ADHD Productivity Tools: Boost Your Focus and Get More Done

Are you searching for the perfect ADHD productivity tools to boost your focus and get more done?

If you have ADHD like me, then you know how hard it is to stay productive. I struggle with this immensely as a homeschool mom with ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD like forgetfulness, being easily distracted, and lack of focus can all get in the way of completing tasks and achieving your goals.

Luckily, there are productivity tools available that can help you manage your time, stay organized, and improve your focus.

In this article, I am sharing with you 9 of my favorite ADHD productivity tools I use daily as a mom with ADHD to help me build routines, plan homeschooling, and keep myself on track to reach my goals.

Understanding ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Understanding ADHD is key to finding the right productivity tools for you. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects around 10% of the population.

It is more commonly diagnosed in males and often missed in females due to the differences in presentation between genders. Fortunately, awareness is spreading, and more females (especially adults) are getting the help they need.

ADHD is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can make it challenging to stay on task and complete projects. However, with the right tools and strategies, people with ADHD can manage these symptoms to improve their productivity and consistently achieve their goals.

ADHD affects both children AND adults. Those with ADHD have trouble with executive functions, the cognitive processes that allow us to plan, organize, and complete tasks.

ADHD is not a sign of laziness or a lack of motivation. It is a real condition that affects the way the brain works. Some of the most common ADHD symptoms include:

• Difficulty paying attention or staying focused
• Impulsivity
• Hyperactivity
• Forgetfulness
• Difficulty with time management
• Poor organization skills

There are different types of ADHD, and each person’s experience is unique. Think of it as a spectrum. Some people may struggle with hyperactivity, while others may have more difficulty with inattentiveness. Some people may have both types of symptoms.

If you have ADHD, it can be helpful to understand how your brain works and what strategies can help you manage your symptoms. Many resources are available to help you learn more about ADHD and develop coping skills.

Check out the video below from the How to ADHD YouTube Channel. Jessica Lauren McCabe is one of my favorite ADHD content creators who delivers valuable tips and practical advice for ADHD individuals.

If you are living with ADHD, you probably find it challenging to stay focused on tasks, manage time, and complete projects.

ADHD productivity tools can help you stay organized, manage your time, and prioritize tasks. These tools also help you break down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. They can remind you of important deadlines and appointments and help you track your progress toward your goals.

By using the best tools, you can reduce stress, improve your focus, and accomplish more in less time.

Remember, having ADHD does NOT mean you are incapable of being productive or successful. With the right tools and support, you can learn to manage your symptoms and reach your goals.

The 9 Best ADHD Productivity Tools

Many of these tools can sync across your devices and improve your productivity.

Here are the 9 ADHD productivity tools that I PERSONALLY use daily and recommend:

1. Notion

Notion is a versatile productivity platform designed for everything from note-taking to project management. You can assign tasks to others simply and effectively. It’s customizable and easy to use, making it a great choice to help with focus and productivity. I use it to keep a database of my favorite resources for homeschooling, hobbies, self-care, habits, and finances- just to name a few.

Notion can be overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is like having a “second brain”. Skillshare has a great beginner course to get you started on your productivity journey.

Here is a screenshot of one of my Notion Pages that I have set up as an overview of my days and weeks.

2. Trello

Trello is a visual project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help you organize your tasks. It’s a great way to keep track of what you need to do and what you’ve already done.

It has a minimal layout compared to other tools which is especially helpful for individuals with ADHD. It is a great visual tool to break larger tasks into smaller steps.

The interface makes it easy to learn and use, and it is one of my favorite apps that helps me in managing my tasks and improving productivity.

On of the ways I use Trello is to plan our homeschooling activities. Here is a screenshot:

3. Asana

Asana is another project management app designed to help individuals and teams. It can be used on desktop or on your phone. It’s easy to use and has a lot of features that can support your productivity and help you stay organized, one task at a time.

I used Asana as a to-do list while taking my 200 hour yoga teacher training to help keep me on track. Here is a screenshot:

 

4. Google Calendar

Google Calendar is a simple but effective tool for managing your schedule. You can use it to schedule appointments, set reminders, and keep track of due dates. There is an option to receive a notification for your event, to make sure you don’t forget anything important. You can also try out time blocking using Google Calendar.

Google Calendar has been a life saver for me. I don’t forget any appointments now (unless I fail to put it in my calendar immediately). I set multiple reminders for important events. Here is a screenshot:

5. ToDoist

ToDoist is a task management tool designed to help you create tasks and keep track of your to-do lists, ensuring that tasks are completed. It’s easy to use and has a lot of features to help you stay organized and boost productivity in different areas of your life. I also have the app on my Apple Watch and iPhone, so I can check off my tasks no mater where I am.

There are various resources that can help you learn how to use ToDoist to maximize efficiency. Check out this class on Skillshare.

I use this app to keep track of our grocery list and recurring tasks like our cleaning schedule, medications, my blogging tasks, and so on:

6. Evernote

Evernote is a note-taking app that can help you keep track of your ideas, thoughts, and to-do lists. It’s a great way to capture information and organize it in one place.

I use Evernote for organizing homeschool materials for my children, and to track their progress. I also use it as a brain dump to keep track of blog articles I love, and other odds and ends.

Here is a screenshot of my Evernote:

7. Goodnotes

Goodnotes is a digital planner app for tablets that can help you stay organized and increase productivity. It’s a great way to keep track of your schedule, tasks, and notes all in one place. Sometimes, nothing beats being able to physically write something out, which helps with memory retention.

I know personally, I lose almost EVERY notebook or journal I start, so now I have them all in one place on my iPad and in the cloud. Note: you will need a stylus pen and tablet to use this app.

I love how colorful and eye-catching I can make my notes with things like stickers, images, and different colors. Goodnotes would be great for journaling as well!

Here is a page out of my notebook from my yoga teacher training:

8. Apple Watch Timers

Using timers for ADHD has been incredibly helpful for me. If you have an Apple Watch,  the built-in timers function makes it easy to stay on task using the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer for your work sessions or breaks to help you stay focused and productive. If on your desktop you can use a tool like Pomofocus as well.

I’ve had success building positive habits when I started using alarms on my Apple Watch for building daily routines. Timers that sync across devices are very helpful, so whether or not you have your phone around (I can’t find mine half the time), you will still have the timers and reminders on your wrist. Plus you can use the “Find Devices” feature to find that pesky phone that keeps disappearing.

9. Timers on Alexa Products

If you have an Alexa device, you can use the built-in timers to help you stay on track and manage your time. Set a timer for your work sessions or breaks to help you stay focused and productive.

I use this mostly in the kitchen when I need multiple timers for cooking meals and don’t want to touch my Apple watch with messy or contaminated hands. It also comes in handy to set timers for my children when they want to take turns doing things (works great as a video game timer!)

These tools can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and stay productive throughout the day. Try them out and see which ones work best for you!

Some of these tools have a little bit of a learning curve, so make sure to only try ONE at a time. And don’t be hard on yourself if you aren’t consistent at first. It takes time and effort to build habits, and it is even harder for those of us with ADHD.

One of the secrets to overcoming the challenges of ADHD is the “one degree of change” concept. Routines are built slowly over time by adding in ONE new habit at a time. Let me repeat that: ONE HABIT AT A TIME!

Don’t overwhelm yourself with new tools to learn. I only say this because I tend to do that to myself! I know in the past I have tried to completely change my routine all at once, and then I get overwhelmed and give up.

We can celebrate the small victories over time, and before you know it, you will have built up so many small but positive habits that they snowball into a productive and rewarding routine.

Importance of ADHD Productivity Tools

Here are a few ways productivity tools can improve productivity and the ability to focus:

1. They help you stay organized

One of the biggest challenges for people with ADHD is staying organized. Productivity tools can help you keep track of your tasks, appointments, and deadlines, so you don’t have to rely on your memory alone. You can also use tools like ClickUp or Todoist to create to-do lists, set reminders, and prioritize tasks.

2. They reduce distractions

Distractions are a major obstacle to productivity, especially for those with ADHD. Productivity tools can help you minimize distractions and stay focused on your work. For example, you can use apps like Brain Focus or Focus@Will to block out distracting noise and create a more conducive work environment.

I also find that noise-cancelling headphones help immensely with blocking out environmental distractions. Sometimes I use headphones to play relaxing music (without lyrics). It all depends on my mood and what I need in that moment.

3. They increase efficiency

ADHD Productivity tools can help you work more efficiently by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining your workflow. For example, you can use tools like Evernote or Trello to store information and collaborate with others more efficiently. In our house, we use Notion to coordinate tasks, chores, planning, and tracking. I can share this with my husband. Who says these tools only have to be for work?

4. They provide motivation

ADHD productivity tools can also provide motivation to get things done by giving you a sense of accomplishment and seeing your progress. I know I get the ultimate satisfaction when I (finally) check off a box on my to-do list!

You can use a digital planner or journal to reflect on your progress or write out daily affirmations to stay motivated and nurture a growth mindset.

You can also use tools like Habitica or Forest to gamify your productivity and turn your work into a fun and rewarding experience. If you have children, these two options are great options for them too. It’s never too early to start teaching them good habits.

Overall, these tools can be a game-changer for people with ADHD. By helping you stay organized, reduce distractions, increase efficiency, and stay motivated, these tools can help you reach your goals and your full potential.

Some Honorable Mentions

Time Management Tools

Individuals with ADHD often struggle with time management, but there are many tools available to help you stay on top of your tasks. RescueTime is a time-tracking app that can help you understand how you spend your time and identify areas where you can be more productive. Forest is a unique app that uses gamification to help you stay focused and avoid distractions.

Mind Mapping Software

For people with ADHD, traditional note-taking and outlining can be difficult and overwhelming. Mind mapping software like MindMeister and XMind can help you organize your thoughts and ideas more visually and intuitively. You can create mind maps for projects, brainstorming sessions, and even to-do lists.

Focus and Distraction Blocking Apps

One of the biggest challenges for people with ADHD is staying focused and avoiding distractions. Focus and distraction-blocking apps like Freedom and Cold Turkey can help you stay on task by blocking distracting websites and apps. You can create custom schedules and settings to ensure that you stay focused during the times when you need to be productive.

Overall, technology can be a powerful tool for people with ADHD. Whether you struggle with time management, task organization, or staying focused, there are many apps and tools available to help you stay on track and be more productive.

How to Choose the Right ADHD Productivity Tools

When it comes to choosing the right ADHD productivity tool, it can be overwhelming with so many options available.

Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

1. Your Unique Needs

The first step in choosing the right tool is to determine your specific needs.

What is YOUR biggest challenge?

Do you struggle with time management? Are you easily distracted? Do you need help with organizing your tasks? Once you identify your specific needs, you can narrow down your options to tools that address those needs.

My priorities are mainly related to homeschooling and homemaking, but for someone else, these things could be completely irrelevant. Try out different productivity tools and see what works for you. Just because you decide a tool is not for you, that doesn’t mean you failed. You learned a little bit about yourself and can move on to a tool that fits better with your lifestyle..

2. User Interface and Ease of Use

The next factor to consider is the user interface and ease of use. The tool you choose should be easy to navigate and use. It should not add to your stress or frustration. Look for tools that have a simple and intuitive interface. A minimalist design helps to reduce distractions.

3. Compatibility with Your Devices

Make sure the tool you choose is compatible with your devices. If you use a Mac, for example, make sure the tool is compatible with macOS. The last thing you want is to invest time and money in a tool that you can’t use on your devices.

4. Price

Price is another important factor to consider. Some tools are free, while others require a subscription or one-time payment. Determine your budget and look for tools that fit within your budget. For me, the investment in a quality tool is worth it if it helps me structure my days and get things done.

5. Reviews and Recommendations

Finally, read reviews and recommendations from other users. Look for tools with positive reviews and recommendations from people with similar needs and challenges. YouTube is where I go to do this because I am a very visual learner.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right ADHD productivity tool that meets your specific needs and helps you stay focused and organized.

Maximizing your ADHD Productivity Tools

To get the most out of productivity tools for ADHD, it’s important to use them efficiently. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your tool efficiency:

1. Customize Your ADHD Productivity Tools

One of the great things about productivity tools is that they can be customized to fit your needs. Take some time to explore the settings and options of your chosen tools to see what can be customized. For example, you can set reminders to repeat at specific intervals, change the color of your task lists to make them more visually appealing or adjust the font size for better readability.

2. Use Shortcuts

Most productivity tools have keyboard shortcuts that can save you time and make it easier to navigate the interface. Take some time to learn the shortcuts for your favorite tools. It may take a little practice to get used to them, but once you do, you’ll be able to work more quickly and efficiently.

3. Keep Your ADHD Productivity Tools Organized

If you’re using multiple tools, it’s important to keep them organized so you can find what you need quickly. Consider using folders or tags to group related tasks or projects together. You can also use color coding to help visually distinguish between different types of tasks. I work hard to keep my bookmarks organized in my browser so I can easily access my tools (it’s an ongoing battle for sure).

4. Use Integrations

Many productivity tools can be integrated with other apps and services, which can help streamline your workflow. For example, you can integrate your to-do list with your calendar, so you can see your tasks and appointments in one place. Or you can integrate your note-taking app with your email, so you can easily save important messages as notes.

5. Review and Reflect

To get the most out of your productivity tools, it’s important to review and reflect on your progress regularly. Take some time each week to review your tasks and projects, and make any necessary adjustments. Reflect on what’s working well and what could be improved, and make changes accordingly.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Staying focused and productive when you have ADHD is a challenge. But you CAN boost productivity when you find the right tools and YOUR style of organization.

Here are some potential challenges you may face and some solutions to help you overcome them:

Challenge: Difficulty prioritizing tasks

It can be difficult to decide which tasks to focus on first when everything seems important. This can lead to procrastination and feeling overwhelmed. It is called analysis paralysis.

Solution: Use a to-do list or task manager to prioritize tasks. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable tasks. Use the Pomodoro technique to work in focused bursts of time, with short breaks in between. These apps can help with time management as well, which people with ADHD struggle with. This is called time blindness and magical thinking as discussed in the video below:

 

Challenge: Easily distracted

Distractions can be a major obstacle to productivity, especially when working in a noisy or busy environment.

Solution: Try noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to block out distractions. Use a website blocker to limit access to distracting websites. Create a designated workspace that is free from distractions.

Challenge: Forgetfulness

Forgetting important tasks or appointments can lead to missed deadlines and decreased productivity.

Solution: Use reminders and alarms to help you remember important tasks and appointments. Write important information down in a planner or notebook. Set up automatic bill payments to avoid late fees.

Challenge: Lack of motivation

ADHD can make it difficult to stay motivated, especially when working on tedious or uninteresting tasks.

Solution: Break up tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Use positive self-talk, keep a growth mindset, and reward yourself for completing tasks. Find ways to make tasks more interesting or enjoyable, such as listening to calming music while working.

By using these solutions, you CAN overcome the challenges of ADHD and increase your productivity.

The fact that you are here reading this article means that you are trying. I know I get down on myself for not being able to keep up sometimes, but we need to celebrate every small victory along the way!

Conclusion

In conclusion, these tools and apps can help individuals with ADHD to improve their productivity and achieve their goals. By using these tools and apps, you can get organized and put all your thoughts in a single place, which can help you stay focused and on track.

Remember, not all tools and apps will work for everyone. The goal is to find the best apps and tools that work for you and your unique needs and style. Experiment with different tools and apps until you find the ones that help you stay focused and productive.

Productivity looks different for everyone, so don’t compare yourself to others! Find the specific apps and tools that you actually enjoy using. That will make it much easier to make a decision.

Remember: the BEST productivity tools are the ones that you will ACTUALLY USE. 

And it’s alright if you try a tool out and don’t like it.

These apps and tools aid in managing ADHD symptoms and improving productivity. So don’t be afraid to try new things and find the best tools for you!