The Pomodoro Technique as an ADHD Support Tool

As someone with ADHD, finding effective strategies and tools to manage symptoms can be a challenge. In a previous blog post, I shared my experience using Spotify as an ADHD support tool. In this second post of my series on ADHD tools, I’m excited to share how I’ve been using the Pomodoro Technique to help me stay focused, organized, and productive. This technique has provided structure, reduced boredom, and improved productivity, making it an essential tool for managing my ADHD.

The Pomodoro Technique involves breaking work into 25-minute intervals, followed by five-minute breaks, with a longer break of 15-30 minutes after four intervals. This technique provides structure, reduces boredom, manages distractions, and improves productivity.

For me, the Pomodoro Technique has been especially helpful for my work as a programmer, as well as for chores around the house and even video games. When working on programming projects, I can work intensely for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break to stretch or grab a snack. I find that this approach helps me stay focused and energized, and I’m able to accomplish more in a shorter amount of time.

Similarly, when doing household chores, the Pomodoro Technique helps me stay focused and motivated. Rather than getting distracted by other tasks or losing steam, I can work for 25 minutes, then take a break before starting the next task.

When it comes to video games, the Pomodoro Technique is a bit different for me. While I love playing games, I often find myself getting lost in them for hours on end. But using the Pomodoro Technique, I can set a timer for 25 minutes, then take a break to evaluate whether I want to keep playing or switch to another task.

While the Pomodoro Technique can be implemented with any timer, I’ve found that using an app like Brain Focus or a web-enabled timer like Kukoo Timer can be especially helpful. These tools make it easy to keep track of intervals and ensure that I’m staying on track.

Overall, the Pomodoro Technique has been a valuable tool in helping me stay on task and manage my ADHD symptoms. But as I continue to explore different strategies and tools for ADHD management, I’m excited to share my experiences and insights with you in my next blog post. Stay tuned to learn about another powerful tool that has helped me navigate the challenges of ADHD.

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By Ron “Ziroby” Romero with assistance from ChatGPT

Image credit Michael Mayer https://www.flickr.com/photos/michael_mayer/6969282632

How I Use Spotify as an ADHD Support Tool

Living with ADHD can be challenging, especially when it comes to doing chores and other tasks that require sustained focus. However, I’ve discovered a simple yet effective way to make these tasks more manageable: using Spotify as a support tool.

The idea is simple: by playing music that engages my brain, I’m able to distract myself from the distractions around me and focus on the task at hand. I’ve found that this works especially well for chores like doing the dishes or folding laundry, which can be tedious and monotonous.

When I’m not feeling motivated to do a particular chore, I’ll put on a playlist on Spotify, and within a few minutes, I’m engrossed in my task and jamming to the music. I think this is because the music gives my brain something to focus on that’s upbeat and distracting, so my mind wanders less while I’m doing the relatively mindless task.

To make this work, I’ve created a playlist of my favourite songs. I call it “I love this song” because it’s all the songs that, when I hear them, I go, “I love this song!” I’ve found that this playlist is the best at getting me to do chores because I’m excited to listen to the music while I work.

Here are a few tips for using Spotify as an ADHD support tool:

• Create a playlist of your favourite songs: This will help you get excited about listening to the music while you work.

• Choose upbeat and engaging music: Avoid slow or mellow music, as it may make you feel lethargic.

• Use headphones: This can help you block out external distractions and focus on the music.

• Experiment with different genres: Different types of music may work better for different tasks, so try out a few different genres to see what works best for you.

In conclusion, using Spotify as an ADHD support tool has been a game-changer for me. It’s a simple yet effective way to make tasks like doing chores more manageable and even enjoyable. I hope this post has inspired you to give it a try, and stay tuned for more posts in this series about my favourite ADHD tools!

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Written by Ron “Ziroby” Romero with assistance from ChatGPT