In this week’s interview, Stephanie Scheller, CEO and Founder of Grow Disrupt, shares her journey of managing ADHD while running two multi-six-figure businesses. Despite initial disbelief, Stephanie embraced her ADHD tendencies and leveraged her knack for organization to optimize productivity. Here are her expert tips on space management and physiological self-care for ADHD adults.
Space Management for Focus:
Stephanie emphasizes the importance of an organized workspace tailored to enhance focus:
- Strategic Lighting: Customizable lighting, emanating from behind, illuminates Stephanie's workspace. By adjusting colors, she optimizes her brain's response to light and maintains attention.
- Strategic Setup: Positioning her computer against a wall prevents distractions and ensures forward-facing focus. Surroundings are intentionally designed to pull her attention towards the task at hand.
- Greenery Inclusion: Incorporating plants in the workspace serves a dual purpose. Not only do plants create a calming environment, but they also aid information absorption and cognitive function.
- Ceiling Height: While tall ceilings foster creativity, they can hinder focus. Stephanie mitigates this challenge by wearing blue light glasses when organizing her office. These glasses not only block harmful blue light from screens but also narrow her field of focus, minimizing distractions. Additionally, Stephanie sometimes uses a baseball cap to create the illusion of lower ceilings, further narrowing her field of vision for heightened concentration.
- Scent Association: Establishing a unique scent for the workspace helps signal the brain to enter a focused state. Stephanie's custom scent, designed for productivity, primes her mind for efficient work sessions.
Physiological Self-Care:
Recognizing the role of physiological factors in productivity, Stephanie offers practical advice for ADHD adults:
- Mindful Nutrition: Limiting sugar intake stabilizes dopamine levels, essential for sustained focus and productivity.
- Hydration: Adequate water intake supports optimal brain function and information processing. Tracking water consumption ensures peak performance.
- Quality Sleep: Prioritize sufficient sleep to prevent cognitive impairment and promote overall well-being.
- Physical Activity: Incorporating regular exercise aids dopamine regulation and hormone balance, contributing to long-term cognitive health.
Actionable Steps:
Stephanie encourages ADHD adults to focus on integrating three key habits for improved productivity:
- Start Small: Select three self-care practices to prioritize and gradually incorporate into daily routines.
- Consistency: Build consistency with chosen habits before introducing additional changes.
- Personalized Approach: Tailor self-care strategies to individual needs and preferences for sustainable results.
While productivity tools like calendars and project management software are valuable, Stephanie underscores the significance of space management and physiological well-being in maintaining peak performance for ADHD adults.
For more insights and strategies on maximizing productivity, visit Grow Disrupt.
Incorporating Stephanie's expert advice can transform productivity habits and empower ADHD adults to thrive in their personal and professional endeavors.