For 2 years, I've been collecting productivity tips. You might find it useful
Tags: productivity
Published: 2024-05-03 14:10:56

Since last year, I've been reading a lot of discussions about Productivity and ADHD. I find lots of valuable tips and have been compiling them on my Obsidian note. I have tried some of them, and I want to share these with y'all:

## Increase focus (combat distractions)

* Disable all your notifications, except for essential apps
* I find taking less sugar or carbohydrates during lunch helps a lot! Less sleepy!
* Set clear expectations and targets with your team or supervisor
* Exercise in the morning or walk. Your brain will focus better after some exercise.
* Listen to brown or white noise or any music without lyrics to your liking. My favorite so far is YouTube music, and I usually find one-hour lo-fi or instrumental music.
* Consider a site blocker if you find yourself opening a certain website
* Keep your to-do list at eye level. I use sticky notes, and recently, I used an app called Today, which has floating notes that stick on top.
* Brain dump all tasks quickly in the morning, then choose 1-2 critical tasks to focus on.

## Deal with mood swings

* Remind yourself that the world won't end if a few things fall behind.
* Ignore the awkward thing you did last week. People won't remember it.
* Brain dump in a notebook by your bed every night. It helps you to calm down and think.
* If you felt unproductive yesterday, don't hate yourself. Focus on improving yourself in the present.
* I use Obsidian to write daily journals

## Get things done

* Put your todo in a place you can always see.
* Break down tasks into smaller chunks until they feel manageable
* Use Pomodoro. If 25 minutes work, a 5-minute break doesn't work, try 50 minutes work, a 10-minute break.
* Sometimes, I like to use a timer instead of Pomodoro. I like to use Toggl to track my time.
* Put your phone out of sight (in a different room)
* When you take breaks, make sure they aren't too interesting. Otherwise, you will get absorbed in them. Just go to the bathroom or clean during your break.
* Time block your calendar so you know what your day looks like. But don't beat yourself up if it doesn't go as planned. ⭐️ My favorite app for this is Today (usetoday.app). I can see tasks and calendars side by side.
* Download an app that chimes every hour so you get a sense when the time has passed

## For daily things

* Three-point check before you go out: Phone, wallet, keys
* Have one bag for all your essentials—keys, chargers, toothbrushes—and when you go out, just grab that bag. Easy peasy!
* Put a bowl near your door for your keys, badges, or wallet so you can't leave without ALL the stuff you need. My spouse finds this helpful!
* Listen to podcasts when doing chores. It gives me excitement.

## For traveling

* Pack things weeks before so you don't forget
* Have a checklist (toiletry, passport, what to check before leaving the house)
* Write things down if you worry about "Do I need a visa?" then write it in a FAQ format. Question: "Do I need a Visa to South Korea?" Answer: "*No. Here's the link from the official website."* I like to use Notion for every trip.
* Find friends who is detail-oriented to plan the itinerary, ideally they know your condition.
* Set two alarms: (2 hours) and (30 mins) before the time you should go to the airport.