r/adhdwomen • u/AuthoringInProgress • 1d ago
General Question/Discussion What are some non-medical items you've bought that actually. Helped. Do Stuff.
Non-medical because I'm already. Doing that.
Basically, any kind of tool, program, system, etc that actually was genuinely helpful to you, that you continue to use and continue to find helpful. I've tried a few things, but nothing has really been all that useful other than medication, which.
See above.
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u/Novel-Cricket2564 1d ago edited 1d ago
Because I became an alcoholic (Now that I am on medication I feel like it happened just because I was starved for Dopamine my whole life and it was the only thing that helped me bit, for a while...) I had to go to AA.
Although they also had some things I thought were stupid, they also had some really great stuff in those 12 steps and programme that I still find SO helpful for coping with my ADHD.
For example stuff like "today I will do two things I don't want to" or "I am so uncomfortable in this situation, I should shift my focus to other people and see how I can be there for them" or "I feel like fucking everything up because I feel WILD right now- so I ACTUALLY need to take a pause and stop doing anything, right now!" or "I don't feel good. I want something.... ok we'll have you eaten (proper food with vitamins and stuff!)? Have you washed yourself? Is your house in order? Have you done your homework? (Probably not). Then do that first. Or "Are you trying to fix other people's lives on Reddit as a distraction because your own life is making you uncomfortable right now and you don't want to deal with it? Then stop avoiding and just face the thing and get it over with (in a manner that is also kind to yourself). Is a real challenge!
So I actually have go deal with some life stuff now 😂😭
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u/LadyMcNagel 20h ago
“Are you trying to fix other people’s lives on Reddit as a distraction because your own life is making you uncomfortable right now and you don’t want to deal with it?”
Excuse me! I did NOT need to be called out like that this early in the morning!
Ok, maybe I did need to be called out and also it’s not even that early.
Fine, I’ll go look in the mirror and work on myself or something. 🙄
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u/Proper_Yellow_7368 1d ago
The fixing other people's lives on Reddit is such a real thing for me too. Or other people in my life in general. Maybe not so much lives, more like problems. Friend can't sleep,all the sudden I've thought up some super random thing they haven't tried yet
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u/Dapper_Violinist9631 21h ago
Oh yep, this one hit home! Why look at my dumpster fire if I can fix someone else’s? Lol
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u/libbillama 11h ago
I get a bit of a dopamine uplifting when I'm able to offer suggestions that they may not have been able to think of, and I think there's a sense of relief that comes with knowing you have more options.
Of course I do know that too many options can have the exact opposite effect, but it's my way to make sense of the world.
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u/Spirited_Concept4972 21h ago
Congratulations on your sobriety!! it’ll be three years for me in June. It feels great being sober. IWNDWYT
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u/Patient-mama4 17h ago
Did you drink to calm the social anxiety and depression that comes with AdHD? That was my problem for 25 years. Constant social anxiety and intrusive negative thoughts . Do you take medication everyday now? Or did the realization of what was going on with you help you quit alcohol?’ One year sober for me.
I was diagnosed about a year ago and do take medication but not everyday. Sometimes it makes me feel jittery when I combine it with to much coffee.
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u/hereforlulziguess 17h ago
Oh my god this is way too relatable. Thanks for putting it in words! I don't really want to do AA but that sounds like some good CBT style advice as well.
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u/SirensMelody1 1d ago
Google calendar and event notifications!!
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u/magicrowantree ADHD God chose me, and I will forget you 1d ago
Second this. Also helps to share with partners/spouses so you're on the same page for anything going on. I whip my phone out for any appointment or meet up I'm planning immediately so I don't forget
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u/Radiant_Nectarine147 1d ago
Whenever I put in any appointment I add 4 different reminders. 4 hours before 6 hours before. 1 day before 2 days before lol
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u/itssweetkarma 21h ago
I do this with my phone calendar, color-coded events with notifications.
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u/sortaplainnonjane 20h ago
I color code family members to include our dog. That way, at a glance, I know who had something going on.
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u/itssweetkarma 20h ago
Yes! I have green set for my camping trips, red for no school days, specific colors for the kids. I get to be somewhat creative and at a glance I can see what going on without opening up everything. I love color coding
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u/Lesfleur78 20h ago
We use family wall and it’s quite similar. Everything goes in. You do have to pay but I like the layout :)
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u/Familiar_Proposal140 12h ago
Agreed - everything personal goes into Google calendar. When I was working in an office, I would add some of those into my office calendar as well. And then I will add alarms for weird off set times like an online drs appt.
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u/SirensMelody1 11h ago
My work and personal calendars are both Google based ...they talk and my husband also shared his calendar with me. I would be lost without it.
Ironically, I am rubbish at keeping a physical date book.
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u/designedmess 15h ago
Second this. I use my work email on outlook, too, so if I have to travel or an event is scheduled, I can look at everything all in one place!
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u/FoxxyRin 1d ago
One of those stupid grabby claw things. I got tired of bending over to pick up dog toys and kid messes so I bit the bullet with some $10 gadget on Amazon and now I can push a laundry basket around with my foot and pick things up with half the effort.
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u/GrimGravycdn 22h ago
I adore this response!! What a life hack!!! Cheers to you and may you never experience back pain!
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u/LK_Feral 16h ago
We have two of these on hooks in our laundry closet, which is centrally located on our first floor.
Absolutely worth having handy.
My favorite cleaning item is a stupidly expensive Dyson rechargeable stick vac. Best. Thing. Ever.
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u/False_Local4593 1d ago
4 week pill organizer. Alarms to remember to take my meds.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Net3028 1d ago
A Pill organizers is so real, the number of times I'm not sure if I took my pills today, and I just got to look at my organizer.
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u/queencity_lab 20h ago
Or for anyone who doesn’t want to do the monthly organizer. This is my favorite gadget! It just goes right around the lid of your pill bottle and you just pop in the day’s letter when you take your meds, then pop them all back out Sunday night to start over the next week!
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u/Goog_bear5484 22h ago
I’m glad I read this. I’ve almost forgotten my meds for the second day in a row 👀
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u/sortaplainnonjane 20h ago
Yep! I had a week one, then a week with both day and night, and now a month one. It is the best. I was forever getting to the last week and being like, oops, I'm out of meds. When I get to the Tuesday of the right week, I know to call in for a refill.
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u/No-Independence548 17h ago
I use a weekly travel one I keep in my purse. I was forever forgetting to take them before I left the house in the morning, or not remembering whether I had taken them or not.
Along with that, the Finch app. I use it for reminders for everything. Daily to take my meds and weekly on Sunday to make sure my pills are set for the week.
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u/OptimisticOwl66 21h ago
The pill organizer is so helpful! I also have alarms going off all day to remember to take them
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u/Familiar_Proposal140 12h ago
I had to get my SO one of these - I know I have adhd and dxed, he is undxed and had no idea. He would always ask me if he had taken his meds like I dont fking know! So we got a pill case - better for all of us and most of the time he remebers to fill it lol.
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u/testmonkey254 18h ago
I wish those worked for me but I cannot put in the consistent effort to set it up. I’m pretty good about remembering to take my meds. I have 4 pills so I just set them down on the counter one at a time so I don’t miss or double up then I just take them all at once.
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u/Federal_Chemist6031 17h ago
I got one that has a little am\pm box for each day. Can pull it out and carry it with me as I sojourn throughout the world.
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u/Enough-Introduction 1d ago
A robot vacuum! It makes me motivated to pick up clutter so it can move freely and my floors have never been cleaner, and I cannot even remember the last time I vacuumed myself (do not miss that sensory nightmare)
I did not even realize how much distress even slightly dirty floors were causing me, guess it‘s similar to how clutter affects us
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u/Raukstar 1d ago
I recently got a new one. It also mops the floors. And I can schedule it to go off at the same time every day- I can't accidentally forget. I hear it start and rush around the house to clear the floor.
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u/GenXMillenial 22h ago
Which model did you get ? Do you recommend that one?
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u/star185 18h ago
Not the op but I have the Roborock from Costco - free returns / unlimited warranty and I absolutely love it. Self cleans, so I just fill it/ empty it and throw the mop heads in the wash 1x/week
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u/branchusxo 13h ago
I have the same one, I love it as well! The app is great and it’s super easy to use and schedule.
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u/OpalLover2020 21h ago
Same! I got a j6 and I would absolutely rec it. The only thing is sourcing stuff for it. It constantly says it needs xyz. My ADHD doesn’t allow me to change out the filters enough. But it’s ok. It’s still doing its job.
I tried buying the filter from amazon and from the robot company. None fit. I’m at a loss. I just clean the one I have and call it a day. I’ll figure it out one day.
Unless someone has a suggestion.
Edit: wording
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u/Goog_bear5484 22h ago
My car is an absolute shit show right now and I get anxiety just thinking about it. Every time I walk toward to clean it, I find something else that needs done first 🤣
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u/OpalLover2020 21h ago
I have on my planner every two weeks to clean my car. And I take shit out every day. It keeps it bearable.
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u/Goog_bear5484 15h ago
You’ll be super happy to know I at least pulled all the floor mats out today and hosed them off. AND I took out all the random stuff and trash. Didn’t vacuum, but…squirrel!
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u/luda54321 21h ago
Yes…until we messed up the schedule somehow and never got it started again. Now they’re just bricks on the floor that cause me guilt. Especially since I think not using it but keeping it plugged in killed the batteries. So now I think they’re dead bricks on the floor 🫣😩
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u/shiny_nickel 16h ago
In a similar fashion, that’s why we invest in having the cleaners come every two weeks. Gives me an excuse to make sure stuff is picked up a bit so we aren’t totally embarrassed 🙈.
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u/-MamaGreen- 1d ago
Visual timer. I have a rainbow one and it really helps me visualise time.
Multiples of small things that help me with my goals e.g. multiple water bottles, cute snack pouches to take healthier snacks to work, MANY bottles of hand sanitizer and hand lotion.
I have a spiky yoga cushion that's brilliant for sitting on when I have to stay sat and focused on a computer for a length of time, I used to use it in staff meetings at work too.
A few books:
How to ADHD by Jessica mc Cabe is my favourite and I am constantly recommending it.
How to be you by Ellie Middleton is brilliant if a little wordy.
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u/Voc1Vic2 1d ago
When authors writing for an ADHD audience can't get to the point before readers lose interest, it's a telling statement about how poorly the disease is understood.
But thanks for the recommendation!
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u/Foreign-Cookie-2871 23h ago
The author of "how to ADHD" has ADHD herself. I'm sure her book works for herself and many others. It doesn't particularly work for me.
There is also a matter of preference in reading, it's not always a question of "writing for ADHDers"/"not keeping ADHD in mind".
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u/dearboobswhy 11h ago
As soon someone with ADHD, I have a lot of trouble getting to the point sometimes. I love words and I want to use all of them.
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u/Voc1Vic2 11h ago
Me, too.
But if I were writing a book, I'd get an editor.
If I were writing a book for an ADHD audience, I'd get an even better one.
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u/heydizzle 21h ago
Can you share a link or more description of the spiky yoga cushion? Does it just give you enough stimulation to let you focus?
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u/-MamaGreen- 18h ago
Just enough stimulation so that I can focus honestly it was this kind of thing - https://amzn.eu/d/gfUmDCt
You can use them for all sorts but for me just sitting on it is enough
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u/DragonflyOk9277 20h ago
Can you share a link to the rainbow timer?
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u/-MamaGreen- 18h ago
I got mine as a gift so I'm not sure of the exact one but it's this style. This visual aspect of actually being able to SEE the chunk getting smaller really helped
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u/Eazily_distractable 1d ago
I like Finch!! It’s a cute app that helps me get up the motivation to do “small” tasks that seem really hard sometimes
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u/Both-Condition2553 1d ago
I have a 134 day streak of taking all my meds, 100% thanks to Finch!
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u/noskalroht 1d ago
Way to go!! I'm on a 95 day streak remembering to take my meds. Finch helped so much when it comes to the seemingly small tasks. I absolutely adore the app and recommend it to anyone who's looking for a fun way to tackle the boring daily things
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u/slightlydramatic 22h ago
Came here to comment about Finch.I'm new to it.I think i'm on day forty but it has helped me complete like the most basic of tasks which then usually helps get me into momentum to do more
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u/No-Independence548 17h ago
Yes! It's also great for reminders. You know when you're sitting on the couch and think, "Oh, tomorrow I need to ____."? I put the reminder in Finch right away. So many mornings I open the app and see a goal I would have already forgotten!
Also, my brain LOVES creating fun rooms for my birb, it's such good motivation for me.
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u/Poppet_CA 17h ago
We should all be Finch friends, especially now that they're doing the goal-buddy thing! 💖
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u/Reasonable_Ice_6893 1d ago
I didn't buy it because I already had them, but just wearing my headphones around the house with upbeat music playing. I can't describe it, but there are just certain songs with the right amount of bpm that keep me moving and doing stuff. So when I wake up in the morning, I voice command my playlist to start playing to wake me up and then I put my headphones on and get going. It doesn't work with just music playing over the speaker for me, because I will walk away, not hear the music and the momentum will be lost.
Most recently I bought the cheapest slow cooker I could find and a timer for the socket and that actually made it a lot easier for me to eat healthier and more regular.
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u/alderchai 22h ago
Recently, waterproof earbuds so I can shower while listening to whatever cringy music or weird podcast I want without worrying my neighbours will hear. I’ve never showered this frequently before.
Also, a cleaner twice a month for my (small) apartment.
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u/Breatheitoutnow 22h ago
PP which waterproof earbuds do you have?
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u/lusterfibster 18h ago
Not that commenter but I use Tozo 10s. I wouldn't recommend them exactly, I bought them because the older version had button controls, the current ones have touch controls that get activated in the shower. (I've heard electrical tape may be the answer, I'll try it and update if it works.)
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u/MyLittlPwn13 19h ago
I just listen with a Bluetooth speaker while I shower, but it's excellent if you also habitually spend too much time in there. I'm completely time blind, but I know how many songs have played...
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u/Wonderful_Westie 1d ago
My dog 😂
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u/Goog_bear5484 22h ago
I think my dog Archer saved my life really. The last two years have been incredibly difficult (divorce and coming home from military deployment). Any time I broke down there he was. Licking my face incessantly when I cried or was having an anxiety attack. I focused on (became fixated on) training him and taking him for walks. He’s now a 90+ pound pit bull that I can control and lives his life making sure I’m good. He’s absolutely my angel. So yeah. Dog.
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u/Freckledimple74 15h ago
Dogs are lifesaver. They give you a purpose and help you to stick to some sort of schedule. Between ADHD and grief... my dogs have done so much to help me manage my grief since my husband passed. I have one that sometimes knows I'm crying before I do.
PS. My husband was an undiagnosed ADHD. It made our marriage REAL interesting sometimes.
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u/Pictures-of-me 1st psych evaluation in April! 1d ago
Have you got a Westie? I've got a Cairn! Stubborn little tyke but I adore him 😍😍😍
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u/Wonderful_Westie 1d ago
Amazing! Cairns are adorable!!! I do! He's the best! And a weirdo in the best way 😂
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u/Pictures-of-me 1st psych evaluation in April! 1d ago
Ha yes adorable weird little characters, full of personality
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u/Pictures-of-me 1st psych evaluation in April! 6h ago
And you know what I've discovered? Hand stripping him is just therapeutic stimming! I've tried a few different methods and usually just send him to the groomers, but lately I bought some finger cots and they make it so easy to pull out those long hairs!
So now I just sit there and pick pick pick, it's bliss!
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u/mthrtcker 22h ago
I have a 17 year old cairn that I got in college impulsively! 🥹
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u/Visible_Cricket8737 20h ago
Impulsive pet purchases can be a full thread here, maybe?
Also mom of a Westie mix here, and he's so perfect.
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u/Yuu_Sora 23h ago edited 14h ago
How to make house while drowning from KC Davis, it's my comfort book. I read it whenever I feel shitty because of house chores.
Samsung Tab S7: I never go anywhere without it, I got all of my uni notes and courses on it. Saved my life. Also, as an orchestra musician, it's a great backup whenever I forget my music sheets.
EDIT: It's "How to keep house while drowning", KC Davis. She's also an ADHDer.
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u/meaningfulsnotname 15h ago
I think you might have the title wrong. Do you mean How to Keep House While Drowning?
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u/Flint934 they/he 1d ago edited 15h ago
Dry erase calendar on the fridge! I mark the current day every day, which really helps me keep track of the day and date. I've always struggled with that, but the physical motion of making a mark on the current day while looking at the calendar up close, as well as seeing it as I pass by/use the fridge several times a day does a lot to make the memory of the date stick.
I also write down things like plans for certain days, appointments, ETA for packages, etc on it. I also put most of these in my phone's calendar, but physically writing it down and seeing it a lot more frequently is really helpful.
I've also switched from a regular wood dresser to one with bigger fabric drawers that are closer to bins, and I'm finally actually putting my clothes away! I find the bigger and more open bins a lot easier to even think of sorting my clothes into.
No longer am I stuck rummaging frantically through 5 different full hampers of clothes that hold my usual favorites, only to find the shirt I was looking for had migrated into the cluster of 4 hampers on the other side of the room!
And of course there's the typical constant timers, alarms, reminders, and calendar entries on my phone, lol.
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u/OptimisticOwl66 21h ago
I have a dry erase board too! I also have notepads everywhere
As long as I remember to write the stuff down both have been really helpful
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u/mamajayne1 22h ago
A bit of a warning; Just my own experience but I have used pressure and anxiety to hack my productivity for years. ( like inviting people over to force my self to clean) and I have completely burnt out.
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u/northernrainstorm 23h ago
Cats that eat garbage so my floor has to stay clean
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u/ultrarunner13 20h ago
I yell "housekeeping!" any time I drop some food. My dog runs over all excited and licks it all up. I haven't had to mop my floors in forever..
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u/Breatheitoutnow 19h ago
Keeping doubles and triples of items so each stays in its home (lip balm, lotion, etc.).
Post-Its, a Sharpie and a roll of Scotch tape to tape notes to my steering wheel where they’ll be right in front of me (I can’t leave these on long because then I won’t see them anymore)
Texting myself with reminders of things to do
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u/FormalJellyfish4683 21h ago
Forest app- it’s a pomodoro timer and you plant trees that grow for your focus time instead of just a timer. Somehow the plants are helping.
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u/DillyB04 21h ago
Dissolvable food labels. Everything that goes into the fridge gets one with the date it was made or opened. No more brain power wasted trying to remember if a specific item is still good or not.
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u/hiighpriestess 20h ago
An Apple watch! Being able to set timers and alarms literally in a single press of a button on my wrist (press and hold crown, "set timer for 5 minutes") has been an absolute GAMECHANGER.
Laundry. Cooking food. Waking up, getting to things on time (well, more often anyways).
The alerts are vibrations on your wrist, so you can't miss an alarm or sleep through them.
I mean, there's also other benefits to having a smart watch (like being able to monitor my sleep and heartrate), but the ease of being able to set timers and alarms with practically 0 steps is already worth its weight in gold.
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u/Top-Significance818 19h ago
Same here! I love my Apple watch. I had the older models and got tired of charging in the middle of the day so I invested in the 1st gen Ultra that lasts 2-3 days. I hate waking up to loud alarms, it gave me anxiety anticipating it. Love the soft vibrate wake ups and I set it 30 mins before my actual get up time to snooze 2-3x. I set alarms and timers for everything. Laundry, when to leave the house, take my meds, etc.
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u/no_bun_please 18h ago
Do you find that having a smartwatch increases your anxiety as you're constantly connected to your phone?
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u/FtnPenQueen 16h ago
I’m not OP, but at first yes. Then I ended up changing the setting so that I’m not notified of texts on my watch, only calls. I also turned off notifications on my watch for most apps. I love it now.
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u/Infinite-Let-9877 16h ago
I don’t have the urge to check my phone so much and I also have turned off many kinds of alerts and use the do not disturb/focus setting a lot. Getting multiple family chats during the work day could drive me bonkers so things like that are muted.
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u/GERDacious 14h ago
Same thing here, but Android instead of Apple. I use todoist as my task tracking app: sending these notifications to my watch breaks the cycle of "get notification" -> "open phone" -> "get distracted" -> "completely forget to do the thing"
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u/GenXMillenial 21h ago
A walking pad for my home office so I can get movement during meetings, a cleaner every other week.
What I want to buy: robot vacuum/mop combo to do my floor everyday.
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u/vloran 18h ago
Timers. The Finch app. I really love my finch app because I use it as a daily to do list and it has a ton of features and I can go shopping and not spend money and I can nest and not spend money. I get little rewards for doing my chores. It's really genius gamification of tasks I don't want to do.
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u/keegiveel 21h ago
The Anti-Planner It helped me understand why I procrastinate and help me overcome it quite a few times.
I also have a regular journal. Somehow when I feel like I really procrastinate and then I write it out that I really don't want to do it and these are the things that really need to be done etc... It kind of helps me over the hump and get started. It does not work when I am too deep in overwhelm or something, though - then I know that I should write in my journal, but I resist because after that I would have to Do The Thing XD
Also, when I am working or doing something productive and I hear the obsessive thought "reddit" - i.e. "open reddit to relax!", I try to redirect myself to that journal. This is usually a sign that I have run into a frustration or obstacle or emotion or something and I need to work on it to overcome it.
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u/anonymous_owlbear 23h ago
I have to write everything down or i forget.
I have 4 different notebooks, a planner, and two wall calendars. Every week on Sunday i review last week and roughly plan out the next week, and every morning or evening i set a few goals and reminders for myself for the day, and some times i just sit, get comfy with a mug of tea and a blanket on the couch, and rewrite my rough to do lists and notes into a prettier, updated, edited version that is easier to look at without feeling overwhelmed.
One of my note books is a bullet journal with all my goal trackers, to do lists, budgeting, journal prompts, meal planning, the second half is a for my daily planning, just everything in one place so I don't need to Google things or sift through all my other messy notes. I have a Google sheet for my finances too that I sometimes like to hyperfocus on.
Another note book is just for actual writing and reflection on my goals and mental health, another one is for work stuff, and one is just my messy notes and unfiltered thoughts. They are all pretty and live next to me on the table next to the couch. It helps me stay off my phone too.
I have to put all appointments, due dates and stuff on wall calendars asap, so i can see them.
I also use a timer to help me get started on tasks that feel overwhelming. This works really well, but I forget to use it a lot.
Anyway, I could not function without this stuff. I should go and do that now.
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u/Freckledimple74 15h ago
When I started back to college, I was doing something like this. My advisor suggested that instead of individual notebooks for different things that I should use just one big organizer for ALL of it. It works for me. I personally like the Big Happy Planner, but there are many types that could work.
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u/caviaa 21h ago
IKEA desk organizer: https://www.ikea.com/nl/en/p/ovning-desk-accessories-organiser-10552010/
It’s my “at-home purse”. It container chargers, extra meds, my ereader, iPad, lip balm,… I carry it around the house and makes sure I have everything with me wherever I flop down.
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u/heydizzle 18h ago
I bought a shower caddy last year intending to do this, but I got it home and forgot what I wanted to keep in it! I'll have to try again
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u/thedoc617 20h ago
Alexa reminds me to take a shower and go to bed. Sometimes though I tell her "I'm an adult, I can do whatever I want" 🤣🤣
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u/girlthatfell 17h ago
I take an SSRI that has totally changed my life, but my husband got tired of my nightly routine being interspersed with a constant, “SHIT! Did I take them? Did I not take them? I picked them up… I think. I think that was tonight. Shit! Do I take them maybe again to make sure but risk taking too much, or do I skip it and risk feeling like shit the next couple days?”
Now I can look at the cap and confirm, conclusively, that I did actually open that bottle and take them 45 seconds ago, or actually haven’t opened the bottle in 23 hours. That combined with an absolutely IRONCLAD RULE that I do not open that bottle until I have a water cup in hand ready to take them immediately, and I do not plug my cell phone in for the night before I take them, I haven’t missed (or doubled) any doses in over a year.
Not bought, really, but I also use my voice to set reminders on my phone. I think something important, I immediately speak it before I can forget, and my phone reminds me at the right time. I do this so often that my 5 and 3 year old request Siri timers to be set whenever I make a promise or put something off until later. They ask for ice cream and I say “not until after dinner,” and they immediately ask, “can you set a reminder to eat ice cream after dinner?”
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u/-MamaGreen- 1d ago
Visual timer. I have a rainbow one and it really helps me visualise time.
Multiples of small things that help me with my goals e.g. multiple water bottles, cute snack pouches to take healthier snacks to work, MANY bottles of hand sanitizer and hand lotion.
I have a spiky yoga cushion that's brilliant for sitting on when I have to stay sat and focused on a computer for a length of time, I used to use it in staff meetings at work too.
A few books:
How to ADHD by Jessica mc Cabe is my favourite and I am constantly recommending it.
How to be you by Ellie Middleton is brilliant if a little wordy.
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u/Muppetric 18h ago
My apple watch.
Sends me notifications when I accidentally leave my phone/ipad behind + helps me locate my phone daily (especially since it’s permanently on silent).
I don’t have to rely on using my phone to see notifications/alarms/calendar things. I also have an app that pings me hourly for time blindness. Honourable mention to Apple’s medication reminder system.
I actually respond to people now, since usually my phone is nowhere near me when busy. It’s helped my QOL and friendships to get important messages ASAP + not be isolated.
Being able to see how loud my environment is with the decibel reading. It also pings me if it gets too loud - which makes me remember to put my headphones on before it’s too late. Additionally, seeing my heart rate helps me know what therapy skills I need to use - and how effective it’s being.
Reminds me to stand up and walk around if i’ve been sitting for too long. Art is a hyperfixation of mine, and sometimes I can sit for 8h straight.
My watch tracks a lot of vulnerabilities for me (sleep, exercise, medication), allowing me to problem solve emotional regulation issues easier.
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u/Visible_Cricket8737 20h ago
Good headphones 🎧 Insight timer App at bedtime...cooking with music... I should try to use them more, cause it's so regulating
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u/FrankaGrimes 19h ago
I have 4 Alexa devices in my home and I use all of them multiple times every day. I'm someone who will walk into a room to grab something, get to the room and forget what I went there to grab. This is about the extent of my ability to focus a lot of the time. Having an Alexa device in my bedroom, living room, kitchen and office allows me to keep track of things in the very moment I think of it. I can add things to my shopping list that I think of through the day that I would never, ever remember otherwise. I set timers for things, like "remind me in 3 minutes to check on the stove" when I'm boiling a pot of water because, yes, I will completely forget within 3 minutes that I have something on the stove. It has made a huge difference both in my ability to get things done but also in the mental energy I have to expend to keep track of things. I used to feel a constant, constant dread of "I have to keep these 12 important things in the front of my mind at all times or I'll forget" and I'd make myself think about them over and over all day. Now I tell Alexa to add something to a list and I get to just forget about it until needed. I also have reminders set to read my lists out of to me at certain times of day otherwise I'll forget to check lists haha
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u/Ilikeswimmingyesido 1d ago
Reclaim Ai. Schedules your tasks in your google calendar. It’s free and brilliant.
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u/auntiepink007 1d ago
Garbage cans everywhere (I started using a 5-gallon bucket in one place just cuz it was there and I like it so much I'm thinking of getting more - I can carry it even if it gets full.) I also just got these frames that hang on cupboard doors and trap the garbage bag like a cross stitch hoop. They have lids but I'm loving leaving it open when I'm cooking or crafting cuz it's right there. I can even sweep stuff off the counter straight into the bag.
Open shelving. I struggle a lot with collecting my stuff all around me until I'm tripping over it but if it's shelved, it's out of the way but still right there to grab next time I want it. I live alone so I don't care what it looks like but I like having a clear path and easy access to my stuff.
Kitchen gloves many places. I hate touching gross or wet stuff so if I'm cleaning anything, I need the gloves. If they're already there, it's easier. I also keep doubles of cleaning supplies/equipment on each floor/ sometimes room. If I have to leave to get something, I'm not coming back.
Small laundry baskets. It's gotta be easy to carry and if I save up for doing it all in one day, it gets overwhelming. I have a few on wheels but I've been using them to corral the snacks and books and knitting and remotes and whatever else needs to go in the catchall at the moment. I do one load of laundry at a time, start to finish.
Dishes are my nemesis but if I can start with an empty dishwasher before cooking, I'm pretty good about filling it. And having the gloves really helps to wash as I go if I'm doing a lot of baking or meal prep.
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u/Katlee56 1d ago
Taking my vitamins especially omega 3s . The book mindfulness through depression., CBD for dummies.
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u/Odd-Competition-3975 1d ago
Apple Watch to make sure I move around enough as this really helps my head long term and using the reminders on my iPhone but also adding widgets to my home screen for MyFitnessPal to monitor my water intake and show me my reminders too!
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u/avocadodreamink 1d ago
A water tracking app. I have gone from drinking sometimes less than 0.5L/day to hitting 2L+ several days per week.
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u/Familiar-Woodpecker5 1d ago
iPhone calendar set with alarms (twice) and event notifications. It is literally the only way I survive to manage my kids activities and appointments. ADHD podcasts have given me some great ideas and tips. A dishwasher. Fresh air!!! If I am overwhelmed I walk the dog.
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u/starry--blue--skies 23h ago
Which ADHD podcasts would you recommend?
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u/OpalLover2020 21h ago
Yes I would like that too bc I never think to go outside when I’m overwhelmed. My dad would do that all the time and I realize now how great that is.
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u/Radiant_Nectarine147 1d ago
Microsoft to do as a widget on homescreen of phone. Counting down or up before doing a task f.e. I will get out of the shower before I reach number 7. Kapalbhati breathing, meditation, exercise.
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u/tumble_fuzz 23h ago
Shower lotion. Organizing baskets. I use my Google calendar for everything.
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u/divegirl88 12h ago
I'm in the cult of L'Occitane amande shower oil 🤣🤣🤣🤩🤩🤩🤩
And I recruit all my friends and really anybody who will give me the time and space to share my zero commission sales pitch lol
20 out of 10 recommend if you have not yet been introduced. Buy the bulk size when it goes on sale for 20% off... By like five at a time is what I recommend and is what I do that way I only have to buy it like once a year lol
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u/Professional_Ad1841 23h ago
Alexa and a set of 10000 reminders. "Alexa, set a timer for "stew". Set it 60 minutes from now." No more burned food, pots or kitchens.
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u/OptimisticOwl66 21h ago edited 21h ago
Lose it app to keep track of my nutrition! It helps me make sure I eat enough calories and I hit all my nutrition goals. I forgot to eat a lot in the past which made everything feel worse and this has been helping guide me through the day. It's really customizable so you don't have to focus on any goals except getting your nutrition in if that's all you need. Right now I'm working on gaining muscle so it's been helpful for protein goals and stuff!
Planner, notepads and notebooks to write everything down
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u/CuriousQuestioner12 1d ago
Apple watch, because timers. Using ChatGPT as my ADHD coach. It works because it's interactive. Consistent and quality nutrition, sleep, and exercise. For email, I use gmail labels and boomerang ext. I like/need to get my inbox down to zero emails several times a week. Clutter makes me non-functional.
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u/merfblerf 1d ago
How do you use AI as an adhd coach?
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u/FormalJellyfish4683 21h ago
Not who you asked the question of, but I’ve experimented with things like:
I need an email to say these 5 things but professionally /here’s my info dump trim it down to the needed info- then I can edit whatever ai gives instead of writing which feels less daunting (and for a slight extra help lets me be snarky about the computers writing skills- no one would phrase it that way!!),
- Upload my to do list and have ai say what order it should be done in so I don’t have to rewrite my list to get the timed things in the right order only to realize that it would have made sense to wipe down the counters before the groceries showed up and I put them on a dirty counter,
- Breaking down the task I’m avoiding into smaller ones so I can get started, ie what are the steps if I need to get my sink fixed and it’ll spit out a list of smaller steps
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u/CuriousQuestioner12 17h ago
I highly advise paying the monthly fee. Don't let AI enable you, though. It can go off on an algorithm of "wow you had a hard day" and then agree with you to rest. Push it to coach you. Start with: Hi, I have ADHD and am having trouble functioning. Can you be my ADHD coach? What can you help me with?
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u/lacondesataconesa 1d ago
Do you have any go-tos for the nutrition/exercise parts? Like. Do you use apps or meal services or anything? TIA!
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u/CuriousQuestioner12 17h ago
I used to have a meal service. It was expensive and not that great. I also had to waste an hour or two bringing the containers in and picking up the food. Last night, I asked ChatGPT. I had boneless/skinless chicken thighs, mushrooms, veggies, full pantry, and cream. It gave me a recipe for chicken thighs with mushroom cream sauce and veggies. Then I asked it to break it down like I was in kindergarten, including clean-as-I-go tips. I wanted to wake up to a clean kitchen with the garbage taken out last night. I love it. It is interactive and non-judgmental.
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u/luda54321 21h ago
Thank you for reminding me about ChatGPT. I was poking around r/ADHD_Programmers and someone had a link to their ChatGPT adhd coach. I found it really really helpful. I vomited all the stuff I wanted to do in there and it talked me through a plan. Now if only it was able to text me or something to remember to go check in on my progress. 😂 Hmm… is that something I can get it to do??? Time to research!
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u/luda54321 21h ago
No- but it is reminding me to put in Apple reminders. So that’s something
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u/CuriousQuestioner12 17h ago edited 17h ago
I WFH and have tons of virtual meetings. I have to literally set my Apple watch to remind me 30 minutes, 15 minutes, and 3 minutes before. The 3-minute alarm is to log in. I have literally missed meetings because I forgot the 3-minute alarm, even though I'm sitting at my desk. Learn to manage it, you'll be amazed at how much you can do. Combine with Google Calendar and set task reminders.
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u/mimi_whatever 1d ago
ChatGPT for cooking (like i’ll get it to give a dinner recipe or idea based on stuff i have “easy for someone with adhd, few steps, few ingredients” then “i need it to be ready for 6 and its 5:10 now, give me exact timing of each steps and include the measurement in each step so i don’t have to go back to the top” - when i taste “it’s kind of bland what should i add that goes with this recipe” (upload photo of spice rack) it its brilliant and everyone always raves about whatever meal it was!! its like having a personal chef in my kitchen (i should get it to use gordon ramseys “voice” next time lol)😄
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u/lucylov 16h ago
I give it my grocery receipt and have a weeks worth of recipes in seconds!
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u/JustStayAlive86 1d ago
Caveday subscription! Worth every cent.
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u/LegoFootHop 23h ago
Go onnnnnn…
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u/JustStayAlive86 22h ago
Not sure if you already know what Caveday is, but basically it’s a way to body double on deep work. They have a schedule of “caves” (Zoom calls led by a guide) that you log into for either 1 hour or 3 hour mono-tasking sprints — ie, focus on doing one thing. It’s structured, you have a brief (a couple of minutes) check in to set your intention at the top of the hour and then leave your camera on and work. I usually use it to do my worst executive dysfunction work tasks, but sometimes I’ll be on it while cleaning or meal prepping, or even a one hour sprint to have breakfast and get ready for work. It’s kinda changed my life honestly lol. I know there’s pomodoro apps but the built in body doubling does the trick for me. It is kinda pricey but if you live outside the US, they heavily discount the cost to make up for the time zone difference (ie Caves begin late night time time each day and go through to early evening my time, which is fine!). Anyway, I know I sound like a weird cultist but they’re not paying me or anything, it’s just saved my ass a bunch of times. Also sometimes you see minor celebrities on there lol.
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u/FynTheCat 20h ago
Goblin tools
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u/burtzelbaeumli 17h ago
Could you elaborate a bit on this, please?
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u/FynTheCat 16h ago
Ai supported tool for several things.
I mainly use the magic to do part to make task lists, break them down and give time estimates.
But I also used other areas. Just check it out. It has 8 different areas. The formalizer is also very useful if you need to write something but cannot find the appropriate words.
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u/jhonculada 18h ago
Books. Anything to help me with my mindset and learn how to change my behaviors. Atomic Habits is the most recent book I've read that's helped me learn how to change certain behaviors of mine. The Power of Now is another great read that's helped me understand myself (and others) more. Also, people on TikTok with ADHD that have great hacks for doing ADHD but better. I've found that tackling my behaviors and learning how to overcome certain obstacles has yielded the biggest results.
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u/luckyloolil 17h ago
A stick vacuum. There's something about lugging out the plugged vacuum that my brain hates, also my house is laid out in a way that I need to move outlets CONSTANTLY. Robot vacuums are okay, but I have to do so much picking up and setting up before I can run it, my brain also hates that most days. I also have so many fucking stairs in this house (three flights of stairs and a split level steps) which obviously doesn't work for robots.
Electronic lock that locks itself after a couple minutes. I never have to worry that I've left the house unlocked. Mine is the Yale brand, but there's lots.
My Groceries App. Especially if you have a partner, it syncs so both of you can edit the list. It saves everything so once you've put it in, you can just select it. You can add notes and quantities, and you can organize the items however you want.
Instant pot. Less so now that I'm mentally doing better, but when my life was struggle city (2020 when I had a ADHD toddler, a baby who didn't sleep, PPD, and a husband who was being a dick) the instant pot saved my day every day. I still use it at least once a week if not more.
White boards. I have them everywhere! They are great for writing down quick notes, Grocery lists (opening my phone can distract me and I can forget what I'm doing.) And the kids like them too!
Smart watch. Being able to see my notifications on my watch helps me from falling into my phone whenever it goes off. Most notifications I don't need to do anything with (misc emails, etc), so I don't need to open my phone, but I am still connected (I have kids, I can't not be connected.) It also has timers, alarms, and I find just having a watch helps with time blindness. I have a fitbit, so nothing too expensive or fancy, and I love it!
Wake up light. I'm still garbage at getting up in the morning, but it definitely helps! I use a Philips wake up light.
For work: a binder planner. When I was working more I started using a planner and it actually worked. The trick was it had to be a binder style, so I could change the way it was set up as my projects changed. It gave me a place to write down everything, and since I was at a desk all day, it was open in front of me. This tip is ONLY for desk workers, I am not working that job anymore, and I don't use it anymore, it's only for desk work. I got a CUTE A5 sized binder from amazon, with cute dividers and such.
Another work one, a small white board to write down notes because of my ridiculous short term memory. I used to use post it's, but a white board is so much better. Anything I needed more than a day either went in my planner or on a post it on my monitor. I know I mentioned white boards already, but this felt like a different category.
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u/alyxana AuDHD 17h ago
Smart light bulbs! And then setting timers for them to change or turn off at certain times.
Having the lights go from normal to a warm dim as a visual signal that it’s time to start getting ready for bed has been super helpful. And then having them turn off on those days we’ve been ignoring them on purpose also helps.
I also use a ton of alarms on my phone or watch. Time to feed the cats, time to take the trash out, etc.
The Finch app is also helpful in that it lets you gamify a bunch of to dos as you take care of this adorable little bird who goes on adventures and learns silly things.
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u/fluffstar 17h ago
Therapy •^
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u/divegirl88 12h ago
My therapist is really just an ADHD coach who happens to be a therapist who can help me cut through bullshit and provide therapy informed guidance on top of practical application of life skills related to ADHD she has been a life changer
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u/lil-av0cad0 AuDHD 15h ago
Focusmate.com was a game changer for me. It works like a calendar where you choose a slot and match with someone for an allotted time. 25min, 50min, or 75min.
It has 3 free sessions per week.
Body doubling is one of the few things that helps me get stuff done.
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u/Freckledimple74 15h ago
It's not something I've bought, but something I do. I set ALL of my appointment times in my phone calendar 30 minutes to 1 hour before the actual appointment time. I also have the clocks in my kitchen set 5 to 10 minutes fast. Even though I "know" I've done this, it has REALLY helped me to stop being late (sometimes I'm even early) to my appointments.
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u/BrainHurricaine 14h ago
So much stuff. I just don't even pretend that I have working memory or a sense of time.
Digital clocks everywhere I lose track of time. In the shower, next to the bathroom sink where I do my makeup, a gigantic one right below my computer monitor even though there's a small clock on the computer screen.
Google nest hub. I use it to check info (weather, quick math calculations, simple facts) and set timers and reminders for myself for everything.
ChatGPT subscription. I cannot go into all the ways I use this to help me with both work and home life without derailing this thread.
Extra wastebaskets for anywhere trash gets left. A second bathroom wastebasket next to the shower for empty shampoo bottles and the hair that I would otherwise stick on the wall...I can just reach out and toss them instead of remembering to deal with it.
Timer lid for my medicine bottle so that it tells me the last time I opened it. I never remember to fill up those weekly things, but this way I know if I've already taken my meds since I don't open it without taking it.
ADHD coach. She was very expensive but it was very worthwhile to work with one for a year to learn some systems and strategies.
Focus mate subscription. Body doubling helps me.
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u/greatgrandmasylvia 14h ago
Pen and paper. Like if I don’t make lists to organize what needs to be done and when, my life falls apart. And it has to be physical. Lists on my phone don’t exist the second the app is closed.
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u/RadiumGirlRevenge 11h ago
Grocery delivery- as much as I hate giving Bezos money, this has really helped me. I actually live a few blocks from a grocery store, but I don’t have a car and am a night owl and the store is kind of sketch after dark and I find that environment overly stimulating. So I used to put if grocery shopping, run out of food and the have to use UberEats until I got enough spoons to go to the store. Even factoring tips and the $10 a month for the service I’m probably saving money. I’m definitely eating better and am much more reliably packing a lunch in the morning so it saves me money there. And since I basically order the same thing every week putting in an order is super quick.
Pill box I like that this one has big compartments too for ibuprofen or allergy pills. It’s a little odd it’s 6 days, but I’ve found that help because when I “run out” on Sunday that reminds me to stock if for the next week.
Stickers- okay, hear me out. I have found that making things look “cool”, like a funky designed pill box that looks like an orange, makes me more likely to use it. However, the “cool” version is often more expensive. So instead I got cool stickers and then can just slap those on my boring looking pill box and my non-fancy laptop case and behold! It looks cool and personalized for a fraction of the price.
Task bundling- for example, this is my process for cleaning the litterbox. Take the mostly full trash bag out of the trash can. Immediately put in a new trash bag. Check the fridge for any expired food to throw out. If bag is not close to full, take 5 minutes and gather up obvious garbage. Go to bathroom and clean litter box. Take trash bag to the dumpster.
Finch app- others have mentioned this one. It’s definitely helpful.
Will probably come back and add more later.
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u/AwesomeSauce2509 21h ago
Giving myself stars to maintain a habbit (little game-ifying). I also have started to send minutes out to myself and others from meetings to get things done.
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u/Proof-Elk-2859 19h ago
Alan P Brown/CrusherTV.com taught me to choose ONE action and I have a little white board where I wrote in Sharpie “This is what I’m doing NOW” [space] “this is what I’m doing next” and I write down that one task and its followup. So when I catch myself doing something else I say either “This is BS” and return to my one task or “This is something to do later” and then write it down on a LATER list and go back to my one task.
His ideas are often ones that are clear and productive for me.
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u/CustomerCommercial14 19h ago
I bought a subscription to the app OneSec - it’s a screen time app that will not let you bypass it (unlike built in Apple screen time settings), makes you pause and record your intention before entering an app (you can choose which apps/website to apply it to) and allows you to block certain apps/websites for certain hours of the day. It also integrates with a language learning app so now every time I try to open instagram or TikTok I have to do 5 Spanish vocab questions. Would highly recommend, truly has saved me so much time.
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u/universe93 ADHD-PI 18h ago
This would piss me off so bad because I know I’m not going to do anything productive instead. I’d just sit there and wait until it lets me in or google ways to get around it
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u/cleanhouz 18h ago
Using my digital calendar. Wife and I invite each other to our events and tasks. Weekly I have sponsor meeting, therapy meeting, AA meeting, doggie training session, Dr appointments, taking out garbage, checking the mail, social events, etc. Etc.
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u/phenominal73 17h ago
I use my phones notes app, calendar, and alarm - I have several timers for various things.
If I have an appointment or work meeting meeting/ some other event on a specific day, I will set the alarm to go off on that day as a reminder of the event with a few additional alarms that go off before the event.
Like if the event is at 11:00 am on a Monday, I will set alarms with the title of the event in each alarm (ex: EVENT AT 11:00) for 10:00, 10:30, 10:45, 10:55 set to go off on Monday only.
I always put my work meeting on my work calendar and my personal phone that way I won’t miss them.
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u/DailyRambling 17h ago
A robot vacuum cleaner, "Rodrigo" to its friends.😆 I set its auto-schedule to clean daily. Had it for over a year now and it's been a blessing with helping me vacuuming which is something I hate doing.
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u/otters_on_a_slide 17h ago
Same thing for breakfast every day so I don't have to make decisions in the morning. I tend to get bored after a couple of months and then I'll switch to something different. Currently in my scrambled egg on toasted bread era
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u/catsdelicacy 17h ago
Mindset!
I find one of my worst qualities is those times I test my ADHD to see whether or not I still have it. Every single test in my lifetime has revealed that yes, I continue to have severe ADHD.
But every once in a while I'll paint myself into a corner where the only way out is to not have ADHD. I'll depend on my thoughts to be organized, my ability to listen to and remember oral instructions to be excellent, or my emotions to be clear and rational. And it fucks me up, every time. Because I can't depend on those things, because I have ADHD.
So that's so important. Stop expecting your brain to do things that the people around you have no problems getting their brain to do. It can't. It will never be able to. Stop picking up your own football, Lucy is mean and you shouldn't be mean to yourself.
Instead, write things down or take photos. Set yourself up with preparation, never leave important, complicated tasks to the urgency of the last minute. Because maybe your adrenaline will kick in and you'll manage - or maybe it won't, and you'll fail and then you'll ruminate over that and beat yourself up for potentially decades.
TLDR: Always remember you have ADHD, always be the person who is putting in the most effort to accommodate for that.
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u/Double_Bee_672 17h ago
Magnetic whiteboard on the fridge! When we get home from the store, we write expiration dates of items on the whiteboard so it’s front and center!
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u/Competitive-Still-27 15h ago edited 15h ago
A paperblanks day planner- (this year I got the van gogh’s irises one, it’s pretty)… learning to use a day planner has been the biggest help for keeping track of important dates, stuff I need to do, appointments, birthdays, stuff I need to buy, folks I need to call etc. During my diagnosis process, my dr prescribed me to take a 10 week adhd class that taught skills that help adhd for non-medicated folks. Most of the class revolved around learning to use a planner and it was life changing for me. I used to use a messy chaotic system of post it notes everywhere and now I just dump all of that stuff into the planner, and I can close it when I’m done for the day. It’s super helpful to see a visual representation of dates/time, since I have massive time blindness. Been using one for about two years now and it’s been transformative.
my dog - he gets me up in the morning, gives me tons of happy brain chemicals which makes my life way easier, gets me out in the world and keeps me exercising. I didn’t have a dog for a couple years after my last one passed and my mental health tanked a without the constant supply of doggy dopamine/serotonin.
my flock of chickens - they provide structure and routine since I have to care for them a couple times a day, they get me up early in the morning when they are singing to be let out, they give me a huge reason to work since I gotta feed them, they provide friendship and tons of happy brain chemicals when I just sit back and watch them.
ear plugs for sleeping - I used to have interrupted sleep which would really affect the way I functioned during the day… when trying to get to sleep, I would be distracted by any little sound or noise and that would keep me awake. The fridge cycling on and off, critter sounds outside, husband snoring etc - can’t sleep. Started using ear plugs for sleeping (nascar spark plugs ear plugs lol) and omg I sleep soooooo deep now. It’s great. Getting enough uninterrupted deep sleep has massively improved my functionality during the day.
But yea mainly the planner ¯_(ツ)_/¯
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u/asianstyleicecream 15h ago
Honestly? ….pencil and paper, and notebooks. But also clipboards hanging in certain areas of the house. One is in my bathroom as a list of things I need to clean. And another one in my bathroom closet to jot down how frequently I deep clean my hair. A daily journal to write down everything I do in a day so I can’t say “I did nothing all day” and feel like a loser, I actually did a lot! Even if it’s putting my laundry away!
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u/designedmess 14h ago
For fidgeting and excoriation disorder: MULTIPLE nee doh cubes and honestly anything from nee doh. Also love the gummy bear one.
For anything food-related: small grab and go snacks that are easy to see and find. Applesauce has been a favorite of mine since I had surgery in January because it's the perfect portion size and I can add benefiber to it and NOT taste it if I don't get my daily fiber intake. Also string cheese and cracker snack pouches.
Nervous energy and boredom: serialized TV show that has all the episodes available, coloring books, and Legos. I've been watching House M. D. While coloring or building a small Lego set and it's helped with winding my brain down and giving my hands something to focus on other than uneven skin and each other lol.
For when things get too fucking loud (inside and outside): noise cancelling earbuds or headphones. Even without music playing, not hearing peripheral noises has increased my productivity at work tenfold. I recommend doing your research, but bose and Jabra have excellent options.
Honorable mention: if you can, get a cat! Mine has helped me be accountable and keep a routine, unlike plants that don't yowl like they're dying of dyssentery if you don't feed them in time.
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u/DianeJudith 14h ago
A speaking clock app on my phone. At least, it would help much more if I actually used it lol.
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u/Mowseler 14h ago
We put an old iPad in a holder on the fridge and keep AnyList always visible. Whenever we use the last of whatever’s in the fridge or kitchen we add it to the list so we don’t forget.
I also use a project management tool called Linear for similar things - tasks I need to do around the house, appointments I need to make, anything big I need to do. It’s also good for hobby planning or really anything. I’m a program manager by trade so this is something that speaks my language and I can color code things which always helps lol. I used Asana before, but I just discovered Linear has a free version that’s pretty much as good as the paid one so I swapped.
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u/selfcareprincess 14h ago
FLOSS PICKS. i used to basically never floss my teeth before bc the whole process of losing circulation in my fingers, stretching my mouth to reach my molars, and saliva everywhere was never worth the effort to my brain.
until..... i got floss picks. i had avoided them in the past bc i wanted to be eco friendly, but they actually have more eco friendly options than just standard plastic. I FLOSS EVERY DAY NOW. SOMETIMES TWICE. it's actually crazy that this worked. i also think the fact that mine are a cute color too adds +1 dopamine point to the process. it's now a habit and doesn't feel like an insurmountable task to floss at night.
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u/FluidEqual7695 14h ago
Hooks for behind the door to hang all my half-used clothes. now they aren’t lying around everywhere anymore!
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u/PiecesofStarlight 13h ago edited 13h ago
Weirdly a dustbuster on a stick. Apparently my brain hates the broom but doesn't mind the vacuum. I don't pretend to understand.
Number pad door locks
Google Home, 90 percent of what I use it for is "Where is my phone?" And "how many tsp in a tbsp"
An actual dustbuster. Again, I don't know why but vacuum good. Wiping counter. The devil.
Edit: I thought of another thing. Noise cancelling headphones and a subscription to Everand for audiobooks.
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u/muhenkan 11h ago
watch that syncs to calendar
notifications have never been so unpleasant to ignore
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u/PsychologicalWeb5172 20h ago
ChatGPT has been amazing. It helps me come up with menus, streamlines, even gives encouragement when asked. It has given me ideas to use to brain dump as well. Additionally, pink noise at night helps to quiet the overthinking for me. Lastly, a journal app and calendar app that I color code and had digital stickers on my phone has helped me when I ruminate and to keep track of things (respectively). Before I had 50/11 journals and planners everywhere. Now it’s always there when I need them since I have my phone all the time.
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u/Economy_Acadia_5257 17h ago
Thank you for mentioning the noise color! I didn't realize there are so many more than white noise! Some tones don't work for me at all, and it's really helpful to discover these. I found a bunch of playlists on Spotify.
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u/match-ka 18h ago
Go get a bottle of water with ice and get on a walking pad (or get into a shower if you work from home). It helps reset my sensory system and come back to what I need to do with refreshed energy.
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u/corey_ell 18h ago
going for walks whenever I can. deadass. I call a friend or slap on a podcast or music and have a ball
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