ADHD Productivity Hacks That Work

Productivity tips make me itchy. Especially the ones that assume my ADHD brain doesn’t exist. These ADHD productivity hacks are for people who’ve stared at their planner, blacked out, and woke up watching otter videos on YouTube — written by someone who did that last week.

I’ve tried every method out there for ADHD time management — and abandoned most of them. But some tricks? They actually help. Not in a “buy this $200 planner and become a new person” way. In a “you’ll still be you, just slightly more functional” way.

Now let’s talk about the habits that work (and why they work for ADHD brains).

When my brain is in shutdown mode, I start small — like tiny gremlin-level small. Making the bed. Sending that one email. Putting my smoothie cup in the sink instead of pretending it doesn’t exist.

I call it the “Finish Something” trick. It works because our dopamine-starved brains love a sense of completion. It builds momentum. And once I’ve finished one thing, it’s way easier to keep going.

This isn’t just a to-do list hack — it’s a mini dopamine boost disguised as productivity.

ADHD productivity challenges often start with… starting. Executive dysfunction makes it feel physically impossible to begin, even when we want to.

Here’s my go-to workaround: I trick my brain by lowering the bar. Instead of “write for 30 minutes,” I’ll tell myself, “Just open the document.” Once it’s open? “Just type one sentence.”

Nine times out of ten, I keep going. Because starting is the hardest part — not the task itself.

Classic time blocking never worked for me. But I realized I could make it ADHD-friendly by keeping it flexible.

I now use time anchors — I tie tasks to something predictable: “after breakfast,” “before therapy,” or “when the dog starts yelling at the wind.”

And instead of rigid schedules, I batch tasks by type and use a visual timer I can see (like the Time Timer — affiliate link if added, don’t forget your disclosure!).

It’s not perfect. But it doesn’t make me spiral, which is a win.

🧠 Feeling disorganized? Check out ADHD Organization Tips That Actually Work for simple systems that even forgetful brains can stick to

One of the most effective focus tools for ADHD isn’t a tool at all — it’s a person. Enter: the body double.

This is someone who sits with you (in person or virtually) while you do the thing. They don’t have to help. They just have to exist near you.

I’ve cleaned my kitchen, responded to emails, and tackled weeks of neglected adulting tasks — all because someone was quietly coexisting in the room or on Zoom. Dopamine is weird.

Find Your Double:

• Schedule a virtual body doubling session with Focusmate (there are ADHD-friendly ones online!)
• Play a YouTube “study with me” video
• Use a voice memo app like Otter AI to “talk through” your task as if someone’s with you

If you’ve ever cleaned more thoroughly because someone was watching, you’ve already felt the power of body doubling.

I have 37 tabs open in my brain at all times. I can’t hold everything in my head and still function — so I don’t.

Instead, I outsource my memory to external tools: sticky notes, whiteboards, Notion, even a voice memo app I yell into mid-shower thought.

This is what I call my external brain system. It helps reduce overwhelm and makes it easier to prioritize. And it counts as one of my favorite ADHD productivity hacks — because it gives my real brain a break.

📌 Related post: ADHD time hacks that actually work

Not all hours of the day are created equal. Some days I’m ready to conquer the world at 9 a.m. Other days, I’m just trying not to cry over unmatched socks.

Instead of forcing productivity, I match tasks to my current energy. Low energy? Admin stuff, folding laundry, meal prep. High energy? Writing, planning, problem-solving.

This is especially helpful for ADHD brains, where energy and focus fluctuate wildly.

If I try to write when I’m fried, I’ll spiral. But if I write when I’m wired? I’m unstoppable.

I’ve fallen for so many pretty productivity apps… and then never opened them again. These are the focus tools for ADHD I actually use:

(Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That helps me keep the coffee flowing and the blog going at no additional cost to you!)

Like this post? Share it with your favorite chaos goblin 🌀 or drop a comment below with your weirdest ADHD productivity win. Let’s make this work our way. 💜