The hunt for the ideal app to tame ADHD can feel analogous to sniffing out a unicorn: one size does not fit all. So, while you won't find the exact support for productivity that is needed in many apps. Although no app can eliminate the symptoms of ADHD, a few have become very popular amongst those living with it to keep track of time and tasks. Based on my nearly 1000 app tech experiments over the years, I have boiled down a list that has been part of what is now my own productivity arsenal. This post dives into the apps and add-ons that have revolutionized how I work (and might do likewise for you).
Deep-Dive: the Boundaries of Apps
The first important point I want to make is this: Apps are not magic. They are not a cure for your ADHD struggles. Sure, there are tools like If This Then That and Zapier that help automate things as trivial as saving a photo to Dropbox when someone tags you on Facebook. But again those require active engagement. While a to-do list app will help you capture and organize your tasks, they obviously aren't going to perform them on their own!
If you want to truly increase productivity, take at least five minutes every morning and plan your day. Your plan must be revised and/or updated multiple times during the day. Using paper, a bullet journal, a dry-erase board, or an app — it doesn't matter (as much) as having some way to plan and review weekly.
Best To-Do List Apps for ADHD
The right app can - and will — be a game changer in the way you handle your to-do lists; Catonsville — Several schools announced Saturday that they will graduate early to avoid BRIGHTEST, including:
- Asana: For anyone with ADHD, this app comes in handy as it offers the classic board layout type. Boards let you organize your projects for visually managing tasks and reviewing status updates. In Vyta, you can group your tasks under headers of categories like likeTodayThis WeekNext Week, etc. I still actively use Asana for both personal and team task management including using it with some additional tool integrations.
- Trello: Trello is an alternative app to Asana that allows a more visual organization by dividing the tasks into boards and cards. Especially great for projects /Pooling with others Cards can be moved between columns which is great for knowing their progress.
Asana and Trello do the same job, but like I said earlier, it is crucial to continuously use this app as well as check what completed or non-completed tasks you have.
Best Calendar Apps for the ADHD Brain
The key is to use it consistently, whether you like a digital or paper calendar. Some of my favorites in digital formats are:
- Google Calendar — iCal and Google Calendar are the same thing, but you view it through one or another outlet. This means that iCal can share calendar data with Google Calendar, plus manage pre-existing appointments and events from one calendar application to your other digital gadgets. Calendar 5 [iPhone / iPad] is easy to use.
- Calendar Apps —Keeping it open and updated irrespective of the app. If you are one of those who prefer a piece of paper, go ahead and use a pencil as it gives you flexibility to reschedule tasks or your appointments.
Productivity Systems and Automation
Systemization of tasks for greater productivity The Game-Changer: tracker
TextExpander – creates shortcuts for phrases Great for any repeating job such as answering e-mails. I've personally saved an enormous amount of time by using TextExpander, while also organizing and streamlining my workflow.
Email Management Tools
Yes, I understand that email can be quite daunting of a challenge but there are plenty of tools to act as your salvation in that regard:
- Unroll. Me to me: This app aggregates all your subscription emails and sends you a daily or weekly digest that also lets you unsubscribe, no more clicking on unsolvable newsletter footers.
- Point Filters in Email: More on filters, use Gmail/Front or your other email client to point out important emails and filter out less urgent ones. Good tutorials setting up email filters for most providers can be found on YouTube.
File Storage and Sharing
While file management could be a pain especially when you are mingling with multiple devices;监 ')[development ].. › File Heaven
- Dropbox: A cloud storage service that includes features such as Smart Sync (only files you actually want saved on your computer are shown there, but others will be in the cloud). Great for high-data users
- Google Drive: Another great choice for cloud storage and file sharing. It plays well with lots of other tools + it is very flexible.
Improving Your Writing
These tools can be a lifesaver if you are bad at spelling and grammar.
Grammarly—A spell checker and grammar promoter web plug-in. It is really good for catching errors and enhancing readability.
Staying on Task
So these are the web productivity tools that help you maintain focus and do not let you fall prey to distractions.
Bose QuietComfort 35 Headphones: Noise-cancelling headphones can drown out audible annoyances, such as conversation. They've since become one of the indispensable arsenal in productivity land.
Improved Sleep and Wakefulness
Sleep is also a key, if not the most crucial factor in your productivity. Sleepio — the app that helps you sleep
Sleep Cycle: Records your sleep and wakes you during a light phase of sleep. It reduces grogginess and improves the overall quality of sleep.
Managing Meeting Times
For better organization, YOU need to keep meetings on track so follow the:
Next Meeting for Mac OS (U): This widget shows you how much time is left before your next meeting; it syncs with Google Calendar and iCal, so you can configure the exact timeframe of a warning alert.
Most Helpful Chrome Extensions to Avoid Distraction
Best Extensions for Google Chrome users to increase productivity Recursive Byte
- Momentum: Momentum extension asks you to do one thing a day which helps in focusing on your main goal.
- OneTab — This extension compresses all your open tabs into a single list so that you can focus more on creativity and less on browsing motivation.
- Grammarly: A Chrome extension, as previously mentioned it offers real-time writing support.
- Pocket and Evernote: Use these tools to save, categorize, or simply store articles/webpages for later reading.
Writing More Clear and Manageable To-Dos
Add as well, more actionable ver in your to-do list. Say Call your doctor to set up an annual physical instead of just a Doctor This will make everything clear and you know what to do.
Conclusion
No app is a magic bullet but by arming yourself with the right tools and strategies you can make much more progress in controlling your ADHD symptoms. These apps and add-ons helped me stay organized, manage tasks, and reduce time wasters. And do keep in mind that the point of these tools is to have them work for you, not against you — just as they were created.
Call to Action:
If this list has been beneficial in any way, please pass it on to others. Join our newsletter for more productivity tips & ADHD hacks in future posts. A favorite app or tool that did not make the list? Drop it in the comments below!
