Part 2 of Life Hacks for Adults and Kids with ADHD (actually anyone)

Part 2 of Life Hacks for Adults and Kids with ADHD 

(and the those who love them)

Last week I summarized some thoughts from a webinar I had listened to entitled Win with ADHD: The Best Life Hacks for Adults and Kids presented by Dr. Michele Novotni.  So here's the rest of the summary.

Use Technology to Get Focused and Stay Focused

There are two apps that were recommended by Dr. Novotni.  As always, buyer beware, but both offer free trials.  

The first is Focus@Will. I downloaded it on my iPhone for free (there's an Android version and a web version)  The full name of the app is:  Focus@Will: Control Your ADD

It's a streaming app to help you focus. The write-up on the app site explains that the music you find on Focus@Will cannot be found anywhere else; we remaster, re-edit, and re-produce each track to remove all distracting elements so you can stay productive and focused. 

The website sells a subscription-based service for an annual fee of about $100 USD.  One reviewer of the Android version says that the app is just a 'thin wrapper around the website'.   Check out reviews first.    

The second option is Focus Booster; it too is a free (at first) app.  The iOS version says that there is a 30-day unlimited free trial, after which, if you don't sign-up you will be placed on the starter plan - which is free, with 20 sessions per month.  The individual plan is $2.99 per month, 200 sessions per month.  

Here's a review on the app and how it works.

Other suggestions:

Noise-cancellation headsets to tune out the noise.  There are many noise-cancellation apps available .

Not Quite so High Tech 

Time Timer   Unlike traditional timers that fail to make the abstract concept of time concrete, Time Timer’s visual depiction of “time remaining” provides stress-free time management at work, school and home to make every moment count. Amazon sells it for about $30.

Check out Clocky Alarm Clock on Wheels - this alarm clock moves around; you have to get out of bed to turn it off. Amazon sells it for about $54.00.

The Launch Pad & The Landing Pad

Sounds as if it's either really high tech or the title of a bad space movie but it's really about trying to get out the door on time.    The Launch Pad and Landing Pad is a dual function spot; it's where you drop stuff when coming home (the landing pad); it's where you pick up the items as you leave the next morning (the launch pad).  It's where you put all the  things you need for the next day, as close to the door as possible - backpack, note to remember your lunch, finished homework and so on. This should be your space and no one else's.  Be creative - is it a basket?  A big hook for the backpack?  A colourful bag perhaps.  It's your help-keep-you-organized spot.

The Laundry Options

I did not know about Colour Catchers before I watched the webinar.  For those who are time challenged, disorganized, forgetful (did I miss anyone?) check out 'colour catchers'. Just throw all the laundry in together.  A colour catcher catches loose dyes that seep into clothing during washes.  It prevents the dye from running or bleeding into the other clothes.  You can make your own or use a product from Shout: 

Maybe the Laundry Doesn't Need to be Folded and Put Away

All you might need is a way to separate the clean from the not clean.  Baskets work - one for the dirty clothes, one for the clean clothes.  You could label the baskets 'Coming' and 'Going'!

Get Moving to Get a Brain Break

This is such a standard response to how to get motivated but it's worth repeating.  Dr. Novotni had a client who would go for a run before having to do a 'non-preferred' activity.  So if something is out there and you know it's not going to be fun or interesting or you're avoiding it for whatever reason, do something active.  The Executive part of your brain will reward you with a willingness to settle down and tackle what you were avoiding.  

Here's an introductory link to Brain Gym.  I'm going to write a post in the near future about my experiences with the activities but if you're interested in simple exercises to stimulate different parts of the brain, check the website.