What do we mean by ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder often known as ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder consisting of a repetitive pattern of not able to pay attention, being hyperactive and impulsive which disrupts a person’s daily functioning and developmental capacity. The symptoms of this particular disorder may often be seen in childhood and can actually continue into adulthood.
The main types of ADHD are inattentiveness, hyperactive/impulsive and the combination of both the two together. The people who are inattentive often find it difficult to stay focused, be productive and stay organized whereas, people who are hyperactive or impulsive often struggle with impulse control, doing things/activities quietly, talking excessively, etc.
People with ADHD exhibit disorganized and impulsive reactions to things which can make day-to-day activities quite exhausting and stressful at times.
A few Symptoms of ADHD are as follows :-
- Difficulty focusing
- Forgetting things quite often
- Weak organizational skills
- Making careless mistakes
- Restlessness and being on edge all the time
- Interrupting a lot
- Mood swings and irritability
- Struggling to get along with others
- Acting without thinking
- Extreme movements
Though an app might not be a complete treatment for ADHD, it definitely can provide its users with resources and tools to manage ADHD symptoms and improve one’s focus and organization skills to a great extent. There are many apps that can help people to stay on track, focused and attentive to manage one’s daily activities and make proper use of their time.
A few apps that can help effectively manage ADHD symptoms are as follows :-
- RoutineFlow : This app provides several benefits to its users by helping them build routines, make daily schedules and track habits that increases productivity. The app helps to enhance the users’s existing good habits by setting a context for each routine.
- Todoist : A task management app that helps people organize tasks and projects. It allows them to create to-do lists, set deadlines, and prioritize tasks for improved work-life balance. It also alerts the users by giving notifications for the same.
- Routinery : Routinery app also aims to help users simplify their daily tasks and create meaningful and exciting routines, motivating them to be more aware of how they use their time and be productive.
- Focus@Will :
This scientifically tried and tested app helps users focus on their tasks better by using personalized music. This music is exclusive to Focus@Will, and aims to improve productivity and focus, while reducing distractions around them.
This app also offers features like a productivity tracker, the ability to listen to music offline and a focus timer that works like a pomodoro timer to encourage users to take breaks and create work-break sessions. The pomodoro technique is a time-management method that entails using a timer to focus better. For example – You pick a project to focus on, set a timer to work for 25 minutes with no distractions, then take a 3-5 minute break when the timer rings. You repeat this four times before taking a longer break, then starting over again as and when needed.
- Headspace :
Headspace is a mindfulness app that helps users to learn the art of meditation as it can be a useful tool to understand the peace and serenity being calm and centered brings along whenever a person is activated or restless. Meditation teaches us tools to recenter ourselves by shifting our focus when a person is feeling agitated or anxious. Research also supports mindfulness meditation as a way to manage ADHD.
This app can make meditation more accessible and convenient with daily prompts for guidance. It also includes guided meditation, mindfulness exercises etc.
Apps that are accessible and has helpful and useful features like to-do lists and time management skills can come in quite handy for those struggling with ADHD.
ADHD can affect various parts of one’s life, including academic performance, work, social relationships, and day-to-day functioning, but with proper guidance and support, individuals with ADHD can lead successful and fulfilling lives.
This app assists in actively managing ADHD symptoms with features like habit trackers, timers and inspiring messages which can be beneficial for people who are more prone to forgetting about their daily goals and routine.