Starting the Year with Productive Processes

start the year with productive processes.

 

Almost every task we do routinely can be improved with creating a process. A process it the standard way to do that task, whether it is laundry or email.  These systems and processes are a lot like automation. Doing these repeatedly the same way with the same steps makes for efficiency.

 

Why are processes important, especially in uncertain times? If you focus on processes you use every day, you are always going to feel in control and productive.  Implementing processes is one way of creating and providing consistency. Being consistent is especially difficult for those with ADHD. A process works like a checklist to be sure the right tasks, get done in the right order by the team.

Where you can use processes for those with ADHD.

  • Home: laundry and teaching your family how to use the washer and dry, and how to fold and hang.
  • Home: cleaning any area of your home, how to clean and when to clean.
  • Work: client intake and follow up with an intake form, entry into a CRM, and initial deposit for work.
  • Work: wrap up your work day with a list for tomorrow, closing down your computer and clearing your desk.
  • Home and Work: processing paperwork to determine what to take action on, what to file and how often to file.

Any important home or work responsibility should have a process to complete it.

Starting processes for those with ADHD

  • Begin with one important process that might not be working for you. Identify the steps. Now you have a standard operating procedure which you can share with your team.
  • Start documenting your process and make your documentation visual. Think about a video, chart, graphic or symbols that help you stay on track with the process.
  • Post your process where you can see it.
  • There is always room for improvement. Work through  your process for 2 weeks and tweak as needed. Think about how you can simplify the process too.

 

If processes are sounding a lot like routines, you are right! A routine is a consistent pattern of activity. The best routines are built from processes that work well. Changing the name and perspective on routines can make this easier to accomplish.

 

 

Start the Year with Connection

 

 

starting the year with connections

 

Referred to by Dr. Edward Hallowell as Vitamin C (Connection), being supported and connected makes all the difference for our well being. Research shows that social connection improves physical health, strengthens our immune system and leads to overall longevity. It is easy to lose track of connections with the demands of family and work. Give connections the time and attention needed with these strategies to start the new year.

 

Finding and keeping Connections for ADHD Brains

Feeling overwhelmed creates a barrier between you and friends. It might be difficult to be consistently in contact with friends. Also, sadness and anxiety could have a role in your relationships. All these impact your connections with friends and family.

  • Being inattentive to a friend or family member can be hurtful. Be present, listen and mirror back conversations to show you are tuned in and present.
  • Notice if you are interrupting during conversations and pause before interjecting a story.
  • Set time aside to be with friends with making plans and writing it on your calendar.
  • Following through with commitments is an important part of any relationship. Use your best tools to be sure you are on time, at the right location, to meet and spent time together.

Quick and easy tips for ADHD Brains

  • Keep a list of birthdays in your planner to send a quick happy birthday text to friends and family.
  • Call to check in if you have a moment between meetings or when you are driving between appointments.
  • Share a quote, article or meme in a text to a friend.
  • Offer a sincere compliment to a colleague in a meeting.
  • Share a podcast you love.
  • Write a quick note and mail a card sharing how much you are thinking of that person.

Maintaining friendships and relationships

  • Communication is important. Find a way to stay in contact that suits both you and your friend.
  • Keep a healthy sense of boundaries in your relationships. Know when you have spent too much time together and need a short break.
  • Your self care is always a high priority. If your friendships prevent this, reassess the commitment.

 

Creating and maintaining meaningful relationships are well worth the effort and the time.

Starting the Year with Self Care

Start the year with time for self care

No matter how busy you are, time for self care is an important priority.  It is easy to overlook and requires scheduling and routines. Make this intentional care taking that ensures you are at your best.

 

There are five types of self care to consider. Keep in mind your physical, social, mental, emotional and spiritual care. We must take care of our bodies to stay well. Keeping connected is important to our well being. Being mentally sharp and our mental perspective influence our psychological well-being. Nurturing our spirit through spirituality keeps us connected to purpose and meaning. Maintaining and cultivating coping skills  to deal with the many emotions we experience are part of our emotional self care. Think about these many types and where you fit on the continuum of each. Assess your needs and determine small steps to move forward in one of these areas.

 

Self care tips for those with ADHD

  • Start with a great night’s rest. Neurodiverse brains work best with adequate rest. Don’t compromise your well being for an hour of television, games or TikTok.
  • Food is fuel. Protein is important for energy and productivity. Include protein in every meal.
  • Partner with a buddy for exercise. That includes a class, a walk or youtube.
  • Intentionally set a daily time for self care. You may feel too busy to do this, however this is what keeps you productive and your best self.
  • Write a list of what self care is to you and post it where you can see it. You are reinforcing this intention.

Get started with these easy self care routines for those with ADHD.

  • Automate your meal prep by tapping into meal kits like Hello Fresh, Blue Apron or HEB Meal Simple. Order on the same day each week and prep on Sunday.
  • Keep a list with a variety of ways to exercise each week. Exercise is more interesting with variety.
  • Find activities to stimulate your interest and your brain including crossword puzzles, Sudoku or puzzles.
  • Create connection by sending texts or written notes to friends. Small gestures are important touch points.
  • Find a coach or counselor to help you process emotions and experiences.

 

With these self care tips, determine which areas of your life need more or less of something. As we experience uncertainty and go through life changes. these needs change too.

 

Starting 2022 Clutter-Free

 

GO Month 2022

 

Starting the year clutter free gives you the opportunity to live your best life throughout the year. During the last year, you may have purchased too much stuff, paper may have become overwhelming, and you may have lost track of our planner. There are many feelings that come into play with too much clutter, and you may have experienced sadness, hopelessness or being weighed down. Decluttering is the best path to empower you and help you accomplish your daily tasks and your yearlong goals. To move forward, it’s best to release what is not loved, used, or needed. If you are bogged down with paper, learn what you need to keep and shred the rest.

Decluttering tips for ADHD Brains

  • Keep a bag or box in the laundry room to drop in clothes are are ready to donate.
  • Set a 10 minute reset time to get started on organizing. Bring items together that have been distributed throughout your home together. Decide on what to keep once things are together.
  • Gather your family and send them off to their rooms with a plastic bag to let go of what they don’t need or love.
  • Write an appointment with yourself in your planner to declutter.
  • Work during your high energy time to declutter. If you are a night owl, bag up and place in the car right away that evening.

Donation tips for ADHD Brains

  • Give to a charity you feel most connected to and make this your “why” to let go.
  • Give to a person who helps you regularly, like your cleaning person or lawn person.
  • Ask a friend to partner with you and together donate together on a Saturday.
  • Use the donation boxes located in parking lots.

 

Get started with these “no decisions items” to let go.

  • Extra paper and plastic bags
  • Magazines, catalogs and newspapers
  • Out of date and unused electronics
  • Additional linens and bedding

 

Learn more here from my professional organizing colleagues!