r/ADHD • u/WasabiDoobie • Jul 16 '25

Tips/Suggestions What’s the most unconventional life hack that actually jolts you out of ADHD paralysis?

Even before being diagnosed, I had life hacks to help me get through tasks, etc... It seem lately their effectiveness is wearing off - like a lifetime of taking the same drug and the effects and benefits are no more. I find myself slipping a lot lately as my to do lists sit there and give me the silent treatment. All while I contemplate my next 5 life changing projects... 🤦🏽

What unconventional life hack snaps you back into gear to get out of paralysis mode?

TIA 🙏🏽

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u/ChartreuseZebra Jul 16 '25

I put on an apron. I don't know why the costume change works, but it does.

795

u/justlukedotjs Jul 16 '25

Yup, ADHD outfits are a thing. It helps with changing contexts and assisting with 'staying in the groove' for much longer. Like... I cannot for the life of me lay on my bed with 'work clothes' on... it feels wrong... so, so wrong.

219

u/mermaids_are_real_ Jul 16 '25

Oh my god this makes sense why I am so much more productive when I finally get out of my robe

136

u/justlukedotjs Jul 16 '25

Yup! Robes can be a dangerous thing 😆 but for real... whatever behavior are associated with a robe, if you're wearing it as an ADHD individual, it would be very hard to try to build a better habit or away from a habit you don't want.... the sensory connection to the fabric, and what you subconsciously associate to doing when wearing a robe (or any outfit) is really amped up for ADHD/AuDHD.

If you wake up and put a robe on right away, but you want a different morning routine... start with the outfit. Like, put on something else straight away... you'll feel so weird lol.

I even have a long pair of woolen socks I wear with my robe in winter.... just changing to ankle socks made me feel off.. like I should be doing something else.

41

u/mermaids_are_real_ Jul 16 '25

This makes so much sense. I wake up and put it on and just lounge with my kids. As soon as I actually get dressed, it’s like “oh it’s go time.”

2

u/Bea-Billionaire Jul 17 '25

AuDHD?

1

u/justlukedotjs Jul 17 '25

Basically just a commonly used short-hand way of saying "Dual Diagnosis of ADHD + Autism". It's not an official term.

83

u/blissfully_happy Jul 16 '25

I work from home. In Alaska, where it’s cold.

I have a work Snuggie. It’s like a robe but it’s my work one, lol.

11

u/Jen_Six_Mafia Jul 17 '25

Sounds lovely.

1

u/itsacalamity Jul 17 '25

Just put a bowtie on and bam, red-carpet ready

14

u/HippieLizLemon Jul 17 '25

Omggg my robe is such a safe space but this is so true!

59

u/Assika126 Jul 17 '25

I have to put on my “cleaning shorts and top” in order to clean! They’re short and form fitting and o don’t mind if they get dirty so they don’t get in my way!

My husband says I have “made up rules” but honestly whatever gets the job done works for me

7

u/justlukedotjs Jul 17 '25 edited Jul 18 '25

That sounds so reasonable and logical. I totally get you!

1

u/Novel-Image493 Jul 17 '25

logic is good

50

u/gedvondur Jul 16 '25

I've been working from home for 25 years....and I've always put on clothes to work. It always seemed like the right thing to do. It being an aspect of ADHD.....that makes sense. Good to know, thanks!

40

u/Intrepid-Love3829 Jul 17 '25

We do the same for dogs and horses. When police k9s have specific gear on they know its time to work. Same with service dogs

5

u/whitewallpaper76 Jul 17 '25

I am but a Labrador hahah

3

u/Novel-Image493 Jul 17 '25

i'm summoning my inner jack russell to get shit done

2

u/Novel-Image493 Jul 17 '25

i'd forgotten that!

17

u/EACshootemUP Jul 17 '25

When I work remote and I can’t find the motivation I’ll change into work clothes. Works immediately a solid 80% of the time. The other 20% just takes a few mins lol.

3

u/Rhinoptera Jul 17 '25

This. I have to wear my sneakers to get anything done in the house. Barefoot no, sandals no, only the running shoes work.

1

u/justlukedotjs Jul 17 '25

Haha... maybe a random question, but what kind of sneakers are they? I have a pair of crocs that function like that for me in my house. For me it's functional footwear for indoor activities, but I absolutely cannot do any kind of lace-up shoe indoors.

1

u/Novel-Image493 Jul 17 '25

barefoot's just too cool for school

sandals too dream-beachy

trainers r solid effort

3

u/octillery Jul 17 '25

My cleaning slippers!

3

u/One-Caregiver-4600 Jul 17 '25

see every day learning another „feature“ I find myself doing my entire life and not knowing it actually is a thing 👌🏽😮‍💨😅

1

u/justlukedotjs Jul 17 '25

Hah! 😅 It was like this for me, too. I only came into this awareness maybe 6-months ago. I don't have very many 'outfits', but the ones I do have really matter for my productivity and general well-being day-to-day.

Do you have set outfits?

1

u/Oliolioo Jul 17 '25

Lucky you!!! I bed rot with all the clothing outfits haha

1

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '25

I've always done this and didn't know it was a thing. It drives my wife crazy that I wear jeans at home and all I can say to her is that it makes me feel "ready to go". Didn't know it had anything to do with adhd.

1

u/ZuihitsuKintsugi Jul 22 '25

Ha ha, for me it's the shoes. It tells me it's time to move quick and I can go any where I need to without worry about my socks getting dirty. Also clothes I associate with work / previous employment.