Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by organizational issues, inattention, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity that can affect a person's work and productivity. ADHD used to be called ADD by mental health professionals until they realized that hyperactivity plays a large role in this disorder. Now it is referred to as ADHD by all mental health professionals; however, many people still call the disorder ADD.
Adopt Healthy Habits
In order to focus and be productive throughout the day, start developing regular healthy habits. If you haven't slept for more than four hours the past couple nights, are eating junk food for almost every meal and feel stressed out all the time, you'll have a hard time concentrating. Adults with ADD/ADHD need to set themselves up for success to be more productive by adopting healthy eating, sleeping and exercising habits. If you change these habits, you'll soon see an increase in your productivity.
Use a Planner
Every adult, especially adults with ADD/ADHD, should have a planner to note important dates and phone numbers and plan out daily schedules. If you don't have one, buy one. If you do have one, use it regularly. Before you go to bed each night, look over what you have planned for the next day. Make a daily schedule and then review it the next morning. This will help you stay focused throughout the day.
Get Organized
Many adults who struggle with ADD/ADHD have a hard time staying organized. The first step is to get your house, workspace and car organized, so it won't take as much time to stay organized. It's hard to be productive and stay focused when you're working in an area that is messy. When you look at the big picture, it might be hard to conceptualize getting your life organized, so start small. An adult with ADD/ADHD could tackle one room each weekend until all the rooms in the house are organized. To keep things organized, take 10 minutes to pick up stray items before you leave a room. You'll never have to spend whole days organizing again.
Time Management
Adults with this mental health disorder have difficulty with time management; learning and implementing some basic techniques will help them be more productive. One time management technique includes actually setting a timer, so you don't get distracted or wrapped up in one task. For instance, if you need to write a paper for college but can't seem to write it without getting distracted, tell yourself that you'll write for at least 20 minutes without answering the phone, checking emails or texting. Set a timer for 20 minutes and write until it buzzes. Take a break and then repeat this a couple of times. If you set small goals, you'll be more likely to keep them.
