In an episode of ADHD Support Talk Radio, co-hosts Tara McGillicuddy and Lynne Edris join forces to explore the challenges faced by adults with ADHD when it comes to managing distractions. Titled “Managing Distractions with Adult ADHD,” the conversation delves into the impact of distractions on focus and productivity and provides practical strategies to help individuals stay focused and recover from distractions effectively.
Tara and Lynne start the discussion by acknowledging the ubiquitous nature of distractions in today’s fast-paced world and how they can significantly impede the progress of individuals with ADHD. They highlight how the brain of someone with ADHD is more susceptible to external stimuli, making it easier for distractions to capture attention and derail focus.
The co-hosts delve into the various types of distractions that adults with ADHD commonly encounter, including digital distractions (such as social media, email, and notifications), environmental distractions (such as noise and clutter), and internal distractions (such as racing thoughts and daydreaming). They shed light on how these distractions can lead to a significant decrease in productivity and an increase in frustration and overwhelm.
Throughout the episode, Tara and Lynne provide a range of practical strategies to help individuals with ADHD manage distractions and maintain focus:
1. Create a distraction-free environment: The co-hosts emphasize the importance of setting up an environment that minimizes potential distractions. They discuss strategies such as decluttering physical spaces, using noise-canceling headphones, and establishing designated work areas to create a focused and conducive environment.
2. Set clear goals and priorities: Tara and Lynne highlight the significance of setting clear goals and priorities to maintain focus. They emphasize the importance of breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps and utilizing tools like to-do lists and calendars to stay organized and on track.
3. Utilize time-blocking and structured schedules: The co-hosts discuss the effectiveness of time-blocking and structured schedules in managing distractions. They recommend allocating specific time slots for focused work and incorporating regular breaks to prevent burnout. By creating a structured schedule, individuals can better manage their time and minimize the potential for distractions.
4. Implement digital strategies: Tara and Lynne explore various digital strategies to combat distractions in the digital age. They discuss techniques such as using website blockers and productivity apps, managing notifications, and practicing mindful online behavior. By implementing these strategies, individuals can create a healthier relationship with technology and minimize digital distractions.
5. Practice mindfulness and self-awareness: The co-hosts emphasize the importance of cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness to manage distractions effectively. They discuss techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and self-reflection to develop a heightened sense of awareness and improve focus. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can become more attuned to their internal and external distractions and develop the ability to redirect their attention.
6. Develop self-discipline and accountability: Tara and Lynne explore the role of self-discipline and accountability in managing distractions. They discuss strategies such as setting realistic expectations, utilizing accountability partners or support groups, and incorporating rewards and incentives. By developing self-discipline and creating systems of accountability, individuals can stay motivated and on track despite potential distractions.
7. Embrace self-compassion and flexibility: The co-hosts highlight the importance of self-compassion and flexibility in managing distractions. They discuss the tendency for individuals with ADHD to become overly self-critical and offer strategies for cultivating self-compassion and embracing imperfections. By adopting a flexible mindset and practicing self-compassion, individuals can bounce back from distractions more effectively and maintain a positive mindset.
Throughout the episode, Tara and Lynne share personal anecdotes, evidence-based insights, and practical tips, creating a supportive and informative space for listeners. They emphasize that managing distractions is an ongoing process that requires experimentation and adaptation. By incorporating the discussed strategies into their lives, individuals with ADHD
can cultivate greater focus, productivity, and overall well-being. The episode serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to navigate the challenges of distractions and reclaim control over their attention and productivity.
Podcast Co-Host and Founder, Tara McGillicuddy is described by those who know her – clients, fellow leaders, and community – as 
dedicated to the deep, soulful energetic-level shifts required by life. Whether she’s helping to SEE your life more clearly, identify where you’re stuck, tuning into sacred energies OR she’s helping to build a practical life with tools, structure, physical help and precise action steps, she is committed to giving everything she knows to help you live your best life and to feel fulfilled by it.
Tara has been known and celebrated in the ADHD community for decades of practical and long-lasting shifts in tens of thousands in her communities. The creator of ADDClasses.com, The ADHD Awareness Expo and ADHD Support Talk Radio Tara is one of the longest-standing leaders in the field. Over the years she has also honed her natural skills as an empath. She now also combines the rare gift of sight and energetic knowing and her latest project is Empath Now a resource to help Empower Empaths.
Podcast Co-Host Lynne Edris is a Productivity & ADHD Coach who helps overwhelmed professionals from all over the world learn to accomplish what they intend and take control of their days with ease so that they can perform at the level of their abilities and have more time, more energy and more bandwidth for what matters most to them. Lynne is a woman, wife, and mom with ADHD herself, so she understands the struggles and challenges of living with ADHD. She has gone from living in the constant state of chaos, overwhelm, and under-performance that adults with ADHD know far too well, to living a life of more success and fulfillment than she once dreamed possible. Her passion is to help others fulfill their own potential and start “firing on all cylinders” in all areas of your life. You can learn more about Lynne at www.CoachingADDvantages.com, and text keyword “HACK” to 33777 to get her 7 Fool-Proof Productivity Hacks for unfocused professionals!
ADHD Support Talk Radio is an award winning Podcast for Adults with ADD / ADHD. Co-hosts Tara McGillicuddy and Lynne Edris are joined by Adult ADHD experts and they cover important topics related to Adult ADD / ADHD. Podcast guests include Dr. Edward Hallowell, Dr. Stephanie Sarkis, Dr. Ari Tuckman, Laurie Dupar, Terry Matlen and many more.
Tara McGillicuddy is the Producer, Owner and Co-host of the ADHD Support Talk Radio Podcast. You may contact Tara with general questions or feedback about the podcast.
Lynne Edris is the Co-host of the ADHD Support Talk Radio Podcast. You may contact Lynne with feedback about her episodes.