As a woman navigating both ADHD and PMDD, I’ve had to find creative ways to manage my daily tasks and stay on top of my responsibilities. Over the years, I’ve discovered that the right tools and strategies make a world of difference in my ability to stay focused, organized, and productive. Here are the tools I use daily to stay on track, both in my personal and professional life.
My Top ADHD Tools for Women
1. Voice Command Assistants: Siri and Google Assistant
One of the best tools I’ve discovered is using voice command assistants, like Siri and Google Assistant. With ADHD, I often find myself distracted or forgetful, and having a voice assistant at my fingertips helps me stay on track without interrupting what I’m doing. Whether I’m in the middle of work, cooking, or even driving, I can simply say, “Hey Siri” or “Hey Google,” and ask it to:
- Add an item to my shopping list
- Set reminders for important tasks
- Play a specific song to help me focus
- Create calendar events or reminders without needing to type
The ease of voice commands makes these assistants indispensable, especially when I need to quickly capture an idea or task that might slip my mind otherwise.
2. Apple iCalendar and Shared Calendar with My Husband
Keeping track of appointments, work schedules, and family commitments can be a challenge, especially with ADHD. For this, I rely on the Apple iCalendar, which I find to be simple, intuitive, and efficient. I have a shared calendar with my husband, Shane, which helps us coordinate our schedules effortlessly.
- I can quickly add appointments, events, and reminders.
- He gets notified when I schedule or change something, so we’re always on the same page.
- The color-coding feature helps me differentiate between work-related tasks, personal appointments, and family events, keeping everything organized.
This shared calendar has made managing family life and business commitments so much easier for both of us, and it’s a game-changer for anyone balancing multiple priorities.
3. Excel Sheets for Planning and Organizing
When it comes to planning, especially for projects or long-term goals, Excel sheets are my go-to tool. The flexibility of Excel allows me to create detailed, color-coded spreadsheets to track everything from daily to-do lists to big-picture goals.
For me, organizing goals and breaking them down into manageable tasks is key to staying on track. I use Excel for:
- Project timelines
- Budgeting
- Meal planning
- Setting reminders for follow-ups
It’s easy to modify, and I can access it on both my laptop and phone, ensuring I stay organized no matter where I am.
4. To-Do List Apps for Reminders and Tasks
Even with all these tools, sometimes the simple act of having a dedicated To-Do List app is incredibly helpful. I use an app (like the Apple Reminders app or Todoist) to set up daily reminders for small tasks I can easily forget—whether it’s making a phone call, responding to emails, or picking up groceries.
- I can prioritize tasks by deadlines, importance, or urgency.
- The app syncs across all my devices, so I never miss a reminder.
- I can set recurring tasks for daily or weekly routines, which is especially helpful for consistency in my health and fitness goals.
By breaking down my tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, I can reduce overwhelm and focus on completing one thing at a time.
5. Skylight Calendar: A Visual Approach to Scheduling
For a more visual approach to scheduling, I use Skylight Calendar. This calendar app is perfect for anyone like me who thrives on having a clear, visual overview of their month. It syncs easily with Google Calendar, so I can access my appointments and reminders at a glance.
- Pro Tip: To get the most out of Skylight, color-code your events to instantly see the category (work, personal, family, etc.) and use the “week view” to zoom in on specific timeframes. It helps me stay organized without feeling overwhelmed by endless lists.
6. Timer Apps: Time Timer and Forest App for Focus
I’ve found that time management can be particularly challenging with ADHD, so I rely on timer apps like Time Timer and Forest to keep me on task and prevent distractions.
- Time Timer: This app allows me to visualize how much time is left for a task with an easy-to-read countdown. It helps me avoid losing track of time and supports focus during tasks like working, studying, or cleaning. Plus, I can set recurring timers for things like meal prep or workout sessions.
- Forest App: If you struggle to stay focused, Forest helps by encouraging you to “grow” a tree while you work. When you start working, you plant a virtual tree, and if you stay focused without checking your phone, the tree grows. It’s a fun way to keep track of focus and reduce phone distractions.
Pro Tip for Forest: Use the “planting” feature to reward yourself with tree growth after completing specific tasks or work sessions. Over time, you can build a virtual forest of productivity!
Conclusion
Managing ADHD and PMDD can be challenging, but with the right tools in place, I can navigate my day with more ease and confidence. From voice command assistants like Siri and Google to using shared calendars, Excel sheets, to-do lists, and visual scheduling tools, these strategies have made a significant impact on my ability to stay focused and productive. By incorporating timer apps like Time Timer and Forest, I can also minimize distractions and keep my focus sharp.
What tools help you stay productive and focused? Let me know in the comments, and feel free to share your strategies!
