Cactus Counselling

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12 ADHD Hacks

Photo of pair of odd socks by Licalze Socks

Living with ADHD (which stands for "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder", though I dispute that "disorder" is an acceptable term for any neurotype) can present challenges that non-ADHDers don't even have to think about. I believe there are two keys to managing ADHD: one is self-compassion and the other is a willingness to solve problems creatively. With those two keys in mind, here are a few ADHD hacks that I hope you'll find useful!

🌼 Keep veering off from doing that one task? Do another one that needs to be done but you'd rather do. Your future self will thank you regardless. (bonus tip: be kind to yourself and thank yourself for doing the task - Past You did their best!)
👣 Wear mismatched socks if that's all you can find. Do not submit to sock tyranny! If you feel self-conscious about them, wear long slacks.
🧦 Alternatively, if you really don't like wearing odd socks, buy socks that are all the same.
🪥 Electric toothbrushes can take away the monotony of a manual one.
📨 Have more than one email address. Your second one can be used if you know you'll get spam from giving it out.
🎵 Set yourself the One Song Challenge: put on music and do as much housework as you can before the song ends.
🫙 Not in the mood to cook? Eating from the jar is valid - you'll still get your nutrients! Pickles, sun dried tomatoes, yoghurt, and peanut butter are still food.
🌷 Writing a to-do list? Draw flowers next to each instead of check boxes. When you complete a task, colour in the flower.
👩🏿‍🦰 Got long hair? The messy bun is your friend: leave it in for as long as you like, even overnight. Nobody will be able to tell if you put it up today or four days ago.
💤 Sleep in the clothes you plan to wear the next day, particularly if you're going to start your day with a workout: when you get up, your exercise gear's ready.
👟 Slip-on shoes are suitable for any weather!
⏰ Water-resistant clocks are a thing! Think about getting one for your shower routine.

Try adding these tips into your daily life and see if they help! Living with ADHD has its challenges, but with self-compassion and a creative approach, day to day life should get that little bit easier. If you want to work with me as an adult with ADHD, why not contact me and book an initial session?

P.S.: I'm a member of Attention Allies, a group of neurodivergent therapists who specialise in working with clients with ADHD. You can find lots more articles in our blog!


Photo by Licalze Socks on Pexels.

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