Hey all! I’m a software developer that was diagnosed with ADHD a few months ago.
My productivity went to complete shit during Covid and hasn’t recovered. Part of the issue is that I’ve learned body doubling is one of the most effective ways for me to get stuff done. And, unfortunately for me, no one has wanted to come back into the office. I’ve tried setting reminders for myself to get routine-but-not-daily tasks done, but those only worked for a couple weeks. Pomodoro timers the same.
Anyone have any tips for being more productive at work? Ideally oriented toward software development, but I’ll take anything.
It’s a bummer you say that Pomodoro timers don’t work for you. I work in technical writing, and the Pomodoro system is ideal for keeping me on track, even when I’m testing a system (which bores me to death, let alone writing the documentation for it). Knowing that I have a short break after the end of a sprint’s worth of work keeps me motivated… when I remember to use the Pomodoro apps on my phone and Mac.
I set up a great system in Apple Reminders for my to-dos and lists. It’s a powerful tool if you use Apple products, more than just mere reminders.
Are you medicated? That helped me a ton in more ways than I can count. But I’ve never tried body doubling, since I’ve worked solo from home for the last seven years. Background noise is also helpful to me, such as Reddit videos in the background (especially r/NiceGuys compilations). Music, too. Podcasts and audiobooks less so because I become more focused on listening than being productive.
The timers work, but only for a week or so at a time. Then they stop working for a few weeks. Repeat. XD Same with my reminders (because yeah, the Reminders app is a godsend).
I am medicated, but we’re still figuring out the dosage. I’m on 18mg Concerta right now - probably going to ask my doctor to raise it at our next appointment. See how that goes.
Background noise is generally helpful for me as well. I usually have the TV on in the background! Generally a series I’ve seen before, but right now I’m working my way through King of the Hill. Anything that I can half-listen to and still be able to follow, haha.