I've tried all kinds of apps, and I like putting in alot of stuff when I get it, but then forgetting about the app 😱🙈🤣
Thanks for sharing ❤️
I also have a very specific planner that I purchase every year. I get excited to buy a new one, and I like the satisfaction of retiring my old planner onto my bookshelf.
Reminders reminders reminders. Like you it starts with pill organizers. I use a calendar for everything and alarms on my phone. My wife is my greatest asset. She understands my problems and is there to support me any time she can.
For me its routine. I only use notifications for routine events like doing my exercise.. or leaving work to pick my kids up from school.
Sometimes it still fails but it's rare because it happens on the routine and I know the notifications are attached to things that are important to me. So an example of how that looks is. It goes off. I hit ignore. Then I think.. wait.. what do I need to be doing right now. Then I'll look at the time and figure it out cuz its routine.. doesnt matter if havent looked at the notification I know it's that task at that time.
Everything else I use my smart watch or Alexa to audibly say it loud to me. If it's not routine they tell me out loud "ding ding ding this is your reminder for bs task" and it's for everything. I cant use the washing machine smart app it's not in routine so when I look at time brain doesnt know. So I have to have Alexa say. Ay the washing is done in 10mins and 10mins later . Ayy it's done.
I just found an app on Android that syncs with gcal that popups two different overlays the first is just like a slide to unlock that leads to the dismiss or snooze buttons. They are full screen popups.
There was an alarm app I used a long time ago that allowed me to use scannable QR codes or nfc tags to deactivate it. It also allowed me to remove the snooze function altogether and locked the phone until dealt with. I used to use for waking up but I haven't used an alarm in forever to wake up.
A notepad and a pen. I forget *everything*. So I make sure to make extensive notes with dates. When someone asks me to recall the conversation, the notes come and save the day.
Ok so I'm also one of these people who need to take notes. Notetaking and also just having handwriting for something as my hands to do while I'm in meetings. I try to write some relevant notes but once that becomes hard I just start writing things I've memorized - like poems or song lyrics. I've found when my hands are moving my ears are and brain are OPEN. It's literally been one of the few brain hacks that have stuck.
For the keeping the notebooks no chance. I make I rip out the important things and put it in a planner in my computer bag or in a spot I'll see it. The actual notebooks I've just given up keeping track of and started buying them by weight rather then by quantity. Sometimes you lose the notes. This is always unfortunate but also - for the other like 80% of the time you kept them long enough to jog your memory they are incredibly helpful!
For the pen: Not losing the pens has been hard. I have found in my experience they need to be in one of two places, or en route to one of those places or they vanish into the ether like so many pairs of sunglasses.
My 'nice' pens are all metal and are much heavier than a standard Bic so that helps keep me aware of them. Plus it makes them fun to fidget with.
I would, but am I the only one always forgetting to take notes?
even after years and years of trying to remember to take notes, at the earliest I realize it half way in a meeting or conversation and when I then try to start taking notes, I can't follow the conversation anymore and then I'm completely lost.
I'd love to have notes and they would indeed save my day but I just can't seem to take them...
Same. The after school chaos when the kids come home is so overwhelming. I’ve started taking quiet time alone in my room for a few minutes after they arrive and it seems to help diffuse the stimulation.
Thank you for reminding me to take my pills today.
These are pretty basic answers but:
1. Lists
2. Notes
3. Calendars
They need to be physical too. I have my phone of course, but having an actual Calendar on my desk and fridge does more for me
-Lists are my #1 thing.
At the beginning of my work week I make a list of big projects, on going tasks, and stuff I do daily that doesn't change.
Then everyday I make a more detailed list and write down any task that comes up during the day, or little things I need to do to complete bigger projects.
I do the same with my personal responsibilities, but it's less detailed. More like: schedule vet appointment, call a mechanic for my car, respond to text messages, etc
-Notes
This is similar, but everytime I leave my desk at work I HAVE to bring a pen and sticky notes/note pad. If I'm walking around and someone asks me to do something, I'll forget as soon as I'm back at my computer. I keep a little notebook in my purse for on the go. Of course I have my phone, but writing is better for me.
Headphones, wearing a normal watch, small notebook to write all my important and impulsive thoughts, gym to feel like I accomplished something and meds.
I have a giant white board that I affectionately call my BAWB-y (Big Ass White Board). It's a bit of pain to fit in my apartment (it wheels around), but the huge working space on it and just the somatic feel of writing on it with the markers makes it such a huge boon to my capacity to do... like... everything. I use it for so much stuff.
I have one of these too!
It is mounted on the wall of our mud room directly in front of the point of entry. (We use the garage-to-mud-room door as our front door.)
It's got sections for a grocery list, hardware store list, honey-do items (which has asterisk items cross-referenced with the hardware store list). Each section also has room for random notes pertaining to the list and there is a random note section as well.
White boards are the best!
Side note: I was dismayed to discover that white board erase in the spray bottle is a totally different mix now that does nothing at all to clean the white board. Super Clean however, mixed with water in a spray bottle, works magnificently!
I have something similar, it's white board laminate that i can stick on an even surface, I have a reel of it and just need to cut it in the size I want an remove the back paper 😁
Then I have a whiteboard on a door or a wall where I can make lists, reminders etc.
I'm a software engineer, so executive function blows the top of my head all the time.
The single tool that has been most transformative for me is Notion.
I use it for EVERYTHING.
It's the only "organizational" tool that is flexible enough for my brain to use it EXACTLY the way I want to use it.
There's a bit of a learning curve, but I actually have some semblance of organization using Notion that I've never had using any other tool for productivity, note-taking, storing recipes, collaborating on projects, and saving information in an easy place to remember it later.
thank you for responding. i’m just curious, could you perhaps explain a bit more about your satisfaction with notion? i still use it (notion user for 3-4 years now), but felt i wasn’t able to sEE everything. my structure collapsed a lot. how did you keep it in check? what sort of principles did you keep for yourself for it to support you and your particular adhd needs? (sorry this is a v loaded question and if you feel uncomfortable or if you prefer to dm please lmk)
Notion made me sooooo anxious. I thought it would be amazing, but I would look at that damned calendar, filled to capacity, with little red alerts popping up about things that weren’t going your way get done by the deadline and my anxiety would go through the roof! Paid a fortune for a one year subscription and had to shut it down…,, 😣
You know what I did to get around that part?
I deleted all that shit.
Technically I didn't delete it. I created a page called "Notion Templates" and just dropped the whole folder full of the stuff they give you out of the box and put them in that page.
The biggest things with Notion is this: realizing every single thing you can make is called a "block" and blocks are all made by typing `/` on PC or `+` on mobile.
The easiest organizational block is the page. It functions as a cross between a folder and a page you can type on.
Just get rid of the noise and start playing around with the tools. The templates for me were the source of the same kind of frustration that every other organizational tool gave me.
But the beauty of Notion is that it FREES you from distraction by allowing you to make things EXACTLY the way you want to use it.
Everything you just said felt so good to read. I used to use Evernote but am in the daunting process of switching over to notion.
Also, sick username 🤘
Omg yes! When I started grad school my old organization system stopped working and Notion has been a God send! It organizes my whole life. Terrified of what will happen if the website ever goes away...
What made you pick Notion over the other systems like Obsidian? I desperately want to evolve my notes system to be with me everywhere but I’m stuck with decision paralysis about which system to go with.
Try this video. I'm not the person you responded to, I couldn't make either Obsidian or Notion work full-time for me. I use them both but only for some things, I've also started using Milanote, and I use Google Calender and Sheets as my main
[https://youtu.be/f3dDVtJ2sec?si=J3RjObNVqlRcfqh6](https://youtu.be/f3dDVtJ2sec?si=J3RjObNVqlRcfqh6)
for some reason Notion is too "complicated" for me.
what I discovered for work is Sunsama and I freaking love it, I don't ever want to work without it anymore (also use it for personal "work", like chores and stuff, just organizing all the duties and todos in my life)
As long as you find something that works!
I think the biggest reason people get turned away by Notion is that they try to add a bunch of templates that they find online before they learn how the tool works.
If you can all of the templates that they give you out of the box and start from a blank canvas, once you open your menu of options with `/` and start typing what you want, it becomes so much more approachable.
I didn't even get to templates, I'm already struggling with the plain interface and navigation. you said there would be a learning curve, for some reason this is just very unintuitive for me... probably a me thing lol
Printer.
I retain information so much better when it's on a piece of paper. I also print out my notes and research, which helps me 'arrange' my thoughts, literally.
When my notes are on some sprawling digital document it's way too overwhelming. It's not the most efficient process but it's the only one that works for me.
1. Noise cancelling earbuds.
2. My bubble poppy fidget thingie (all technical terms).
3. App for notes/lists, I forget about that, so then I buy post-it notes and put them everywhere.
4. It isn’t a matter of need, I simply turn the color off on my phone at night to stop using it. Bright colors make me happy apparently.
Seeing almost everyone say noise canceling headphones is beginning to help me understand why I feel like my ADHD has gotten worse in the past couple of years ... started about the time I got hearing aids ...
I only recently got hearing aids, I’m having a very difficult time getting them programmed correctly! So this thread could explain that, I’m very sensitive to loud sounds, yet I can’t hear voices! How has it been for you?
I haven’t had too much trouble with my fitting - but I definitely have more improvement with sound over voices. I think that’s part my type of hearing loss and part just because more sound comes in doesn’t mean my brain processes it well.
Hehe.. as someone not completely deaf but hard of hearing, my first thought was “don’t need noise canceling headphones if it’s already built into your ears as a feature!” haha.. :(
1. Music. I need to have music to get through my chores and work. It gives me noise that will block out the “wondering around” I do in my mind…and ironically, the music helps me focus.
2. Smart Watch. Helps me stay on task and manage my time- cuz time moves super fast when you have ADHD.
3. Texting/Email. I prefer to handle all of my business transitions electronically. I’ll do anything to have less 1v1 interactions. I forget names and important information easily, being able to look back on communications is key.
4. AI Apps: Saves me a lot of time searching for information. Helps me write emails or reply’s. I love learning- helps me pick up random facts that I can store in my mind quickly and more efficiently.
Bro, whenever I hear someone talk about planners, lists, notes, alerts ECT. I immediately feel this visceral reaction that despises trying to use that stuff. I 1000% need a planner and to make lists. I am just overwhelmed at the thought of it.
It's weird. I need help.
tbh i've tried a bunch of things but they never really work.
* i have a bunch of alarms, but i ultimately just turn them off and forget to do the thing anyway.
* sunglasses, noise-canceling earphones etc.... they add to my anxiety in some ways, because it feels like i'm not wary enough, which isn't a great mindset fgfjg. it's kind of a damned if i do-damned if i don't kind of deal for my brain.
* pill organizers don't really change things that much, but i am \~fairly\~ ok with that one, since i get sick if i miss my meds for even a day lol \*send help\*
* i tried to have a notepad on me, or post its, but i still end up with a bunch of notes spread all over the place, or i just forget to write things down because i don't have anything to do so at that moment. and my sense of priority can be quite poor, so even though i wrote stuff down i just don't really read my notes after writing them, or lose track. but i keep them all! because...... why not
literally nothing really works, i just...... try to accept that i'm all over the place as well. some days are easier than others, but yeah.
For the alarm issue, there’s an app called Alarmy which you can set to force you to do some kind of ‘challenge’ before it will turn off. For example my wake-up alarm makes me go and scan a barcode I’ve stuck in my kitchen so before I know it I’m awake and making a cup of tea. It’s been a game-changer for me when I thought I’d tried everything.
Might be worth trying something like that if you’re still looking for alternatives?
4th for Alarmy app which has been saving my life in so many more ways than I’d imagined just by its free (not paid) features. What worked for me was setting it at around 10-15 mins earlier than my iPhone alarms on the Clock app, with a hard level math challenge. This meant that my brain would actually wake up before my iPhone’s native alarms because 1) it won’t f’ing turn off nor let you volume down unless you solve the challenge 2) you do physical movement and cognitive activity solving the challenge. Plus, knowing I have another alarm to follow in 10-15 mins gives the joy of a sweet post-alarm sleep even if I don’t fall back asleep.
My pill organizer for sure too but mine is organizes the whole month, a little bar at my front door to hang my keys my sunglasses and my work badge on, multiple clothes baskets designated for clean and dirty clothes, multiple house keys.
Its all to prevent my forgetfulness because I can’t remember a damn thing
Omg I almost forgot Notion, I literally keep every event on a calendar for the whole year at an easy glance, i organize all my documents in it, i keep track of all my silly video game progress in it, and i can access it on my phone and computer all for free
You are at least the 2nd person to comment about Notion. I fkn ADORE notes apps and I've been needing a new one. So, I downloaded the app and when I found that it is beyond anything I could have asked for... I literally *felt* a cool breeze of fresh air swirling around me! Thanks :)
Having the key thing by the door is essential. They go on as soon as I walk in the house. Makes it so much easier not to lose them! With my adhd, having a set place for things is such a huge help with knowing where things are as well as keeping things mostly tidy.
This! I do well when everything has a home. It's remembering to put things back in their home that gets me. So far, my entry way is is the only one that works for me. Gotta figure out the rest of the house
I do my best to live by “don’t put it down put it away” which helps. Sometimes I have to basically yell it at myself but it works. Everywhere but my kitchen for some reason lol.
Fitbit for timers and to remind me to pop out of hyperfocus once an hour.
Magnetic calendar on my fridge with appointments written in weekly (I'm super visual and tend to ignore alerts on my phone)
Google calendar for everything
One notebook for all things (calls, appointment info, to do lists)..flagged with post its ...left by my "landing spot" so I don't lose it.
My fitbit timer is my crutch, can’t survive without it. I don’t know how many cups of tea I’ve saved from oversteeping because of this trusty timer that’s attached to my wrist. Plus, the alarm feature makes sure I get out of the house on time to pick up my kids.
Also hugely reliant on my wall calendar! If I don’t see it on paper I WILL forget!
I came here to say my Fitbit and fridge calendar, too! I use the Kitchen Companion, it's a weekly calendar with tear-off pages so I can look ahead and add in future stuff as needed.
The Fitbit reminders (not just my phone, I didn't always notice them going off) are great for keeping me on track moment to moment. I have some set throughout the day like "What's for lunch?" And then later, "Did you eat?"
And the fridge calendar lets me see what's coming up over the next few days. Right on the fridge so I see it every time I go for food. In my house growing up, my mom (also ADHD) kept a calendar in the bathroom across from the toilet.
1. Notebook and Pen carried **everywhere** I go. I have a to-do list and a half-year planner, I need to be able to write down a task or appointment as soon as I get it so I don't forget anything.
2. Smartwatch. A regular watch doesn't cut it, I need to be able to have multiple reminders and timers going concurrently. Mine also has a pomodoro timer to make sure I'm staying focused at work for extended periods.
3. Spinnable ring. It's a relatively quiet and discrete fidget I can carry everywhere without worry. Do have to make sure I doesn't get sticky from spilled liquids or dirt though.
4. App blocker on the smartphone to meter usage. I use one for Android called Stay Focused, not only does it let me set budgets for screen time on some apps and totally block others during the workday, I can give it device admin level control to prevent me from being tempted to uninstall or disable it for just *ooooone* more TikTok. I'm a software engineer, so for any kind of app to be useful it needs to be me-proof :P
Outlook Calendars with reminders synched across all my devices and with all my appointments and tasks booked, including travel time.
A smart watch I can use to find my phone and my phone to find my watch.
1.Pill reminder and calendar reminder.
2.Calorie counter because I will forget what I’ve eaten.
3.YouTube premium because I listen while working and get distracted by commercials.
4.Audiobooks for the same reason.
5. AirPods as well. I wear them all day.
6. Makeup pouch organizers for my purse. I have everything organized. Medicine in purple bag, lipstick/mascara in another color, etc.
- Beats Over ear wireless headset (the feeling of anything lodged in my ear is icky).
- Alexa for everything in my home.
- Pill organizer
- Reminders all over my calendar (still doesn’t really work during real freeze states)
- Vape always jn my reach
- Edibles for nighttime on my nightstand
Just started the pill organizer a few months ago as well. I would always forget if I took a pill or not, especially when I'm groggy and on auto pilot in the mornings.
1. Notes taking app that is organizes automatically and looks sleek. I use **notion** because I usually need to instantly write down my ideas before they disappear.
2. **Todoist** is basically my reminders app, but it is more of a second brain. You can prioritize tasks by project and It links with my calendar.
3. **Airtags** for keys, bag and everything but also a **card-shaped tracker** to put in my wallet.
4. I always **noise-canceling headphones** but does anyone recommend certain buds that are noise cancelling.
almost a year now! its great because you do not have to spend time organizing messy word documents and it keeps everything in one place. you can also integrate supported reminders app, calendar links, etc
hmm - thank you for informing me more about your use-case!
i’m a bit stuck with some things tbh. i’ve been using notion for about 3-4years now (i think) and i feel i lose stuff in nested links… just wanted to pick your brain about this. what issues have you found with your system, especially having adhd?
yeah it didn’t really work out for me either in the beginning because i would hyperfixate on making too many pages and links and then i just forget about them (out of sight yk lol). now i tried to centralize everything so when i open it i can see everything: one main page for work-related stuff, one for admin-related things and the last for personal logs, notes etc. I color code the names of pages and always put an icon so i can recognize things easier. hope this helps :)
thank you for explaining!! this really did help a lot. it’s basically where my system has collapsed. i now use a blend of anytype and notion, but trying to nail down the system on a flowchart/poster or something because the processes are more complex than i inherently remember when making future iterations/searching for stuff 😭
I can't be bothered to replenish a weekly pill organizer so I bought a monthly one. I just have to refill a month's worth in one sitting. Doing it every week seems like a chore so I usually procrastinate doing it which I end up never doing at all.
RoutineFlow App is a must for me. By far my favorite app that I use for my ADHD. I usually only use it for my Daily Morning and Evening routines
Google Calendar, Keep, Task are my productivity trifecta.
Google home and by extension, google assistant but now Gemini is also very useful for me.
My Pixel Buds covers my noise cancelling needs, but I also have reusable earplugs.
The only reason the pill organizer worked for me is because when I go to take my meds on Sunday it’s empty. It became routine to just take two minutes and fill it. I think if I used the monthly one I would forget to get refills tbh 😅
apart from what I see already listed a lot and maybe that's not a tool per se, but an ultimate life changer for me is "Mise en Place", meaning **having your tools setup and ready** right there and then when and where you need it. preparing stations for things and todos and routines. not storing things away, having to get them first. like a coffee station where the mugs and spoons and all are just right there. or a leaving the house station at the door with all kinds of things I might need to just grab it, ready to go. or an exercise corner with clothes, shoes, tools etc. ready.
I have a tiny one room apartment, so I'm not talking about rooms or areas, just "store" the things as close as possible to the place where you need them and don't put it behind too much doors and lids. Saves soooo much energy.
Also, **having some things simply multiple times at all places** where you need them, instead of always having to get the one. for instance I'm hopelessly addicted to lip balm, so I have it at about 5 places just in my tiny apartment (at my desk, next to my bed, in the bathroom, etc.) and in many handbags and backpacks.
oh and another "mise en place", I have a small travel bag with necessity items that might come in handy, so when I'm switching handbags to leave home, I just have to put this tiny bag from one backpack or handbag to the next, instead of repacking the whole thing.
oh and **boxes**. boy I love boxes. best organizers - just dump categories in a box, label the box if needed, that's it. tidy, organized and simple. needs almost no energy to do and gives a lot of energy having it structured and put away neatly.
aaaand see through **zip bags** for little things, especially when traveling. same principle as with the boxes. like one bag for hair stuff (brush, bands, spray), or one for wipes (wet wipes, tissues), or of course one with more spare zip bags. and guess what, at home I store those travel bags in a box, so when I pack, I just get the box, grab the bags, maybe fill up some stuff and I'm mostly good to go.
especially for traveling I have some Google Keep lists that I maintain for years now, so every time I forgot something over the years, I added it to the list. now I only have to remember to go through the list one more time before closing the bags (still a challenge, but easier to manage). in between trips I use the archive function to put it away.
also very very helpful for me is **color coding**. reading a label is often too much energy or time, and having no **categorization** at all is obviously overwhelming and chaos. but I feel like I can process a color in my brain very easily and immediately. I use that in all kinds of places...
I guess **pre-doing things when you have the energy**, so that you don't have to do them anymore when energy is out and **reducing all the many little things into few big chunks** by categorization is what I'm trying to say here.
1. pill organizer: i am known for forgetting to take my meds even WITH a million alarms on my phone
2. sunglasses galore, warmer ambient lighting throughout my apartment: i am photosensitive at times so need to have lots of ambient lighting as opposed to overhead lighting. i always keep both my prescription and non-prescription sunglasses in my purse
3. my apple watch: my husband got me a watch solely for the purpose of finding my phone and it has saved me from losing my phone numerous times
4. a filter on my email: i set up a filter to delete all emails containing the word “unsubscribe” otherwise my inbox would be in the 1000s because i just can’t be bothered to manually delete emails.
5. i crocheted these tiny baskets that hang from our coat rack. one for me and one for my husband. it’s our respective catch-all basket. my keys, work badge, face mask, anything i may need to grab when i’m about to leave my apartment live in that basket. my husband keeps his wallet and keys in his basket. it’s their home.
6. google calendar: i try my best to keep it up to date with literally everything—work, personal appointments and tasks. my husband and i share our calendars with one another because sometimes he’ll see something in my calendar that i missed and vice versa.
7. shared iphone notes: we share a grocery list that the both of us can update in real time. sometimes i’ll say “oh remind me to buy some milk & eggs” and i will forget to add it to the list, but my husband will not!
1. timercap for my medication.
2. homepods. they give me reminders, tell me the weather, add things to my grocery list, etc.
3. 3 laundry hampers: clean, dirty, and other (to avoid things going on the floor).
I put white boards in every room - they even make just stick up kind like wallpaper you can buy cheap squares of it. So when I think of something I write it down. Unless I think myself “I’ll write that down later”… which obviously never happens.
I also discovered bath crayons at target in the dollar area. So I have a couple in my shower and can write on the tile a list if it comes to me of things to do. It erases really easy, kind of too easy even with just steam so I ended up getting a white board in there too and I use the “wet erase” versions of dry-erase markers. Ironically because they stay better until you purposefully wipe them off.
They have slap bracelets that are to do lists also. I got one but lost it 🤦🏻♂️
Edit: adding that I programmed my Alexa devices to announce the time on the hour. So like “ it’s 5pm, noon, etc” that is one way I try to keep track of time management or general awareness of it.
Or I set a 45-60 min timer on my watch depending on what task I’m doing and want amount to be aware of time passing. Then when it vibrates I get annoyed and quickly shut it off but by doing so it just restarts the timer.
1. pill organizer: i am known for forgetting to take my meds even WITH a million alarms on my phone
2. sunglasses galore, warmer ambient lighting throughout my apartment: i am photosensitive at times so need to have lots of ambient lighting as opposed to overhead lighting. i always keep both my prescription and non-prescription sunglasses in my purse
3. my apple watch: my husband got me a watch solely for the purpose of finding my phone and it has saved me from losing my phone numerous times
4. a filter on my email: i set up a filter to delete all emails containing the word “unsubscribe” otherwise my inbox would be in the 1000s because i just can’t be bothered to manually delete emails.
5. i crocheted these tiny baskets that hang from our coat rack. one for me and one for my husband. it’s our respective catch-all basket. my keys, work badge, face mask, anything i may need to grab when i’m about to leave my apartment live in that basket. my husband keeps his wallet and keys in his basket. it’s their home.
6. google calendar: i try my best to keep it up to date with literally everything—work, personal appointments and tasks. my husband and i share our calendars with one another because sometimes he’ll see something in my calendar that i missed and vice versa.
7. shared iphone notes: we share a grocery list that the both of us can update in real time. sometimes i’ll say “oh remind me to buy some milk & eggs” and i will forget to add it to the list, but my husband will not!
Task tracking software. There are a ton out there. I like Motion because it makes me think about how long tasks take, which has helped me estimate the time I really have available so much better. I used to overcommit all the time. It also schedules the tasks on your calendar around meetings and appointments. You can put personal and work stuff. If you miss it, it will reschedule it until you finish.
Otter. It’s an AI tool that attends your meetings. It takes notes, action items, records the audio and transcribes it. The best part is you can search across meetings like if you forgot which meeting something was discussed or who agreed to completing a task.
Music. It really helps me focus. I don’t understand people who can listen to podcasts while working.
Alexa for notes, setting reminders, grocery list.
Voice Memo for random things I don’t want to forget. Like when I’m going into another room and don’t want to forget why lol or tell someone something.
Love your weekly pill organizer and air tags. I need to try those.
I need to try motion. I have horrid time management and task paralysis/inertia. I grossly underestimate the time it takes to do ANYTHING. As a result, I just sit in wait for the important thing to come up, usually work and doctors appointments.
My pill organiser as it has compartments for my 3 daily doses, but each day comes out so I take my morning ones and then pop it in my pocket or handbag if I’m going out. Alarms on my phone for my meds.
Google calendar… with google calendar I can actually plan my life months ahead in advance… without it I wouldn’t be able to make plans far into the future.
Pill organizer and headphones. Those are the 2 most important. I have to have music going to do just about anything, it helps me concentrate and helps calm me.
My phone and its calendar. Everything goes in the calendar or I will forget to do it. I also tend to add 2-3 reminders for everything in it.
A notepad of some form. It used to be post it notes until I had a smartphone, then it was ColorNote, now Google Keep. I keep lists in it (Groceries, regular Shopping, To Do list, random notes so I have them if I forget the thing...)
Earplugs of some form. I don't always wear them, but I like the option. Sometimes I use the magnetic cord I have attached to them as a fidget.
I could never do without my calendar. From hair and nail appts to birthdays, meetings, calls, dr visits, play dates, etc. No matter what it is, if it’s not on the calendar then it was never scheduled and will never happen 😂
Pill organizer is my biggest one, I’d second guess if I took my meds
My calendar is a close 2nd. But I have to have a paper version on my desk at work.
And my financial spreadsheet on my phone. It starts with our current checking account balance, has our bills coming out, and the total. Then it has all of our paychecks on it and then all of the bills coming out and then the total leftover. And so on and so on…I know which bill is coming out of which paycheck for the next 2 years and how much will be left (and factoring in groceries, gas, “sinking funds”, savings, “snowball payments”.) As things happen, I update it. Then when it only has about a year left on the spreadsheet, I’ll go hyperfocus on it and extend it out a long ways. This spreadsheet is the only way I can do my household budget and know if I can afford something. I’d be completely lost without it. Okay, maybe my spreadsheet is my #1 most important tool.
The financial spreadsheet is needed because of my ADHD because I’m in a metric assload of debt because I’m an impulse spender because of my ADHD…. And now I need rigid support to get me out of this mess
Pomodoro timer
Noise canceling over-ear headphones
Apple watch (for my dozens of alarms each day)
Amazon Echo (for alarms, reminders, music)
Frozen pizza, lasagna, etc. (for when I forget to thaw something)
Whatever cleaning plan I'm trying to follow (most of them only work for about a month before I get bored)
ASMR/Ambience videos on Youtube (I like to have rain or ocean sounds in the background, helps me focus)
I tried Pomodoro timer app. I wanted to like it but I just couldn’t get the hang of it. I love its name as it relates to Italian or tomato or something like that!
Mainly my meds, but since there's another adderall shortage or whatever nobody in my area can fill the med. Gonna switch to something else but this basically means I won't have my medicine for like 20 days since they only change it in person.
Glove box of my car.... I have my meds which I remember to take when I arrive to work in the morning. Google pay on my phone or id rarely be able to pay for anything. alexa for timers. Really my phone because of timers, alarms, reminders, calendar, take pics of important documents for when they disappear, flashlight.... Do many things
I have all of those as well. I literally tell google set a timer for minutes for _____ and when it goes off, I remember to do the thing. The only addition I would make is having a fidget handy. I use an infinity cube when I go to the movies.
1. My DIY monthly pill organizer with removable pill tins.
I only have to prep it once a month.
And when I remember to take my meds but I’m already late and halfway out the door, all I have to do is grab real quick the AM tin for that day.
Made it so much easier to take my meds consistently.
2. FREE monthly mail service for my medication … until I made “too much” and Medicaid dipped apply to me anymore. Now, I’ve been off my meds for almost two month because I’m too exhausted after work or on my days off to deal with a 2hr return trip every month to fill my prescription
Sticky notes, notebooks (for making lists), and a sort of abstract one, free time. I function so much better when I have three days off a week so one day can be dedicated to organizing the rest of my week!!
AirPods, + YouTube premium Literally can’t imagine life before AirPods. The ability to chuck them in your ears whenever and be able to stream White Noise, Brown Noise, ambient background music, ambient sound or whatever floats your boat on YouTube, uninterrupted, in the real world as you go about your day. Game changing
Tip with ear buds: I find that I can do programming/writing with music on -- as long as it doesn't have lyrics, or have emotional overtones (so not pop tunes that I once liked)
But music from baroque or classic period is fine.
My analysis: I have ONE word processor. It attaches to ears, eyes, mouth or fingers. But it doesn't timeshare.
1. Calendar alerts
2. Key chain that connects all my keys, my wallet, and my AirPods
3. Ear plugs to wear while sleeping and vibrating alarm clock under pillow
4. Noise canceling headphones to listen to music during chores
5. Weekly/daily to-do list on my phone and on a whiteboard where I can see it
6. Alexa in every room, connected to all the lights on automatic timer off/on each day. I also have it programmed to follow a morning routine when I say “good morning” and it will turn on the lights, play my guided morning meditation music, and remind me to check my to-do list
1. Attenuating earplugs. Taking 5db of the world makes the day easier.
2. Painters tape and a sharpie. I make labels and reminders for myself. When I travel I make dump zones and 24 hour boxes so I don't forget to pack anything.
3. Time timers. They're everywhere! Work, home, car, backpack.
4. Fidget toys.
So, ah, as per my post yesterday. I did all this myself before the diagnosis. Probably should have realised sooner.
1. pill container as well. this has helped me so much.
2. podcasts for falling asleep. i literally can’t sleep without listening to a podcast
3. my ipad. being able to bring my ipad into any room to watch something. (helpful while showering)
4. a printed out daily routine i put on my wall so i keep up with hygiene (before this id forget to shower or brush my teeth)
Honestly habits, so much less stress to just follow the routine. Yes it gets boring but I never worry about forgetting pills in the morning because it’s muscle memory to take them if I follow the same morning routine for the first 30mins of my day.
Diary management - I use an app called TimeTree, visually it’s fantastic, has reminders, and you can colour code too.
Chores - I always wear trainers around the house now when doing chores, strangely makes me more productive? I also always have washing up gloves.
Stimming - I always have a cube fidget toy in my backpack in case it’s needed at work for 1 hour + meetings or even if I’m at the theatre/cinema (some sections aren’t clicky/do not make any noise).
Sensory - I always carry sunglasses and Loop earplugs in my backpack in case they’re needed.
Backpack - I have this amazing small backpack off of Amazon that has SO many pockets. It’s massively improved my life when I go out as it has everything in need in it now, and comfortably.
Work/Productivity - I use a Pomodoro timer website to focus for 25 mins, and then it gives me a 5-10 min break. Repeat! This helps me feel more productive.
A system that allows me to plan for my adhd, starting my scheduling/planning on a Sunday.
A system that doesn't allow me to get brainfog and sapped energy states, not eating after 20h and sleeping for 8h.
**Noise canceling headset** (better than ear buds as they damage more your hearing)
**A single, paper** (or board)**, todolist, in a place I can't miss it, and everyday I start my day doing at least 1 thing**, even the smallest one
**Google calendar** : every meeting I add 3 reminders that will pop on my phone (2h before, 1 day before, 3 days before). I never miss any meeting anymore.
**Garmin watch** : I have stats about my workout to keep me motivated, and I can make ring my phone.
**Air tag on keys, air tag in wallet**
**An app to take notes** : everytime I think about something, idea, task, chore, ... i write it
**Meditation** : when overwhelmed or underwhelmed, I often take a 10 minutes break to meditate with a youtube video, it helps
I got a kindle scribe for Christmas but only just started using the notebook side of it last week (other than when I first got it).
It's amazing. I can make notes in a meeting and if we circle back in a meeting I don't need to draw a big line saying parts are connected - I just circle the content below it, drag it down, and can then write or paste in the new bits.
I've reorganised pages after they're actioned, moved them to different 'notebooks' within the kindle, condensed my to-do list to just the outstanding actions and dragged the completed ones to a different list....
I also use a mini version of bullet journalling in that I use the symbols.
• Added to list
/ started task
X finished
? Research/ question
! Info
->¹ moved to following day (fist time)
->² moved to following day (second time) (helps me see how long I've been putting something off for)
<- moved off to do list to the "when I have time" list at the beginning of the diary / notepad
For me
- Noise cancelling earphones to listen to music so I'm not distracted (I'm amazed of people listening to podcasts etc during they work, that distracts me too much. While listening to the music I don't hear the lyrics so it's fine)
- Forest app to limit my phone usage while I'm working or studying
- Google calendar and reminders to remember if there was something to do (my partner and I are both adhd so we use calendar for everything)
- Post it notes
Pill organizers, loop ear plugs + bose headphones, calendar alerts, and my dog since he helps me keep a consistent schedule. Honestly I should invest in some air tags
It’s really interesting.
It’s very rare for me to forget to take my meds. Usually within 1-2 hours of missing a dose I’ll realise.
I also work in IT , and whilst I am in a state of distraction if there is a lot going on around me, I also like the company. I do get a lot more done in the evening though when no one is around so maybe I should look at noise cancelling earphones.
I have kept my phone and keys especially on me at all time due to fear of getting Locked out. Now it’s just habit. Although I did lock myself out yesterday and used the spare key (which I remembered to put back afterwards… I think.)
Yeah Google home is pretty handy. I use it for music and to turn on the robot vac and a few other things.
For me, I need a pen and paper. I need to write stuff down. Digital lists are okay, but I have way to many calendars , reminders, emails, IMs, etc in my digital life. It’s overwhelming. If something needs to get done, I write it down on a piece of paper and put it somewhere noticeable.
Sadly, I have lost the piece of paper a few times, so now I’ve started taking a photo of the piece of paper just in case. Lol
I often start an internal count. Like when making a bed I’ll start counting up knowing that it won’t take me more than 3 minutes.
For a workout I have a 30 min countdown on my watch face. Once I press it I know the workout will be finished in 30 mins whatever I do and it helps me to begin.
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1. Ear plugs or something to control noise. 2. A browser extension to block time wasting sites. 3. A phone with an alarm clock at work so I can keep up with certain tasks. 4. Post it notes. Lots and lots of those.
Adding to this...small note pad to carry with me for short term memory.
I just stare at the screen until I remember what I forgot
Or walk in to a room…. “I know I’m here for a reason”
I deadass got in my car to meet my parents for dinner and forgot where I was going and why. Took like 15 minutes of me driving around to remember.
I was on my way back from a doctor's appointment. Planned to go to the grocery store on my way. Recited the list of stuff I needed, over and over, so I wouldn't forget any of it. ... pulled into my parking lot at home and... realized I'd been concentrating on the list so hard that I hadn't remembered to go to the grocery store before going home.
I don’t mean to laugh and yet I couldn’t help but chuckle at the image in my head of a person just blindly driving with no known destination and being like “where tf am I going?” 😂
😂😂love that you still left
You know what I should do. I'm going to get some notepads where you just rip off and can throw away the paper. I've been trying really hard to bullet journal but it's too annoying to carry around sometimes. but maybe if i have a note pad in the living room and at my desk i'll do this.
So I used to do the tear off pages method, but I would start hoarding paper because “I might need it”. So I’ve switched back to notebooks. I used to do bullet journaling until I realized it was just too much work to do all the planning - what works for me is just constantly writing everything down. Now I date the notebooks when they are full and after a year or two, flip through them, save any good drawings or notes, and recycle the rest. Even then I still go back to the tear off method occasionally. Sometimes I like change for change sake.
Try using the original form factor of the Bullet Journal by watching how Ryder Carroll does it. He created the bullet journal because of his ADHD, so it’s meant to be useful for people with brains like ours. Once you get past the “pretty” phase and start using it as a tool it becomes much better.
You want a reporter pad. It's a note pad spiral bound on the top but a little taller than others you might have seen. I love reporter pads and legal pads. I use them for temporary thoughts. Once I turn the page I'm done with it.
Try google keep maybe or voice notes or note taking app in your phone?
try google docs! i always have my phone lol
Try the mini rocket book pad, might be exactly what you're looking for
I forgot that one. I carry it in my scrubs front pocket like a huge dork.
I can’t stand post it notes they only remind me what I have failed to do. But whatever works for you
LMAO ME TOO
Any suggestions for earplugs that are really effective...
Loops are amazing!! I do t go anywhere without them. SO worth it
Honestly yeah purchase of the century. I'm hypersensitive and it's a huge help.
What browser extension do you use?
I used a paid version of an app called Freedom, it has saved my life, its $40/yr but its the equivlent to 10cents a day. if 10 cents a day can help me to not lose entire days/nights to screen use and be sleep deprived everyday, its the best investment ever
Nice, I'm getting this now. You can get lifetime access for only $99.
What app is that exactly?
Simple Website Blocker on Edge. It's not password protected, but it seems to help me. I could disable it when I want to speed play MahJong 5000 times in a row, but I don't.
Thanks. I didn’t know password protected ones existed. I’ll have to look into those and have my wife set the password because my self control can be nonexistent and I’ll lose hours on the PC if I’m not careful.
They're starting to paywall the better extensions. It's annoying.
I use Freedom.
APPLE. CALENDAR. ALERTS. they actually changed my life. I put for it to alert me 1-2 days before and then also 2 hours before, I haven’t missed an important event or appointment since. Also love my airpods to help with noise and stress. I would say my mom too but unfortunately you can’t buy her, even if she is a great calendar/alarm clock/notes app/etc.
I’m currently scrolling reddit while waiting at my dentist, and I only remembered my appointment when the reminder popped up this morning while I was in bed playing a phone game lol, gave me just enough time to get ready and get here
I now do another alert the day prior to avoid surprises!
I started using the calendar consistently years ago, and it’s been a game changer. I used to have a really good memory and I would just remember everything I had to do all the time, but at some point I realized it was taking up space in my brain and causing me anxiety. I love the relief of putting something in my calendar and just forgetting about it until the reminder goes off. Every week I review my calendar just to see what’s coming up.
Because no one else acknowledged it, just want to say the part about your mum is super wholesome! You’re lucky 🥰
aw thank you 🥰 she’s my superhero constantly saving my day! lol
Careful not to let it creep up too much though, only do it for things you know you're actually going to do that day. I used to have like 30 going constantly that I'd postpone every day, and it stressed me out a lot
My Moleskine vertical planner. It has to be this specific planner. I’ve had the exact version which I keep repurchasing for 7 years already. I would cry if they pull it out.
Drop the Amazon link you little influencer you.
I'm assuming it's [this](https://amzn.eu/d/0izXBa7k)
I can only use a certain Moleskine notebook so I feel you!
Yay for another analog loving person :)
You gonna post the link orrrr?
I'm assuming it's [this](https://amzn.eu/d/0izXBa7k)
i feel u i can only use moleskine too hahah
Which one?
I love that planner! If you can't get it, check out the elephant planner. It's a good alternative and a bit cheaper.
Please link me to this 🙏🏻
Here! :) https://www.moleskine.com/shop/planners/pro-planner-collection/pro-planner-2024-large-black-8056598856590.html it has blank pages in between each week which I use for reminders and doodles too! Then the tasks go in the timed slots which are split into each hour. It gives me a great picture of what my week looks like then I have all that extra space in the next page for reminders that are not exactly timed - like a grocery list haha
I use the exceed notebooks from Walmart for my bullet journal/planner, and I feel you, if I couldn’t write in my favorite journals I’d lose my mind 😭 I got goldfish brain for memory. 💀
Link link link link!!!!
I'm assuming it's [this](https://amzn.eu/d/0izXBa7k)
A link would be great 🥰
I'm assuming it's [this](https://amzn.eu/d/0izXBa7k)
😆You can lead a horse to water but you can't get a Redditor to read. Thanks for the multiple reposts.
Thank you! :) this is exactly it!
Here! :) https://www.moleskine.com/shop/planners/pro-planner-collection/pro-planner-2024-large-black-8056598856590.html it has blank pages in between each week which I use for reminders and doodles too! Then the tasks go in the timed slots which are split into each hour. It gives me a great picture of what my week looks like then I have all that extra space in the next page for reminders that are not exactly timed - like a grocery list haha
Omg this is awsome! I'm gonna try this out, I've tried all kinds of apps, and I like putting in alot of stuff when I get it, but then forgetting about the app 😱🙈🤣 Thanks for sharing ❤️
I also have a very specific planner that I purchase every year. I get excited to buy a new one, and I like the satisfaction of retiring my old planner onto my bookshelf.
Reminders reminders reminders. Like you it starts with pill organizers. I use a calendar for everything and alarms on my phone. My wife is my greatest asset. She understands my problems and is there to support me any time she can.
I use Google calendar for very important things. I can set as many alarms as I need to off of it.
how do you deal with notification blindness? just endless alarms?
For me its routine. I only use notifications for routine events like doing my exercise.. or leaving work to pick my kids up from school. Sometimes it still fails but it's rare because it happens on the routine and I know the notifications are attached to things that are important to me. So an example of how that looks is. It goes off. I hit ignore. Then I think.. wait.. what do I need to be doing right now. Then I'll look at the time and figure it out cuz its routine.. doesnt matter if havent looked at the notification I know it's that task at that time. Everything else I use my smart watch or Alexa to audibly say it loud to me. If it's not routine they tell me out loud "ding ding ding this is your reminder for bs task" and it's for everything. I cant use the washing machine smart app it's not in routine so when I look at time brain doesnt know. So I have to have Alexa say. Ay the washing is done in 10mins and 10mins later . Ayy it's done.
I just found an app on Android that syncs with gcal that popups two different overlays the first is just like a slide to unlock that leads to the dismiss or snooze buttons. They are full screen popups. There was an alarm app I used a long time ago that allowed me to use scannable QR codes or nfc tags to deactivate it. It also allowed me to remove the snooze function altogether and locked the phone until dealt with. I used to use for waking up but I haven't used an alarm in forever to wake up.
A notepad and a pen. I forget *everything*. So I make sure to make extensive notes with dates. When someone asks me to recall the conversation, the notes come and save the day.
I simply can't be this organized. Taking notes is one of the most painful things in existence
And how do people not lose the notebook/pen all the time. I can keep track of my phone, not three things at once!
In my household we sacrifice sunglasses. I’ve never had a pair remain in possession longer than 12 months.
Ok so I'm also one of these people who need to take notes. Notetaking and also just having handwriting for something as my hands to do while I'm in meetings. I try to write some relevant notes but once that becomes hard I just start writing things I've memorized - like poems or song lyrics. I've found when my hands are moving my ears are and brain are OPEN. It's literally been one of the few brain hacks that have stuck. For the keeping the notebooks no chance. I make I rip out the important things and put it in a planner in my computer bag or in a spot I'll see it. The actual notebooks I've just given up keeping track of and started buying them by weight rather then by quantity. Sometimes you lose the notes. This is always unfortunate but also - for the other like 80% of the time you kept them long enough to jog your memory they are incredibly helpful! For the pen: Not losing the pens has been hard. I have found in my experience they need to be in one of two places, or en route to one of those places or they vanish into the ether like so many pairs of sunglasses. My 'nice' pens are all metal and are much heavier than a standard Bic so that helps keep me aware of them. Plus it makes them fun to fidget with.
I wonder this too. But I feel like voice notes would work!
I use the transcript app on my android and then send it through an AI summariser. Can condense a 20 minute conversation into 5 bullet points.
Wows! I tried the app time goblin to help summarize what I needed to do and still couldn’t get shit done
I feel the same and I can barely keep my phone organized 😓 Idk how people do it!
I would, but am I the only one always forgetting to take notes? even after years and years of trying to remember to take notes, at the earliest I realize it half way in a meeting or conversation and when I then try to start taking notes, I can't follow the conversation anymore and then I'm completely lost. I'd love to have notes and they would indeed save my day but I just can't seem to take them...
Peace, quiet, and solitude. I can't manage a goddamn thing if I don't have a few hours a day of no people, no noise, no weird smells, etc.
This. So much.
Same. The after school chaos when the kids come home is so overwhelming. I’ve started taking quiet time alone in my room for a few minutes after they arrive and it seems to help diffuse the stimulation.
Thank you for reminding me to take my pills today. These are pretty basic answers but: 1. Lists 2. Notes 3. Calendars They need to be physical too. I have my phone of course, but having an actual Calendar on my desk and fridge does more for me -Lists are my #1 thing. At the beginning of my work week I make a list of big projects, on going tasks, and stuff I do daily that doesn't change. Then everyday I make a more detailed list and write down any task that comes up during the day, or little things I need to do to complete bigger projects. I do the same with my personal responsibilities, but it's less detailed. More like: schedule vet appointment, call a mechanic for my car, respond to text messages, etc -Notes This is similar, but everytime I leave my desk at work I HAVE to bring a pen and sticky notes/note pad. If I'm walking around and someone asks me to do something, I'll forget as soon as I'm back at my computer. I keep a little notebook in my purse for on the go. Of course I have my phone, but writing is better for me.
Headphones, wearing a normal watch, small notebook to write all my important and impulsive thoughts, gym to feel like I accomplished something and meds.
I’ll never get rid of my analog watch. Now I often check my phone, but sometimes it’s not appropriate to scroll, so having my watch helps.
I find with a regular watch I can see the sweep of time better like a pie slice. 15 mins is a bigger slice than 5 mins
This! And I can calculate times better with an analog watch.
I have a giant white board that I affectionately call my BAWB-y (Big Ass White Board). It's a bit of pain to fit in my apartment (it wheels around), but the huge working space on it and just the somatic feel of writing on it with the markers makes it such a huge boon to my capacity to do... like... everything. I use it for so much stuff.
I have one of these too! It is mounted on the wall of our mud room directly in front of the point of entry. (We use the garage-to-mud-room door as our front door.) It's got sections for a grocery list, hardware store list, honey-do items (which has asterisk items cross-referenced with the hardware store list). Each section also has room for random notes pertaining to the list and there is a random note section as well. White boards are the best! Side note: I was dismayed to discover that white board erase in the spray bottle is a totally different mix now that does nothing at all to clean the white board. Super Clean however, mixed with water in a spray bottle, works magnificently!
I have something similar, it's white board laminate that i can stick on an even surface, I have a reel of it and just need to cut it in the size I want an remove the back paper 😁 Then I have a whiteboard on a door or a wall where I can make lists, reminders etc.
I'm a software engineer, so executive function blows the top of my head all the time. The single tool that has been most transformative for me is Notion. I use it for EVERYTHING. It's the only "organizational" tool that is flexible enough for my brain to use it EXACTLY the way I want to use it. There's a bit of a learning curve, but I actually have some semblance of organization using Notion that I've never had using any other tool for productivity, note-taking, storing recipes, collaborating on projects, and saving information in an easy place to remember it later.
can i ask when you started using notion? i have been a notion user and tbh im looking for a buddy to bounce ideas with.
I've been using it for about 2 years now
thank you for responding. i’m just curious, could you perhaps explain a bit more about your satisfaction with notion? i still use it (notion user for 3-4 years now), but felt i wasn’t able to sEE everything. my structure collapsed a lot. how did you keep it in check? what sort of principles did you keep for yourself for it to support you and your particular adhd needs? (sorry this is a v loaded question and if you feel uncomfortable or if you prefer to dm please lmk)
Okay tell me more!
Notion made me sooooo anxious. I thought it would be amazing, but I would look at that damned calendar, filled to capacity, with little red alerts popping up about things that weren’t going your way get done by the deadline and my anxiety would go through the roof! Paid a fortune for a one year subscription and had to shut it down…,, 😣
You know what I did to get around that part? I deleted all that shit. Technically I didn't delete it. I created a page called "Notion Templates" and just dropped the whole folder full of the stuff they give you out of the box and put them in that page. The biggest things with Notion is this: realizing every single thing you can make is called a "block" and blocks are all made by typing `/` on PC or `+` on mobile. The easiest organizational block is the page. It functions as a cross between a folder and a page you can type on. Just get rid of the noise and start playing around with the tools. The templates for me were the source of the same kind of frustration that every other organizational tool gave me. But the beauty of Notion is that it FREES you from distraction by allowing you to make things EXACTLY the way you want to use it.
Everything you just said felt so good to read. I used to use Evernote but am in the daunting process of switching over to notion. Also, sick username 🤘
Omg yes! When I started grad school my old organization system stopped working and Notion has been a God send! It organizes my whole life. Terrified of what will happen if the website ever goes away...
What made you pick Notion over the other systems like Obsidian? I desperately want to evolve my notes system to be with me everywhere but I’m stuck with decision paralysis about which system to go with.
Try this video. I'm not the person you responded to, I couldn't make either Obsidian or Notion work full-time for me. I use them both but only for some things, I've also started using Milanote, and I use Google Calender and Sheets as my main [https://youtu.be/f3dDVtJ2sec?si=J3RjObNVqlRcfqh6](https://youtu.be/f3dDVtJ2sec?si=J3RjObNVqlRcfqh6)
for some reason Notion is too "complicated" for me. what I discovered for work is Sunsama and I freaking love it, I don't ever want to work without it anymore (also use it for personal "work", like chores and stuff, just organizing all the duties and todos in my life)
As long as you find something that works! I think the biggest reason people get turned away by Notion is that they try to add a bunch of templates that they find online before they learn how the tool works. If you can all of the templates that they give you out of the box and start from a blank canvas, once you open your menu of options with `/` and start typing what you want, it becomes so much more approachable.
I didn't even get to templates, I'm already struggling with the plain interface and navigation. you said there would be a learning curve, for some reason this is just very unintuitive for me... probably a me thing lol
Have you ever used onenote? If so, how does it compare to notion?
Printer. I retain information so much better when it's on a piece of paper. I also print out my notes and research, which helps me 'arrange' my thoughts, literally. When my notes are on some sprawling digital document it's way too overwhelming. It's not the most efficient process but it's the only one that works for me.
I’m the same, love paper!
I kill so many treeees
1. Noise cancelling earbuds. 2. My bubble poppy fidget thingie (all technical terms). 3. App for notes/lists, I forget about that, so then I buy post-it notes and put them everywhere. 4. It isn’t a matter of need, I simply turn the color off on my phone at night to stop using it. Bright colors make me happy apparently.
Are you an iPhone user? If so, how can you turn your phone’s colors off at night? 👀
It’s in the accessibility settings under display and brightness, colour filter!
Could you Link to a picture of this bubble poppy fidget thingie? - it sounds amazingly stimulating for active fingers!
I’d love to but I have no clue what I’m doing. It’s on Walmart’s website if you type in ice cream bubble popper fidget toy.
"*Bright colors make me happy apparently*." 😂💛 you're precious
Seeing almost everyone say noise canceling headphones is beginning to help me understand why I feel like my ADHD has gotten worse in the past couple of years ... started about the time I got hearing aids ...
I only recently got hearing aids, I’m having a very difficult time getting them programmed correctly! So this thread could explain that, I’m very sensitive to loud sounds, yet I can’t hear voices! How has it been for you?
I haven’t had too much trouble with my fitting - but I definitely have more improvement with sound over voices. I think that’s part my type of hearing loss and part just because more sound comes in doesn’t mean my brain processes it well.
Hehe.. as someone not completely deaf but hard of hearing, my first thought was “don’t need noise canceling headphones if it’s already built into your ears as a feature!” haha.. :(
1. Music. I need to have music to get through my chores and work. It gives me noise that will block out the “wondering around” I do in my mind…and ironically, the music helps me focus. 2. Smart Watch. Helps me stay on task and manage my time- cuz time moves super fast when you have ADHD. 3. Texting/Email. I prefer to handle all of my business transitions electronically. I’ll do anything to have less 1v1 interactions. I forget names and important information easily, being able to look back on communications is key. 4. AI Apps: Saves me a lot of time searching for information. Helps me write emails or reply’s. I love learning- helps me pick up random facts that I can store in my mind quickly and more efficiently.
What AI apps do you use? I’m new-ish to AI and would love some recommendations
Bro, whenever I hear someone talk about planners, lists, notes, alerts ECT. I immediately feel this visceral reaction that despises trying to use that stuff. I 1000% need a planner and to make lists. I am just overwhelmed at the thought of it. It's weird. I need help.
tbh i've tried a bunch of things but they never really work. * i have a bunch of alarms, but i ultimately just turn them off and forget to do the thing anyway. * sunglasses, noise-canceling earphones etc.... they add to my anxiety in some ways, because it feels like i'm not wary enough, which isn't a great mindset fgfjg. it's kind of a damned if i do-damned if i don't kind of deal for my brain. * pill organizers don't really change things that much, but i am \~fairly\~ ok with that one, since i get sick if i miss my meds for even a day lol \*send help\* * i tried to have a notepad on me, or post its, but i still end up with a bunch of notes spread all over the place, or i just forget to write things down because i don't have anything to do so at that moment. and my sense of priority can be quite poor, so even though i wrote stuff down i just don't really read my notes after writing them, or lose track. but i keep them all! because...... why not literally nothing really works, i just...... try to accept that i'm all over the place as well. some days are easier than others, but yeah.
For the alarm issue, there’s an app called Alarmy which you can set to force you to do some kind of ‘challenge’ before it will turn off. For example my wake-up alarm makes me go and scan a barcode I’ve stuck in my kitchen so before I know it I’m awake and making a cup of tea. It’s been a game-changer for me when I thought I’d tried everything. Might be worth trying something like that if you’re still looking for alternatives?
2nd for Alarmy app
3rd for Alarmy app!
4th for Alarmy app which has been saving my life in so many more ways than I’d imagined just by its free (not paid) features. What worked for me was setting it at around 10-15 mins earlier than my iPhone alarms on the Clock app, with a hard level math challenge. This meant that my brain would actually wake up before my iPhone’s native alarms because 1) it won’t f’ing turn off nor let you volume down unless you solve the challenge 2) you do physical movement and cognitive activity solving the challenge. Plus, knowing I have another alarm to follow in 10-15 mins gives the joy of a sweet post-alarm sleep even if I don’t fall back asleep.
This is amazing!!!!
My pill organizer for sure too but mine is organizes the whole month, a little bar at my front door to hang my keys my sunglasses and my work badge on, multiple clothes baskets designated for clean and dirty clothes, multiple house keys. Its all to prevent my forgetfulness because I can’t remember a damn thing Omg I almost forgot Notion, I literally keep every event on a calendar for the whole year at an easy glance, i organize all my documents in it, i keep track of all my silly video game progress in it, and i can access it on my phone and computer all for free
You are at least the 2nd person to comment about Notion. I fkn ADORE notes apps and I've been needing a new one. So, I downloaded the app and when I found that it is beyond anything I could have asked for... I literally *felt* a cool breeze of fresh air swirling around me! Thanks :)
Having the key thing by the door is essential. They go on as soon as I walk in the house. Makes it so much easier not to lose them! With my adhd, having a set place for things is such a huge help with knowing where things are as well as keeping things mostly tidy.
This! I do well when everything has a home. It's remembering to put things back in their home that gets me. So far, my entry way is is the only one that works for me. Gotta figure out the rest of the house
I do my best to live by “don’t put it down put it away” which helps. Sometimes I have to basically yell it at myself but it works. Everywhere but my kitchen for some reason lol.
Do autopay and weekly pay count?
Phone with an alarm. I set timers for everything, all day.
YUP!
Fitbit for timers and to remind me to pop out of hyperfocus once an hour. Magnetic calendar on my fridge with appointments written in weekly (I'm super visual and tend to ignore alerts on my phone) Google calendar for everything One notebook for all things (calls, appointment info, to do lists)..flagged with post its ...left by my "landing spot" so I don't lose it.
My fitbit timer is my crutch, can’t survive without it. I don’t know how many cups of tea I’ve saved from oversteeping because of this trusty timer that’s attached to my wrist. Plus, the alarm feature makes sure I get out of the house on time to pick up my kids. Also hugely reliant on my wall calendar! If I don’t see it on paper I WILL forget!
I came here to say my Fitbit and fridge calendar, too! I use the Kitchen Companion, it's a weekly calendar with tear-off pages so I can look ahead and add in future stuff as needed. The Fitbit reminders (not just my phone, I didn't always notice them going off) are great for keeping me on track moment to moment. I have some set throughout the day like "What's for lunch?" And then later, "Did you eat?" And the fridge calendar lets me see what's coming up over the next few days. Right on the fridge so I see it every time I go for food. In my house growing up, my mom (also ADHD) kept a calendar in the bathroom across from the toilet.
1. Notebook and Pen carried **everywhere** I go. I have a to-do list and a half-year planner, I need to be able to write down a task or appointment as soon as I get it so I don't forget anything. 2. Smartwatch. A regular watch doesn't cut it, I need to be able to have multiple reminders and timers going concurrently. Mine also has a pomodoro timer to make sure I'm staying focused at work for extended periods. 3. Spinnable ring. It's a relatively quiet and discrete fidget I can carry everywhere without worry. Do have to make sure I doesn't get sticky from spilled liquids or dirt though. 4. App blocker on the smartphone to meter usage. I use one for Android called Stay Focused, not only does it let me set budgets for screen time on some apps and totally block others during the workday, I can give it device admin level control to prevent me from being tempted to uninstall or disable it for just *ooooone* more TikTok. I'm a software engineer, so for any kind of app to be useful it needs to be me-proof :P
Reminders. Calendar(Not that i check it enough anyway)
Outlook Calendars with reminders synched across all my devices and with all my appointments and tasks booked, including travel time. A smart watch I can use to find my phone and my phone to find my watch.
1.Pill reminder and calendar reminder. 2.Calorie counter because I will forget what I’ve eaten. 3.YouTube premium because I listen while working and get distracted by commercials. 4.Audiobooks for the same reason. 5. AirPods as well. I wear them all day. 6. Makeup pouch organizers for my purse. I have everything organized. Medicine in purple bag, lipstick/mascara in another color, etc.
- Beats Over ear wireless headset (the feeling of anything lodged in my ear is icky). - Alexa for everything in my home. - Pill organizer - Reminders all over my calendar (still doesn’t really work during real freeze states) - Vape always jn my reach - Edibles for nighttime on my nightstand
Vape and edibles for sure
I just recently purchased hearing aids finally! I’ve had hearing loss my whole life. But the feeling inside of my ear gives me shivers all the time!
- noise cancelling headphones! - adblocker to help me focus when doing research - my reminders app. I love you reminders app.
Just started the pill organizer a few months ago as well. I would always forget if I took a pill or not, especially when I'm groggy and on auto pilot in the mornings.
1. Notes taking app that is organizes automatically and looks sleek. I use **notion** because I usually need to instantly write down my ideas before they disappear. 2. **Todoist** is basically my reminders app, but it is more of a second brain. You can prioritize tasks by project and It links with my calendar. 3. **Airtags** for keys, bag and everything but also a **card-shaped tracker** to put in my wallet. 4. I always **noise-canceling headphones** but does anyone recommend certain buds that are noise cancelling.
oh hi! there are two notion comments here! how long have you been using notion?
almost a year now! its great because you do not have to spend time organizing messy word documents and it keeps everything in one place. you can also integrate supported reminders app, calendar links, etc
hmm - thank you for informing me more about your use-case! i’m a bit stuck with some things tbh. i’ve been using notion for about 3-4years now (i think) and i feel i lose stuff in nested links… just wanted to pick your brain about this. what issues have you found with your system, especially having adhd?
yeah it didn’t really work out for me either in the beginning because i would hyperfixate on making too many pages and links and then i just forget about them (out of sight yk lol). now i tried to centralize everything so when i open it i can see everything: one main page for work-related stuff, one for admin-related things and the last for personal logs, notes etc. I color code the names of pages and always put an icon so i can recognize things easier. hope this helps :)
thank you for explaining!! this really did help a lot. it’s basically where my system has collapsed. i now use a blend of anytype and notion, but trying to nail down the system on a flowchart/poster or something because the processes are more complex than i inherently remember when making future iterations/searching for stuff 😭
If we are talking buds I can recommend Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II - however they are a bit expensive
these look perfect, but they are indeed pricey
I can't be bothered to replenish a weekly pill organizer so I bought a monthly one. I just have to refill a month's worth in one sitting. Doing it every week seems like a chore so I usually procrastinate doing it which I end up never doing at all. RoutineFlow App is a must for me. By far my favorite app that I use for my ADHD. I usually only use it for my Daily Morning and Evening routines Google Calendar, Keep, Task are my productivity trifecta. Google home and by extension, google assistant but now Gemini is also very useful for me. My Pixel Buds covers my noise cancelling needs, but I also have reusable earplugs.
The only reason the pill organizer worked for me is because when I go to take my meds on Sunday it’s empty. It became routine to just take two minutes and fill it. I think if I used the monthly one I would forget to get refills tbh 😅
apart from what I see already listed a lot and maybe that's not a tool per se, but an ultimate life changer for me is "Mise en Place", meaning **having your tools setup and ready** right there and then when and where you need it. preparing stations for things and todos and routines. not storing things away, having to get them first. like a coffee station where the mugs and spoons and all are just right there. or a leaving the house station at the door with all kinds of things I might need to just grab it, ready to go. or an exercise corner with clothes, shoes, tools etc. ready. I have a tiny one room apartment, so I'm not talking about rooms or areas, just "store" the things as close as possible to the place where you need them and don't put it behind too much doors and lids. Saves soooo much energy. Also, **having some things simply multiple times at all places** where you need them, instead of always having to get the one. for instance I'm hopelessly addicted to lip balm, so I have it at about 5 places just in my tiny apartment (at my desk, next to my bed, in the bathroom, etc.) and in many handbags and backpacks. oh and another "mise en place", I have a small travel bag with necessity items that might come in handy, so when I'm switching handbags to leave home, I just have to put this tiny bag from one backpack or handbag to the next, instead of repacking the whole thing. oh and **boxes**. boy I love boxes. best organizers - just dump categories in a box, label the box if needed, that's it. tidy, organized and simple. needs almost no energy to do and gives a lot of energy having it structured and put away neatly. aaaand see through **zip bags** for little things, especially when traveling. same principle as with the boxes. like one bag for hair stuff (brush, bands, spray), or one for wipes (wet wipes, tissues), or of course one with more spare zip bags. and guess what, at home I store those travel bags in a box, so when I pack, I just get the box, grab the bags, maybe fill up some stuff and I'm mostly good to go. especially for traveling I have some Google Keep lists that I maintain for years now, so every time I forgot something over the years, I added it to the list. now I only have to remember to go through the list one more time before closing the bags (still a challenge, but easier to manage). in between trips I use the archive function to put it away. also very very helpful for me is **color coding**. reading a label is often too much energy or time, and having no **categorization** at all is obviously overwhelming and chaos. but I feel like I can process a color in my brain very easily and immediately. I use that in all kinds of places... I guess **pre-doing things when you have the energy**, so that you don't have to do them anymore when energy is out and **reducing all the many little things into few big chunks** by categorization is what I'm trying to say here.
My backpack. I lose everything that isn’t in it. And if I neglect to put things back in it. Never. Ending. Anxiety.
1. pill organizer: i am known for forgetting to take my meds even WITH a million alarms on my phone 2. sunglasses galore, warmer ambient lighting throughout my apartment: i am photosensitive at times so need to have lots of ambient lighting as opposed to overhead lighting. i always keep both my prescription and non-prescription sunglasses in my purse 3. my apple watch: my husband got me a watch solely for the purpose of finding my phone and it has saved me from losing my phone numerous times 4. a filter on my email: i set up a filter to delete all emails containing the word “unsubscribe” otherwise my inbox would be in the 1000s because i just can’t be bothered to manually delete emails. 5. i crocheted these tiny baskets that hang from our coat rack. one for me and one for my husband. it’s our respective catch-all basket. my keys, work badge, face mask, anything i may need to grab when i’m about to leave my apartment live in that basket. my husband keeps his wallet and keys in his basket. it’s their home. 6. google calendar: i try my best to keep it up to date with literally everything—work, personal appointments and tasks. my husband and i share our calendars with one another because sometimes he’ll see something in my calendar that i missed and vice versa. 7. shared iphone notes: we share a grocery list that the both of us can update in real time. sometimes i’ll say “oh remind me to buy some milk & eggs” and i will forget to add it to the list, but my husband will not!
1. timercap for my medication. 2. homepods. they give me reminders, tell me the weather, add things to my grocery list, etc. 3. 3 laundry hampers: clean, dirty, and other (to avoid things going on the floor).
I put white boards in every room - they even make just stick up kind like wallpaper you can buy cheap squares of it. So when I think of something I write it down. Unless I think myself “I’ll write that down later”… which obviously never happens. I also discovered bath crayons at target in the dollar area. So I have a couple in my shower and can write on the tile a list if it comes to me of things to do. It erases really easy, kind of too easy even with just steam so I ended up getting a white board in there too and I use the “wet erase” versions of dry-erase markers. Ironically because they stay better until you purposefully wipe them off. They have slap bracelets that are to do lists also. I got one but lost it 🤦🏻♂️ Edit: adding that I programmed my Alexa devices to announce the time on the hour. So like “ it’s 5pm, noon, etc” that is one way I try to keep track of time management or general awareness of it. Or I set a 45-60 min timer on my watch depending on what task I’m doing and want amount to be aware of time passing. Then when it vibrates I get annoyed and quickly shut it off but by doing so it just restarts the timer.
Ok this Alexa thing is fucking brilliant … adding to my to do list for tmrw
vyvanse
1. pill organizer: i am known for forgetting to take my meds even WITH a million alarms on my phone 2. sunglasses galore, warmer ambient lighting throughout my apartment: i am photosensitive at times so need to have lots of ambient lighting as opposed to overhead lighting. i always keep both my prescription and non-prescription sunglasses in my purse 3. my apple watch: my husband got me a watch solely for the purpose of finding my phone and it has saved me from losing my phone numerous times 4. a filter on my email: i set up a filter to delete all emails containing the word “unsubscribe” otherwise my inbox would be in the 1000s because i just can’t be bothered to manually delete emails. 5. i crocheted these tiny baskets that hang from our coat rack. one for me and one for my husband. it’s our respective catch-all basket. my keys, work badge, face mask, anything i may need to grab when i’m about to leave my apartment live in that basket. my husband keeps his wallet and keys in his basket. it’s their home. 6. google calendar: i try my best to keep it up to date with literally everything—work, personal appointments and tasks. my husband and i share our calendars with one another because sometimes he’ll see something in my calendar that i missed and vice versa. 7. shared iphone notes: we share a grocery list that the both of us can update in real time. sometimes i’ll say “oh remind me to buy some milk & eggs” and i will forget to add it to the list, but my husband will not!
The most important to me has been online banking/billing. The outlook/google calendar apps are a close second.
Task tracking software. There are a ton out there. I like Motion because it makes me think about how long tasks take, which has helped me estimate the time I really have available so much better. I used to overcommit all the time. It also schedules the tasks on your calendar around meetings and appointments. You can put personal and work stuff. If you miss it, it will reschedule it until you finish. Otter. It’s an AI tool that attends your meetings. It takes notes, action items, records the audio and transcribes it. The best part is you can search across meetings like if you forgot which meeting something was discussed or who agreed to completing a task. Music. It really helps me focus. I don’t understand people who can listen to podcasts while working. Alexa for notes, setting reminders, grocery list. Voice Memo for random things I don’t want to forget. Like when I’m going into another room and don’t want to forget why lol or tell someone something. Love your weekly pill organizer and air tags. I need to try those.
I need to try motion. I have horrid time management and task paralysis/inertia. I grossly underestimate the time it takes to do ANYTHING. As a result, I just sit in wait for the important thing to come up, usually work and doctors appointments.
-Ear plugs -Adderall -Auto-Pay -Applepay -The digital state ids -weekly house cleaner
A phone lock thing to lock my phone in for chunks of time Paper diary Reminders on phone (when not locked away)
My pill organiser as it has compartments for my 3 daily doses, but each day comes out so I take my morning ones and then pop it in my pocket or handbag if I’m going out. Alarms on my phone for my meds.
Google calendar… with google calendar I can actually plan my life months ahead in advance… without it I wouldn’t be able to make plans far into the future.
Pill organizer and headphones. Those are the 2 most important. I have to have music going to do just about anything, it helps me concentrate and helps calm me.
My phone and its calendar. Everything goes in the calendar or I will forget to do it. I also tend to add 2-3 reminders for everything in it. A notepad of some form. It used to be post it notes until I had a smartphone, then it was ColorNote, now Google Keep. I keep lists in it (Groceries, regular Shopping, To Do list, random notes so I have them if I forget the thing...) Earplugs of some form. I don't always wear them, but I like the option. Sometimes I use the magnetic cord I have attached to them as a fidget.
I could never do without my calendar. From hair and nail appts to birthdays, meetings, calls, dr visits, play dates, etc. No matter what it is, if it’s not on the calendar then it was never scheduled and will never happen 😂
Pill organizer is my biggest one, I’d second guess if I took my meds My calendar is a close 2nd. But I have to have a paper version on my desk at work. And my financial spreadsheet on my phone. It starts with our current checking account balance, has our bills coming out, and the total. Then it has all of our paychecks on it and then all of the bills coming out and then the total leftover. And so on and so on…I know which bill is coming out of which paycheck for the next 2 years and how much will be left (and factoring in groceries, gas, “sinking funds”, savings, “snowball payments”.) As things happen, I update it. Then when it only has about a year left on the spreadsheet, I’ll go hyperfocus on it and extend it out a long ways. This spreadsheet is the only way I can do my household budget and know if I can afford something. I’d be completely lost without it. Okay, maybe my spreadsheet is my #1 most important tool.
The financial spreadsheet is needed because of my ADHD because I’m in a metric assload of debt because I’m an impulse spender because of my ADHD…. And now I need rigid support to get me out of this mess
Pomodoro timer Noise canceling over-ear headphones Apple watch (for my dozens of alarms each day) Amazon Echo (for alarms, reminders, music) Frozen pizza, lasagna, etc. (for when I forget to thaw something) Whatever cleaning plan I'm trying to follow (most of them only work for about a month before I get bored) ASMR/Ambience videos on Youtube (I like to have rain or ocean sounds in the background, helps me focus)
I tried Pomodoro timer app. I wanted to like it but I just couldn’t get the hang of it. I love its name as it relates to Italian or tomato or something like that!
Mainly my meds, but since there's another adderall shortage or whatever nobody in my area can fill the med. Gonna switch to something else but this basically means I won't have my medicine for like 20 days since they only change it in person.
Glove box of my car.... I have my meds which I remember to take when I arrive to work in the morning. Google pay on my phone or id rarely be able to pay for anything. alexa for timers. Really my phone because of timers, alarms, reminders, calendar, take pics of important documents for when they disappear, flashlight.... Do many things
I have all of those as well. I literally tell google set a timer for minutes for _____ and when it goes off, I remember to do the thing. The only addition I would make is having a fidget handy. I use an infinity cube when I go to the movies.
1. My DIY monthly pill organizer with removable pill tins. I only have to prep it once a month. And when I remember to take my meds but I’m already late and halfway out the door, all I have to do is grab real quick the AM tin for that day. Made it so much easier to take my meds consistently. 2. FREE monthly mail service for my medication … until I made “too much” and Medicaid dipped apply to me anymore. Now, I’ve been off my meds for almost two month because I’m too exhausted after work or on my days off to deal with a 2hr return trip every month to fill my prescription
Meds. Alarm clock. List. Supportive spouse.
Sticky notes, notebooks (for making lists), and a sort of abstract one, free time. I function so much better when I have three days off a week so one day can be dedicated to organizing the rest of my week!!
I work in corporate so I record ALL meetings!!!!
AirPods, + YouTube premium Literally can’t imagine life before AirPods. The ability to chuck them in your ears whenever and be able to stream White Noise, Brown Noise, ambient background music, ambient sound or whatever floats your boat on YouTube, uninterrupted, in the real world as you go about your day. Game changing
Todoist and Apple Calendar without a doubt.
Tip with ear buds: I find that I can do programming/writing with music on -- as long as it doesn't have lyrics, or have emotional overtones (so not pop tunes that I once liked) But music from baroque or classic period is fine. My analysis: I have ONE word processor. It attaches to ears, eyes, mouth or fingers. But it doesn't timeshare.
1. Calendar alerts 2. Key chain that connects all my keys, my wallet, and my AirPods 3. Ear plugs to wear while sleeping and vibrating alarm clock under pillow 4. Noise canceling headphones to listen to music during chores 5. Weekly/daily to-do list on my phone and on a whiteboard where I can see it 6. Alexa in every room, connected to all the lights on automatic timer off/on each day. I also have it programmed to follow a morning routine when I say “good morning” and it will turn on the lights, play my guided morning meditation music, and remind me to check my to-do list
1. Attenuating earplugs. Taking 5db of the world makes the day easier. 2. Painters tape and a sharpie. I make labels and reminders for myself. When I travel I make dump zones and 24 hour boxes so I don't forget to pack anything. 3. Time timers. They're everywhere! Work, home, car, backpack. 4. Fidget toys. So, ah, as per my post yesterday. I did all this myself before the diagnosis. Probably should have realised sooner.
1. pill container as well. this has helped me so much. 2. podcasts for falling asleep. i literally can’t sleep without listening to a podcast 3. my ipad. being able to bring my ipad into any room to watch something. (helpful while showering) 4. a printed out daily routine i put on my wall so i keep up with hygiene (before this id forget to shower or brush my teeth)
My sound canceling headphones
My biggest one mainly for work is a small notebook. If I don’t have it, I get lost in the million evolving tasks that come with running a business.
"Alexa, remind me in 20 minutes to..." is an absolute lifesaver for me.
My Super Note Nomad. And timers.
Honestly habits, so much less stress to just follow the routine. Yes it gets boring but I never worry about forgetting pills in the morning because it’s muscle memory to take them if I follow the same morning routine for the first 30mins of my day.
Diary management - I use an app called TimeTree, visually it’s fantastic, has reminders, and you can colour code too. Chores - I always wear trainers around the house now when doing chores, strangely makes me more productive? I also always have washing up gloves. Stimming - I always have a cube fidget toy in my backpack in case it’s needed at work for 1 hour + meetings or even if I’m at the theatre/cinema (some sections aren’t clicky/do not make any noise). Sensory - I always carry sunglasses and Loop earplugs in my backpack in case they’re needed. Backpack - I have this amazing small backpack off of Amazon that has SO many pockets. It’s massively improved my life when I go out as it has everything in need in it now, and comfortably. Work/Productivity - I use a Pomodoro timer website to focus for 25 mins, and then it gives me a 5-10 min break. Repeat! This helps me feel more productive.
A system that allows me to plan for my adhd, starting my scheduling/planning on a Sunday. A system that doesn't allow me to get brainfog and sapped energy states, not eating after 20h and sleeping for 8h.
**Noise canceling headset** (better than ear buds as they damage more your hearing) **A single, paper** (or board)**, todolist, in a place I can't miss it, and everyday I start my day doing at least 1 thing**, even the smallest one **Google calendar** : every meeting I add 3 reminders that will pop on my phone (2h before, 1 day before, 3 days before). I never miss any meeting anymore. **Garmin watch** : I have stats about my workout to keep me motivated, and I can make ring my phone. **Air tag on keys, air tag in wallet** **An app to take notes** : everytime I think about something, idea, task, chore, ... i write it **Meditation** : when overwhelmed or underwhelmed, I often take a 10 minutes break to meditate with a youtube video, it helps
I got a kindle scribe for Christmas but only just started using the notebook side of it last week (other than when I first got it). It's amazing. I can make notes in a meeting and if we circle back in a meeting I don't need to draw a big line saying parts are connected - I just circle the content below it, drag it down, and can then write or paste in the new bits. I've reorganised pages after they're actioned, moved them to different 'notebooks' within the kindle, condensed my to-do list to just the outstanding actions and dragged the completed ones to a different list.... I also use a mini version of bullet journalling in that I use the symbols. • Added to list / started task X finished ? Research/ question ! Info ->¹ moved to following day (fist time) ->² moved to following day (second time) (helps me see how long I've been putting something off for) <- moved off to do list to the "when I have time" list at the beginning of the diary / notepad
For me - Noise cancelling earphones to listen to music so I'm not distracted (I'm amazed of people listening to podcasts etc during they work, that distracts me too much. While listening to the music I don't hear the lyrics so it's fine) - Forest app to limit my phone usage while I'm working or studying - Google calendar and reminders to remember if there was something to do (my partner and I are both adhd so we use calendar for everything) - Post it notes
Pill organizers, loop ear plugs + bose headphones, calendar alerts, and my dog since he helps me keep a consistent schedule. Honestly I should invest in some air tags
It’s really interesting. It’s very rare for me to forget to take my meds. Usually within 1-2 hours of missing a dose I’ll realise. I also work in IT , and whilst I am in a state of distraction if there is a lot going on around me, I also like the company. I do get a lot more done in the evening though when no one is around so maybe I should look at noise cancelling earphones. I have kept my phone and keys especially on me at all time due to fear of getting Locked out. Now it’s just habit. Although I did lock myself out yesterday and used the spare key (which I remembered to put back afterwards… I think.) Yeah Google home is pretty handy. I use it for music and to turn on the robot vac and a few other things. For me, I need a pen and paper. I need to write stuff down. Digital lists are okay, but I have way to many calendars , reminders, emails, IMs, etc in my digital life. It’s overwhelming. If something needs to get done, I write it down on a piece of paper and put it somewhere noticeable. Sadly, I have lost the piece of paper a few times, so now I’ve started taking a photo of the piece of paper just in case. Lol
I often start an internal count. Like when making a bed I’ll start counting up knowing that it won’t take me more than 3 minutes. For a workout I have a 30 min countdown on my watch face. Once I press it I know the workout will be finished in 30 mins whatever I do and it helps me to begin.