10 Productivity tips to Help ADHD Moms
Life as an ADHD mom is a whirlwind of love, laughter, and non-stop action. But amidst the chaos, finding focus and getting things done can feel like chasing a rainbow. I know, as this is how I felt, struggling all my life. I always wondered, “How can ADHD people be more productive?” (I mean, how can I get work done like others, I didn’t know I had ADHD until I was thirty). This is because me and my partner were both struggling with our ADHD traits without knowing what it was. But after learning how our brain works (I was an academic writer by profession for 5 years, so ADHD rabbit holes were my favourite to learn about our quirky ways).
That’s why I wish to share several tactics that helped overcome the productivity issues I had, to achieve my goals of financial growth, moving to a new country, managing my freelance work, and home chores while staying at home with a toddler. Let’s dive into powerful productivity techniques tailored for ADHD moms, helping you harness your unique strengths to conquer the to-do list and rock your mom game.
Table of Contents
1. Break Tasks down
Big tasks can be overwhelming and make us just avoid the task (Hi, task paralysis!!) Break them into bite-sized chunks that are easier to digest. You can even use the Pomodoros to do chunks of the task. Celebrate small victories, and before you know it, you’ve conquered Mount Everest one step at a time.
2. Time Blocking
Imagine having a magic wand that carves out chunks of time just for you. Enter time blocking! Divide your day into blocks, assigning specific tasks to each block. By using time blocking technique your attention isn’t scattered; it’s targeted and efficient. I’ve gone into details on how to use time blocking to increase your productivity in one of my articles on time blocking.
3. Prioritize Like a Pro
Being a mom often feels like you’ve already got too much on your plate, right? To manage everything on your plate, prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Tackle the biggest tasks when your energy is at its peak, and watch your productivity soar. If you need to understand how your energy levels are and where your time is being spent in the day, a time audit is a good place to start. By understanding what tasks you need to get done during the day and what tasks you are actually doing would help you prioritize your tasks more efficiently. I’ve gone into more details in my article on prioritizing tasks.
4. The Power of Mindfulness
Channel your inner Zen master by practicing mindfulness. It’s not about emptying your mind, but about being present and focusing on one task at a time. With our minds constantly racing, trying to be mindful can be a long stretch. So start small—whether it’s savouring a cup of coffee or playing with your child, commit to the moment. Imagine you are living your best life. Find a list of 25 activities in my article on practicing mindfulness.
5. Pomodoro Technique
This is one of my personal favourites. Imagine working like a superhero in short, focused bursts. That’s the magic of the Pomodoro Technique! Set a timer for 25 minutes or 15 minutes to get started, work diligently, and then reward yourself with a 5-minute break. Repeat, and watch your productivity skyrocket. You can even link the pomodoros to a bingo
6. The Two-Minute Rule
Ever delayed tasks that take two minutes or less? Not anymore! Whether it’s replying to a quick email or tidying up a space, tackle these mini tasks immediately. It’s a small step with a big impact. Learn all about this technique on my article on the Two-Minute Rule
7. Bingos for Consistency
One of our downfalls is not being able to consistently continue our habits. Gamified tasks help the ADHD brain in so many ways. One such way of gamifying difficult tasks is using bingos to breakdown a task. Once you cross off the first box of the bingo, you will be excited to complete a whole row, and so on.
Read here on how to use bingos to get work done
8. Declutter for Clarity
An organised space is your secret weapon against chaos. In fact, clutter can make ADHD symptoms worse. Less items means, less items to organise, clean and maintain. Declutter your physical and digital spaces to create an environment that invites focus. A clear space equals a clear mind. Even though we ADHD folk are known for our clutter and mess, here you can find some helpful tips for tackling the chaos.
9. Visualize Your Success
Close your eyes and picture yourself acing tasks, nailing presentations, going on that dream vacation, and enjoying quality time with your family. Visualization is your ticket to boosting confidence and motivation. I have several tips on how I used visualization to achieve my goals and how you can use visualization to attain the goals you wish to achieve in my article on visualization.
10. Stay Kind to Yourself
Let’s face it, we’re our own harshest critics. Especially with RSD and perfectionism, we tend to self-sabotage when the slightest thing goes wrong. Embrace self-compassion, celebrate your victories, and remember that progress is a journey, not a destination. Start loving yourself and see the difference it makes.
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The Adventure Begins
As an ADHD mom, you’re embarking on an extraordinary adventure. Use these techniques as your compass, guiding you through the twists and turns of motherhood. The road might be bumpy, but armed with focus, determination, and these strategies, you’re more than ready to conquer mountains and turn chaos into a symphony of accomplishments.
Your Productivity Toolbox
- Mindfulness: Breathe and be present.
- Time Blocking: Carve out dedicated time slots.
- Prioritisation: Rank tasks by urgency and importance.
- Task Breakdown: Divide big tasks into smaller steps.
- Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused bursts.
- Two-Minute Rule: Tackle quick tasks immediately.
- Bingos:
- Decluttering: Clear physical and digital spaces.
- Visualization: Picture your successes.
- Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself.
Moms, embrace your unique abilities and use these techniques to shine brighter than ever. You’ve got the power to turn chaos into controlled creativity and distractions into meaningful accomplishments. It’s time to ignite your productivity superpowers and become the superhero mom you were always meant to be!
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