How to Stay Focused When You Have ADD: Tips and Tricks for Moms

Hey there, fellow moms with ADD! waves frantically Oh, sorry, squirrel! Where was I? Right, focus. We all know how challenging it can be to stay on track when your brain is constantly on the move. I mean, I’m pretty sure I’ve lost focus three times already while writing this sentence. But fear not, my distracted comrades! I’m here to offer you some tips and tricks to help you wrangle that wandering mind and keep it on task. So, put down that glitter glue and step away from the craft project for just a moment. Let’s talk focus.

But before we dive in, a quick disclaimer: I use affiliate links in my blog, so if you buy through those links, I earn a small commission. Every little bit helps, so I appreciate your support! Also, if you prefer to listen to this post while you’re doing something else (like knitting, or driving, or riding a unicycle while juggling), you can find the audio version on my podcast through Spotify and Amazon Music.

Now, let’s get focused! But first, like, comment, share, and subscribe to let me know you’re here with me.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – your brain. As a mom with ADD, you may feel like your brain is more like a tornado than a smooth operator. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, according to science, the brains of people with ADD process information differently than those without it.

Imagine you’re trying to focus on a task, like folding laundry. Your brain might notice the wrinkles in the shirt, then remember the argument you had with your spouse earlier, then wonder what’s for dinner, then notice the pile of paperwork on the table. Suddenly, folding laundry becomes a distant memory as you spiral into a whirlwind of thoughts and distractions.

It’s not your fault that your brain works this way. It’s just wired differently. But understanding how your brain processes information can help you develop strategies to work with it, instead of against it.

So, the next time you find yourself struggling to focus, remember that it’s not a personal failure. It’s just your brain doing what it does best – being easily distracted and wandering off into tangents. Embrace the chaos and find ways to make it work for you.

Organization is Key

Okay, so you’ve accepted that your brain operates on a different wavelength than most people’s. That’s half the battle won. The other half? Organization.

I know, I know. The mere thought of organizing your space and time probably sends shivers down your spine. But hear me out. When everything around you is chaotic, it’s only going to make it harder to stay focused. So, let’s talk about some tips to help you get organized.

Firstly, let’s talk about space. You need to create a space that’s conducive to focus. This doesn’t mean it has to be sterile and boring, but it should be neat and tidy. Get some storage boxes, label them, and put things away when you’re done with them. That way, you won’t spend hours looking for your keys, your phone, or your favorite pen.

Now, let’s talk about time. You need to make a schedule and stick to it. I know, I know, it sounds like a death sentence, but trust me, it works. Start with a planner or a calendar, and write down everything you need to do in a day, from getting up and brushing your teeth to picking up the kids from school. And don’t forget to schedule in some breaks too! That way, you won’t feel overwhelmed and burned out.

And finally, let’s talk about lists. Oh, how I love lists! They’re like little maps that guide you through your day. Make a to-do list every day, and prioritize the items on it. Start with the most important task and work your way down. And don’t forget to cross off items as you complete them. It’s incredibly satisfying.

So, there you have it. Get organized, and you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to stay focused. And hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, just remember that you’re not alone. We’re all in this together, and we’ll get through it one list at a time.

Let’s talk about routines. You know, those things that sound so easy and simple but are actually about as easy as herding cats. But trust me, routines can be a lifesaver when you have ADD. They help us create structure and order in our otherwise chaotic lives.

Now, creating a routine might sound like a walk in the park, but let me tell you, it’s more like navigating a labyrinth with a blindfold on. But fear not, my fellow ADD moms, for I have some tips to help you create a routine that works for you.

First things first, don’t try to copy someone else’s routine. Just because your friend who also has ADD swears by waking up at 5 a.m. and doing yoga for an hour before work, doesn’t mean that’s going to work for you. So, take some time to figure out what works for you. Maybe you’re more of a night owl and prefer to do your yoga before bed. Or maybe you hate yoga and would rather go for a run. The point is, find what works for you and go with it.

Next, start small. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your routine. So, pick one or two things that you want to incorporate into your routine and start there. Maybe it’s making your bed in the morning or taking a shower before work. Whatever it is, make it manageable and stick with it until it becomes a habit.

Now, here’s the tricky part, sticking to your routine. It’s all too easy to fall off the routine wagon, but trust me, consistency is key. So, find ways to hold yourself accountable. Maybe it’s setting reminders on your phone or using a habit tracker app. Or maybe it’s enlisting the help of a friend or family member to keep you on track.

And last but not least, be kind to yourself. Creating a routine takes time and effort, and it’s okay if you stumble along the way. The important thing is that you keep trying and don’t give up on yourself.

So, my fellow ADD moms, go forth and create a routine that works for you. And remember, if at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again. Or just take a nap. Naps are good too.

Let’s face it, distractions are the bane of our existence. I mean, who hasn’t fallen down the rabbit hole of YouTube videos when they should have been working on that report due tomorrow? Or maybe you found yourself deep-cleaning the pantry when you were supposed to be finishing up that project for work. Trust me, I get it. But when you have ADD, these distractions can feel like they’re on steroids. Suddenly, you find yourself watching a video about a cat playing the piano and an hour has passed, leaving you wondering how you got there.

So, what can we do to minimize these pesky distractions? First and foremost, get yourself some noise-cancelling headphones. They may be pricey, but they’re worth their weight in gold. Not only will they help to block out external noise, but they’ll also send a clear message to your family that you mean business. Plus, they’re perfect for those times when you just need to drown out the world and focus.

Another helpful tool is a timer. Yes, I know it sounds like something your grandma would use, but hear me out. Setting a timer for a specific amount of time can help you to stay on task and prevent distractions from taking over. It’s like a race against the clock, and you’d be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you’re up against a deadline.

And finally, don’t be afraid to use apps to help you stay focused. There are a ton of apps out there specifically designed to help with focus and productivity. My personal favorite is the Forest app. You plant a tree and set a timer, and if you leave the app, the tree dies. It sounds silly, but it’s surprisingly effective.

So, there you have it. Three simple tips to help you minimize distractions and stay on task. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go plant a virtual tree.

Ah, taking breaks. It’s like the sweet, sweet nectar of the ADHD gods. We can’t focus for hours on end like normal humans, so we need to take breaks to recharge our batteries. But how do we take breaks effectively, you may ask? Well, I’m glad you asked, because I have a few ideas up my sleeve.

First off, let’s talk about meditation. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Meditation? I can barely sit still for five minutes, let alone meditate.” Trust me, I get it. But hear me out. Meditation doesn’t have to be all “ommm” and incense. It can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths and focusing on your breath for a minute or two. And if that’s too much for you, just sit quietly and let your mind wander for a bit. It’s like a mini vacation for your brain.

Next up, exercise. Now, I know what you’re thinking again. “Exercise? But I hate exercise.” Well, guess what? So do I. But exercise doesn’t have to be going to the gym and lifting weights. It can be as simple as taking a walk around the block or doing some yoga in your living room. Just get your body moving and your blood pumping. It’ll do wonders for your focus.

Last but not least, mindfulness practices. What the

heck is mindfulness, you ask? It’s basically just paying attention to the present moment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. And it can be super helpful for those of us with ADHD. One easy way to practice mindfulness is to focus on your senses. What do you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel right now? Just taking a minute to tune into your senses can help you feel more grounded and focused.

But the key to taking effective breaks is to mix it up. Don’t just rely on one method all the time, because it can get boring and lose its effectiveness. Switch between meditation, exercise, mindfulness, or whatever else works for you. And don’t forget to set a timer, because let’s be real, we can get lost in our breaks and forget to get back to work.

So there you have it, folks. Taking breaks is not only important for those of us with ADHD, it’s essential. And with a little creativity, you can turn your breaks into mini-vacations for your brain. So go forth and recharge those batteries, my ADHD comrades.

Look, I get it. As moms, we’re supposed to have it all together. We’re supposed to be able to juggle a million things at once, while looking fabulous and maintaining a perfect Pinterest-worthy home. But let’s be real, that’s just not possible. And if you’re dealing with the added challenge of having ADD, it’s even harder.

So here’s a little secret: it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s more than okay, it’s necessary. Whether you need someone to watch the kids for a few hours so you can focus on work, or you need to talk to a professional about managing your ADD symptoms, there’s no shame in reaching out for assistance.

But let’s be real, asking for help can be hard. It can feel like admitting defeat, or like you’re burdening someone else with your problems. So here are a few tips to help make the process a little easier:

1. Be honest: Don’t be afraid to admit that you need help. People are often more understanding than we give them credit for, and they may be more than happy to lend a hand.
2. Be specific: When you ask for help, be clear about what you need. This will help the person you’re asking feel more confident in their ability to assist you.
3. Offer to reciprocate: If you’re worried about burdening someone else, offer to help them out in return. This can make the exchange feel more like a two-way street.

And if you’re struggling to find the right kind of help, don’t be afraid to reach out to support groups, therapists, or even medication. There’s no shame in needing a little extra support, and it can make all the difference in helping you stay focused and on track.

Remember, as the saying goes, “It takes a village.” So don’t be afraid to lean on your village when you need it. We’re all in this together.

Congratulations, my fellow moms with ADD! You made it to the end of this blog post, which is no small feat when you consider how easily we get distracted. We covered a lot of ground today, but let’s do a quick recap of the tips and tricks we talked about:

First, we talked about how understanding our brains and how ADD affects us is key to staying focused. Then, we discussed how organization and routines can help us stay on track. We also talked about minimizing distractions, taking breaks, and asking for help when we need it.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “This all sounds great, but can I really do it?” And the answer is YES, my friend! You are capable of achieving great things, even with ADD. Don’t give up on yourself. Keep trying, keep experimenting, and find what works for you.

Remember, you’re not alone. There are plenty of other moms out there who are dealing with the same challenges you are. And don’t forget that there is help available. Whether it’s through support groups, therapy, medication, or all of the above, there are resources out there to help you manage your ADD and achieve your goals.

Before you go, I want to remind you that I use affiliate links in my blog. When you buy through those links, I earn a small commission, which helps me keep creating content like this. So if you found this post helpful, please consider clicking those links to support me.

And last but not least, if you prefer to listen to your blog posts instead of reading them, you’re in luck! You can listen to the audio version of this post on my podcast, which is available on Spotify and Amazon Music.

Thank you for reading, my fellow ADD moms. Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe!