Keep your shoes on if you have ADHD

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The tip for this week is “Keep your shoes on if you have ADHD”

Why it Works

The theory behind this hack is that shoes act as a physical cue to your brain. When you put on shoes, it's typically a signal that you're getting ready to go out and be productive. By keeping your shoes on indoors, you can create a similar mental state, even if you're not physically leaving the house. This can be especially helpful for people who work from home or spend a lot of time indoors.

Dr. Marcy Caldwell and psychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez discuss how shoes, traditionally associated with activity and productivity, can psychologically prepare us for tasks and help maintain a productive energy flow (ADHD Counselling -) (Marcy Caldwell, Psy.D.).

Practical Implementation

To implement this strategy effectively:

1. Choose the Right Shoes: Opt for comfortable, hard-soled shoes that you don't associate with relaxation. The type of shoes you might wear for a walk or a casual day at the office can be ideal. Avoid slippers or overly comfortable footwear that signals your brain to relax.

2. Create a Routine: Make putting on your shoes a part of your daily work-from-home routine. Doing so can help signal to your brain that it's time to shift gears from "home" to "work".

3. Consistency is Key: Consistency in this practice can help strengthen the mental association between wearing shoes and productivity.

If you live in a no-shoes-inside house, consider changing into work-appropriate clothing can also help cue your brain into work mode, similar to the effect of shoes.

Conclusion

While it might seem overly simple, wearing shoes indoors can be a practical and easy-to-implement strategy that might significantly enhance productivity for individuals with ADHD. By aligning this physical action with the need to be productive, you may find starting and completing tasks easier, turning everyday challenges into manageable actions.