ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a mental health condition typically diagnosed in childhood. The common symptoms of ADHD include
- Disorganization
- Poor time management
- Difficulty focusing on one or more tasks
- Not following through or completing tasks
- Poor stress management
Some people might not even notice they have ADHD until they start to enter early adulthood. This also coincides with when people enter the workforce, where things like time management and planning are super important. No matter your struggle with ADHD, we here at Work In Progress have a few tips on navigating your coworking space experience with ADHD.
1. Build A Community Within the Space
A big part of why coworking spaces are growing in popularity is because they promote productivity. Studies have shown that productivity increases when people share a community of fulfilling professional and personal connections. This can be a major benefit for people with ADHD.
This community will promote socializing as well as establish a base of accountability. One of the worries associated with ADHD is that socialization can be distracting. But when your professional life is interconnected in a meaningful way, the workplace becomes more and more like home. When work feels like home, you feel more at ease and more willing to complete the work. You may even meet others with ADHD that can share some of their own tips and tricks.
2. Set Timeline Goals
For people with ADHD, time management is one of the largest hurdles to overcome. Time doesn’t seem to be processed the same way by people with ADHD as it does by people who are neurotypical. Adults with ADHD sometimes do not finish a task because they haven’t dedicated time to it. They might over or underestimate the time necessary to complete tasks.
In this case, we suggest you keep a physical log of your schedule. Set timeline goals, big or small, that will help you get your work done on time. For example, you can set a timer to work for 30 minutes, take a ten-minute break, and repeat. Procrastination is tough to beat, but just think of how much better you’ll feel if you finish your work on time and avoid all of the stress.
3. Reward Yourself for A Job Well Done
All work and no play will make you miserable. In conjunction with better time management, you can start a reward system. ADHD brains crave stimulation. Rewards that come after a little bit of work are just the thing to help. For every assignment you finish or goal you meet, reward yourself with something. Your reward can be as little as a piece of candy or as big as a night out on the town. Just be sure to reel it in so that you can get future work done. While coworking spaces may seem to be all work-oriented, spaces like Work In Progress offer bonus amenities like ping pong tables, snacks, and other goodies, the perfect addition to your reward system.
Find Your ADHD Coworking Space
Whatever your struggle is with ADHD, there is always a way to navigate it effectively. You can find community, solace, and a genuinely fulfilling professional experience when you navigate coworking with ADHD here at Work In Progress Las Vegas. Be sure to contact our team today to learn more about how you can get in on the coworking action.
Originally posted 2022-11-03 10:00:00.
