Let’s be honest – most productivity hacks just don’t cut it if you have ADHD.
Editors? It has been abandoned. Fancy apps? Forgot password. Color coded systems? Too much work.
If you’ve ever felt like your brain doesn’t fit the “normal” mold, so be it.
That’s why I’m sharing 15 weird (but really real) ADHD tips that have helped me work better — without spending a dime. These aren’t picture-perfect Pinterest hacks. They are an active, dirty type, real life strategies that help when your senior employee leaves the building.
1. Email Yourself (Yes, Really)
Forget to-do list apps — the simple ADHD tip that changed everything? I’m emailing myself. I send quick notes or reminders to my inbox every time I think of something important. Food items. Blog ideas. Appointments. Random “don’t forget” thoughts.
✅ Bonus hack: Always use the same subject line (like “IMPORTANT” or “DON’T FORGET”) so you can search your inbox later and find all the brain dump quickly.
2. Go to “Zombie Land”
When your mind stops working, it’s time to enter zombie mode. Put on an audiobook (fiction works best!) and let your body go on autopilot while your mind explores.
🧠 Best for: cleaning, laundry, and any boring, repetitive task. It is a tricky way to reset your management function outside to close completely.
3. Combat Driving Anxiety
Loud music = focused brain. Driving with ADHD can be stressful, but blasting, hard-hitting music (think club or dance tracks) helps keep you alert and in the zone.
🎶 It sounds counterintuitive, but intense stimulation gives your ADHD brain something to “chew on,” which improves focus and reduces distractions.
4. The Alarm Ecosystem
One alarm is not enough. Set up multiple alarms with reminders for everything – not just the appointed time, but also for drinking water, stopping, changing tasks, and even bedtime.
⏰ Pro tip: Use Alexa, your phone, your smartwatch — whatever it takes. Let technology do the remembering for you.
5. How to Remember People’s Names
The ADHD brain has trouble remembering words. One quirky trick? Create a story or rhyme about someone else’s name – the more amazing, the better.
Example: Alice looked like she had boiled rabbits (a la Fatal Attraction) now I will never forget his name. It’s silly, but it works.
6. Bed Rotting
Sometimes you need to bed rot – spend the day lying flat, doing nothing at all. That’s right. ADHD burnout is real.
💡 But set a bed of decay rule: after one day, get up and do it something. It’s a shower. Extend it. Walk for 10 minutes. Don’t let one day become five.
7. Use an “Anchor”
Do you wander off while cooking or folding clothes? Likewise. That’s why I use a show or video to anchor me in place.
🖥️ Podcasts are very easy to travel with — instead use a visible an anchor like watching Netflix or your favorite YouTuber to grab your attention there your body needs to be.
8. “The Way to Allergies”
Impulsive habits are hard to break. One unusual but effective ADHD trick? Pretend you are allergic reactions to something you want to avoid – whether it’s alcohol, sugar, or ice cream.
🍦 It gives your brain a solid boundary — no overthinking, no gray area. Just you I won’t have it. Time. (And hey, it might not be completely which is not true.)
9. Fidget With Purpose
Forget spinners and stress balls. Doing something small with your hands helps your brain stay active. Doodling chains and paperclips they are my go-to tools during meetings and Zoom calls and I know other people who crochet or knit to help them stay focused.
10. Make Sweet Vitamins
Hate taking your supplements? The ADHD brain is not “boring.” Replace your tablets chewable vitamins or gummies that tastes like candy.
🍓 The best ADHD tip is one you’ll actually stick with – and if it tastes good, you’ll remember to take it.
11. Pep Talk
If you can’t get up and do something, try a a difficult speech of love. There’s an app called PepTalk (you can also search for it on YouTube) that compiles motivational speeches into short clips to do just that. 💪
🎧 I just hit play and let the words push me into action.
12. The Four Tendency Hack
Learn The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin to find out what motivates you. I am Obligerwhich means that I will only do something if someone else trusts me. So my tip for ADHD is to integrate my work into it another person. That means I make appointments, plan a pickup or tell a friend. In this way external accountability = follow through.
13. Clothing
Want to clean but can’t get started? Wear gloves and an apron. Want to exercise? Wear sneakers and active clothes. Want to focus? Wear a blazer.
👗 Dressing the part tricks your brain being a role. It’s weird, but it’s weirdly effective.
14. Visual Goal Reminders (ADHD Friendly Vision Boards)
Big abstract goals don’t work for ADHD. You need visible signs in your line of sight. This is why ADHD-friendly vision boards are so powerful.
📱 Pro tip: Create a digital vision board for your phone or desktop background. Fill it with real, tangible goals like “plant a garden” or “take a weekend trip.” You will be reminded of your ignorance every time you look at your screen.
👉 Create your own free vision board template here
15. Find Your “Brake” Person
If you are an electrician, you need a the brake – someone you trust to tell you if your idea is possible very little. Whether it’s selling everything and moving to Bali or starting your sixth side hustle, the person with the brakes gives you the dose of truth when you need it most.
👯 This isn’t about control — it’s about support and perspective. Who is your brake?
Your Mind Is Wise
There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to ADHD tips. The best strategies are those that feel feasible and work you. Try one. Try five. Ignore the rest. Your brain is amazing – even if it’s wired a little differently.
For more tips and friendships for ADHD- I’ve created a whole playlist of videos to help right here!
Need help figuring out how your brain organizes? Take my free Clutterbug quiz and discover your organizing style.
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