Conquering Chaos: 10 ios Shortcuts for ADHD
Discover 10 essential iOS iphone shortcuts for ADHD to simplify your daily routine. Manage morning tasks, boost productivity, and enhance collaboration. Learn setup tips and benefits for each shortcut, making your day smoother and more organized.
Feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks? This post unlocks the power of Gallery shortcuts to streamline your ADHD routine. Discover time-saving tips and boost productivity with ease!
What is the Shortcuts Gallery?
The Shortcuts Gallery on iOS is packed full fantastic, pre-built shortcuts that tackle day-to-day activities. The Gallery exists within the Shortcuts app, and is a central hub of pre-made shortcuts. Each is categorized into different areas, each designed to assist with specific tasks.
Locate the Shortcuts Gallery
- Open the Shortcuts app and select Gallery from the bottom menu.
- Scroll horizontally to view all the shortcuts within each category or tap “See All” to access a list menu of all the available shortcuts in said category.
- Tap the ... in the top right corner of the shortcut's tile to see the action flow for the shortcut.
Shortcuts for ADHD
Here are our top picks for the best shortcuts, organized by category:
Morning Routine
Brush Teeth Timer
HOW IT WORKS: This shortcut activates a timer that ensure you brush for the recommended time by vibrating when time is up!
HOW IT HELPS : Personal habits and hygiene can be particularly tricky for ADHD individuals. The reward system, executive function, and lack of dopamine mean many can struggle with day-to-day achievements due to a lack of accountability or a rewarded system.
Plan 3 Main Tasks
HOW IT WORKS: Encourages you to prioritize the 3 main tasks to tackle for the day. Once activated, a pop-up asks for each task you want to accomplish today. After entering them, they are presented as a text document that can be shared or saved.
HOW IT HELPS: Reduces overwhelm by breaking down the day into manageable tasks, enhancing organization and task management.
Tea Timer
HOW IT WORKS: A specific tea based timer will alert you when your tea has brewed for an adequate amount of time. Forgotten, cold cups of tea are a thing of the past!
HOW IT HELPS: Assists with organization and time blindness - allowing you to enjoy your tea at the right temperature.
When Do I Need To Leave By?
HOW IT WORKS: Input your home and work addresses, and this shortcut alerts you with the time you need to leave to arrive on time.
HOW IT HELPS: Improves time management and reduces anxiety about being late.
Get Stuff Done
Start Pomodoro
HOW IT WORKS: Creates a Pomodoro focus timer for your selected duration. The Pomodoro method involves focusing for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. This is repeated 4 times and then you may take a longer break for up to 30 minutes.
HOW IT HELPS: Enhances productivity by breaking work into manageable, distraction-free intervals, reducing procrastination, and improving focus.
Break Timer
HOW IT WORKS: Schedule regular breaks throughout the day. Suggested breaks include Coffee, Lunch, Mindfulness, Exercise, and Party Time.
HOW IT HELPS: Ensures regular breaks to prevent burnout and maintain a balanced work routine.
Around the House
Add Expiry Reminder
HOW IT WORKS: Input the expiry date of items, and this shortcut will create a date reminder for perishable food.
HOW IT HELPS: Prevents food wastage and helps manage household tasks efficiently.
Collaborate Better
Running Late
HOW IT WORKS: If you're running late, this shortcut opens the Messages app and creates a text, "Running a little late! Be there in 5 minutes," allowing you to select the contact or edit the message.
HOW IT HELPS: Reduces anxiety and facilitates better communication when running late.
Estimate Travel Time to Meeting
HOW IT WORKS: Select an upcoming calendar event and get a projected travel time based on your current location. It provides a time estimation as a pop-up and offers directions via Apple Maps.
HOW IT HELPS: Helps manage time effectively and ensures punctuality for meetings.
Check Spelling
HOW IT WORKS: This shortcut creates a pop-up that allows you to enter your text, and it corrects any mistakes. The corrected text is then accessible via the clipboard for saving or pasting into a conversation.
HOW IT HELPS: Reduces errors in communication, enhancing clarity and professionalism.
Final Thoughts
By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily routine, you can simplify tasks, improve productivity, and reduce the overwhelm that often accompanies ADHD. Happy shortcutting!
Resources
For a more in-depth walk-through on setting up Automations and Shortcuts, check out the following resources from Apple's documentation:
