10 Quick and Easy Tips Productivity for Those with ADHD

 

quick and easy productivity tips for those with adhd

 

Because our pace has picked up, and we love an easy win, I wanted to share some quick and easy tips for productivity.  See which one you might wan to try this week.

 

Ruthlessly prioritize

Every list of tasks has to start with prioritizing. That means just choose 3 Most Important Tasks for the day or the week. Right away you are going to feel less overwhelmed and be more productive.

 

Simplify your task list

Feeling overwhelmed?  Not sure what to do next?  Just add the one next step to your task list.

 

Use a timer

Spring into action or use this as a warm up to initiate your task, a timer can help you be more productive. You can also use your time with the Pomodoro method, alternating 30 minute time intervals with 5 minute breaks.

 

Maximize automation

You can use automation to help you do your work. These voice activated helpers can add a task to a list, make a grocery list, or set up reminders for your daily routines.

 

Batch Similar Tasks

Review your list to see which tasks you can batch-process. Those are initial calls to leave a message or quick email responses.  The first step of tasks you hate can be a batch of its own.

 

Gather up dates

You are more productive when you know dates and deadlines. It is a combination of data that drives your planning and accountability.

 

Eliminate choices

Too many options can be paralyzing. Keep your choices to three or less to maximize your productivity. Give yourself three options for content for your newsletter or blog, three choices for what to have for dinner this week or three choices of when to meet with colleagues on a project.

 

Elevate your space

Move to a new location to work or add music you love.

 

Go for a walk

Exercise helps us think clearly, be creative and be more efficient.

 

Pause

Take a 5 minute pause.  Think about what you are working toward, why it is meaningful and gain fresh insight.

 

Given our new day-to-day and work environments, it’s a great time to implement and integrate a quick and easy tip that can help you.

Organizing for Sleep Away Camp

 

organizing for sleep away camp

This summer our kids are back to getting outdoors, helping those in need, continuing their spiritual journey and learning new skills at sleep away camp.  All of these kiddo adventures require getting organized, planning ahead, and packing.  Here’s your strategy for organizing for sleep away camp.

 

Check protocols first

The CDC is offering precautions and protocols this summer. Each state may have different requirements. Many of these include testing and vaccinations. Updates happen a lot right now so be sure to stay in touch with the leadership of your camp, school or youth group to know what to do and when to do it.

Get THE list

No matter what the event, there’s a list for you!   Start early because the list may require some purchasing and definitely requires organizing.  The list is available usually from the camp, from the group leader, by email or online.  Your list is usually customized for the activities your kiddo will be participating in.  Be sure each item is labelled with your kiddo’s name.

  • It may be tempting to add more to the list than what is required. Less is more when it comes to packing.
  • Check on whether there is a theme for certain days in order to include these items.
  • Have your child help you pack. That way they know what they are bringing and what they have to wear.
  • Check on what is permissible for electronics. If permitted, remember to send charging for the devices.
  • Learn the sleeping arrangements ahead of time.  This way you know whether to pack sheets or a sleeping bag.
  • Purchase extra medicines for the duration of your kiddo’s time away.
  • Bring a little bit of home. Having a little reminder, a note from you, helps remind your kiddo how loved they are and how special too.
  • If no list for your specific camp, use this.

Easy packing tips

Make it easy to stay packed or get unpacked while your kiddo is at camp.

  • Keep sets together in ziploks or packing cubes. Label ziploks by day or theme.
  • There are many options for travel toiletries.  There are pre-packed kits and toiletry organizers.  Create a travel go kit of toiletries including soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste and other hygiene products. Purchase sample size toiletries to keep luggage light. Whichever you choose, make it easy to travel to and from the bathroom.
  • Send disposal items that can be left behind when repacking at the end of camp.
  • Make sure medicines are well labelled in original containers with specific instructions.
  • Make sure the backpack and luggage can be toted by your kiddo.  They will be responsible for getting this to their sleeping spot.  Camp trunks can be heavy and hard to wrangle so be prepared.
  • Send a small backpack that can be used for day excursions.
  • Packing to be just prepared enough is the goal for sleep away camping.

 

If you are the chaperone or attending sleep away camp too, spend just as much time on your preparations too!  The more organized and prepared you are, the more fun you will have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quick and Easy Wins for Families with ADHD

quick and easy wins for families with adhd

 

Quick and easy, what family doesn’t want to make life less stressful and simpler? Having a heads up on what easy to use tips and tools can give you a head start as a family.  See which of these ideas can make life better for you and your family.

 

Time tips

  • Want to know where everyone is going and what activities are coming up?  Use a google calendar for everyone to add their dates and activities.  It’s a quick view of what’s going on for everyone.  Review your calendar at your family meeting. Front load your calendar with school dates and upcoming family vacations.
  • Place analog clocks in all transition areas. An analog clock clicks in time passing and time awareness.  Those transition areas include bathrooms where time can pass without acknowledgement. Talk to your kids as you place these.  Remind them these are placed to help you be on time and know what time it is.
  • Set up rewards for everyone for being on time.  Find a “cheap thrill” such as $5 Friday Smoothies as a reward for being on time and replacing a meal.  The small incentives prompt positive behavior and makes family time together more fun.

Decluttering

Taking care of space and taking care of stuff is harder for families with ADHD. Be sure everything has a home so that there is always a way to maintain your organizing. 

  • Structure a decluttering session monthly.  You can have a Purge and Pizza party to get everyone involved. During your pizza party,  have a family discussion on decluttering, what was easy and what was hard. 
  • Create natural consequences for things left behind. Strategize with your child as a coach on how to “remember” such as setting up visual reminders or alarms.
  •  Build in time to reset your stuff weekly.  A family reset time includes getting items back to homes, getting ready for the week, and restocking items.

 

Emotional regulation

Emotional regulation skills help everyone keep it together, even when the going gets rough.

  • Everything is better with a good night’s sleep. Promote good sleep with a common charging space, a sound machine, time to unwind, a lavender bath and an early start. Encourage one night a week of an early bedtime.
  • Catch your family doing “good stuff.” Give praise and encouragement whenever you see it. A “ticket” or positive note give your kiddo a physical reminder and recognition.
  • The green space is where we all feel better.  Exercise can include walking the dog, joining a team, a solo sport like tennis, horse back riding, or going to the pool.
  • When life gets chaotic, think about adding structure. Some families call this guardrails,, boundaries or just plain rules. If your kiddo is not ready to be out to dinner at 8 pm since it’s past bedtime, if eating sugar adds to poor choices or if too many clothes are cluttering your kiddo’s floor, it’s time to introduce structure.

 

Life in your family with ADHD can be bumpy. Be sure to seek support and add to your knowledge base every chance you can.

 

 

10 Quick and Easy Organizing Tips for Those with ADHD

quick and eays organizing tips

 

Using the theme of Quick and Easy for May, here are tips for simple, effective organizing for those with ADHD. Since our pace has picked up again, it’s important to keep organizing easy to accomplish.  When a task seems easy, it’s more likely we will get started!

 

Keep a donation bag handy for ongoing decluttering

Rather than take hours to make decisions on whether to keep an item, use the energy and spirit of the moment when you feel an item is ready to be donated.  When the bag is full, take it immediate to a drop box in a local parking lot or call a local philanthropy to pick up at your front door.

 

Invite a friend to be your paper partner or clutter buddy.

Be a support and be supported by a friend who is also struggling. Inviting another to work as partners you will can brag on your successes and commiserate on struggles.

 

Use command hooks for point of use storage.

Command hooks give you a “home” for items right where you use these.

 

Maximize vertical storage with an shoe organizer on the inside of any closet.

Shoe organizers are not just for shoes! You can use them in a play room for hot wheels or Barbies, in a craft room for adhesives or accessories, or at the back door for bug spray and hand sanitizer.

 

Add a shoe basket at the back door.

Maybe you or your family don’t want to run back to the closet to get their shoes?  A shoe basket keeps all your footwear at the point of use in and out of the house.

 

Use slim line hangers to maximize space.

Slim line hanger save space and make your clothes pop!  It’s an easy way to look and feel more organized. As you rehang onto new hangers. decide if you have not worn an item in a quite a while.

 

Place a small tray where you keep rings and important jewelry.

Never lose a ring or earrings again with a small tray placed by your vanity or kitchen sink.

 

When in doubt about paper, know where you can find it online.

There are many ways to find the same information online rather than on paper.  Bookmark on your device or use Evernote or Notes to keep the website information.

 

Use two dry erase month at a glance calendars for dates and planning.

Capture information from your texts, emails and phone on month at a glance magnetic calendars. It’s easy to see and easy to add information.  Add a splash of color for fun.

 

Use the “one in – two out” rule.

For every item you bring into your home, remove two items. It will keep your home in balance with stuff.

 

Choose one of these strategies and see how you feel once you have accomplished a little organizing!

 

More quick and easy tips here!