Getting through the day when you’re neurotypical is hard enough. When you factor in the telltale symptoms of ADHD like time blindness, task paralysis, or the siren call of your curio collection, staying on track can feel impossible. Have you considered ADHD-proofing your day?
From a swanky SAD lamp to adaptogen-infused gummies, these are the 10 items I swear by to help wrangle the daily distractions of ADHD and keep your priorities (and car keys) in check.
1. Pomodoro Timer
I’m dependent enough on my phone that even unlocking the damn thing to set an alarm can lead to wasted time scrolling Reddit and researching the best gym bags. (They’re all the same.) This timer is refreshingly low-tech — no screens, ports, digital pet integration system — just a way to get some work done without distractions.
2. Lumie Task Lamp
There’s no shortage of studies on the effectiveness of a light box as a treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Lumie brings a little flavor to the world of SAD lamps with a modern design you won’t be afraid to bask in for 10 months out of the year.
3. Brēz Drift
Back in the olden days, a well-to-do man would be expected to drown out any intrusive thoughts with a finger of bourbon served out of a lead-lined tumbler. Made with cannabis, functional mushrooms, and adaptogens, Drift helps you unwind without taking away your ability to drive a car or amplifying your ability to sing karaoke.
4. Rhodiarama Soft Cover
The Motley Bloom team knows the inherent value of a journal that gels with your personal style. If simplicity speaks your language and you tend to forget details unless they’re recorded immediately, I highly recommend Rhodia.
5. AirTag Case
I desperately hate big corporations like Apple, but I would have lost my keys a dozen times without my beeping AirTag. The new ones are 50% louder, so I’m still coming to terms with being the idiot with the sort-of-loud AirTag.
6. Attention Chews
There’s a lot of research on the positive cognitive effects of amino acids like Tyrosine and L-Carnitine. Added into my mix of pharmaceuticals, these help me ward off the post-work sleepies.
7. Dry Erase Board
There’s something about the frantic scribbling of an idea on a dry-erase board that makes you think: “Man, it must look like I just thought of something really good.” There’s a sad provisional quality about the life of an erase board musing, but some ideas shouldn’t live forever in your notes app.
8. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
If you’re sensitive to loud sounds and have a tough time with textures, I highly recommend a pair of Sennheiser noise-cancelling headphones. With a battery life of around 50 hours, you could get through half of the Infinite Jest audiobook before needing to charge these bad boys.
9. Recover Edible
When your arsenal of tech products can’t quell that feeling of anxiety, a trusted edible from a reputable brand can totally change the tune of your day. Made with adaptogenic herbs and a 1:1:1 ratio of THC:CBD:CBG, Juāna is a great pick-me-up that keeps you up without the crash or couch-lock.
10. Fidget Spinner Ring
I scoffed at fidget spinners when they first came out, foolishly underestimating the soothing qualities of anxious brains. I wish I’d gotten this one inscribed. I think I would’ve had it say “You complete me.”
