14 Tools to Conquer ADHD: Your Guide to the Cyborg Tech Stack

Hey there,

In today's newsletter, we are delving into the technology toolkit I've put together to manage the symptoms of ADHD.

I like to think of myself as a 'Cyborg' — not in the science-fiction sense, but as someone using technology to function better and overcome challenges associated with ADHD.

I'm eager to share with you the applications and software that have transformed my daily life.

They help me save time, maintain organization, and keep track of a plethora of different objects, all with a friendly user interface.

We will be looking at an array of tools that have aided me immensely in bringing structure and efficiency to my life.

So without further ado, let's dive in to explore how we can all forge our path to becoming modern-day 'Cyborgs,' leveraging technology to our advantage.

1. Creating a Life Operating System in Obsidian

Creating a life operating system in Obsidian has been a game-changer for me.

Envision a personal wiki where every thought, idea, and project finds a structured and organized home.

It has become a fortress of knowledge with everything interconnected, creating a vivid map of my mental space and serving as a beacon amidst the chaotic whirlpool of scattered thoughts often seen in ADHD individuals.

Using daily notes has also transformed my routine, allowing a detailed log of daily undertakings and achievements, providing a clear snapshot of your day, and promoting a culture of recognizing and appreciating small wins, which has been incredibly uplifting.

You can download Obsidian for free here.

2. Streamlined Life with ChatGPT

ChatGPT has been a comforting presence in the fast-paced whirlwind that is an ADHD mind, revolutionizing my daily experiences and ushering an era of ease and heightened potential. It’s not just a tool but a transformational force, proving to be an ever-ready assistant that enhances task completion speed and information retrieval, becoming an indispensable part of my Cyborg Tech Stack.

Here, I have delineated some of the life-changing ways I leverage ChatGPT:

Writing and Communication

• Drafting assistance for various writing projects

• Articulating thoughts clearly in discussions

• Creating structured research outlines

• Developing creative writing skills through prompts

Learning and Research

• Collaborative tool for group projects

• Quick lookup for definitions and explanations

• Creating focused study guides

Creative Endeavors

• Idea generation for various creative projects

• Daily reflection and journaling aid

• Crafting calming bedtime narratives

Self-Care and Mindfulness

• Generating mindfulness scripts

• Meditation and breathing exercise guidance

Organization and Planning

• Crafting to-do lists and setting reminders

• Organizing notes for meetings and lectures

Social Skills and Interaction

• Developing role-play scenarios for social interactions practice

• Drafting well-structured speeches and presentations

Personal Development

• Guided assistance in setting up a personal blog or diary

• Organizing thoughts visually through mind mapping

Get ChatGPT here.

3. Enhanced Reading Experience with Readwise Reader

The Readwise Reader tool has made it much easier for me to keep track of cool and interesting stuff I find while reading online. It's like having a special folder where all my favorite bits from articles, videos, and websites are stored neatly in one place. Here’s how it does this:

Note Highlighting: When I find something neat or important while exploring different subjects, I can use this feature to highlight it. It’s great because it works not just on eBooks but also on YouTube videos and lots of other places. Now, all the cool quotes and facts I find are stored in one easy-to-find place.

Daily Review: This feature helps me remember and understand the things I've highlighted better. Each day, it shows me a few of the things I’ve highlighted before, which helps me to think about them more and understand them deeply. It's like having a daily reminder of the neat stuff I've learned.

AI Tools: These tools are super helpful when I’m reading long articles. They can summarize big articles into shorter ones and even help me think more about what I’m reading by asking interesting questions. It’s like having a smart assistant that helps me explore topics more easily and understand them better.

Browser Extension: This is a handy tool that makes saving interesting things I find super simple. When I find something cool while browsing, I can quickly highlight it, and it gets saved to my Readwise account. It takes away the worry of forgetting where I found something interesting. It's like bookmarking, but even better.

Get it here for an extra free month.

4. Smart Calendar Management with Reclaim.ai

Managing my time has totally leveled up with the help of Reclaim.ai.

This clever tool helps me by setting aside specific times for different tasks right in my calendar.

It makes sure I don't take on too much at once, helping me keep a nice balance between work and play so I don't burn out.

What’s really cool is that Reclaim.ai works great with other scheduling tools, bringing everything together in one easy-to-use spot.

It’s like having a helpful friend who knows exactly how I work, helping me stay on track and succeed every single day.

It has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders, making it simpler to be productive without feeling overwhelmed.

Get it here.

5. Creative Expression through Midjourney

Diving into Midjourney has been like opening a big, colorful sketchbook where all my bursting creative energy can spread out and feel at home.

It gives me a cool space where I can take those fast-spinning thoughts and sudden flashes of great ideas, and turn them into art projects that really mean something to me.

It's not just an awesome spot for all the super creative thoughts that zoom through an ADHD brain, but it’s like a happy place that gives a feel-good boost every time a piece of art is finished (quickly).

If your brain is a bit like a busy bee, buzzing from one cool idea to the next, creating a rich mix of different thoughts, then you'll get why Midjourney is so great.

It has been a trustworthy friend helping me grow these awesome interests through creating art.

It's changed how I play around with my ideas, letting me build a gallery that brings my wide range of likes and interests to life, giving me not just a fun outlet but a real, visible showcase of all my favorite things.

Get Midjourney here.

6. Productivity Enhancement with Alfred Software

Alfred is a super handy tool that I use on my computer to make my daily tasks way simpler.

It's essentially a tool that helps me quickly find anything on my computer just by typing.

Honestly, I barely even use my mouse anymore because I can simply type in the name of the app I want to open or the file I'm looking for, and Alfred finds it for me in a second.

But the really special part about Alfred is that it can do so much more than just finding stuff.

You can teach it to automate a bunch of actions that you do regularly, like sorting your files or launching several apps all at once with a single command.

It’s like setting up a series of shortcuts on your computer, so you don’t have to spend time clicking around to get things done.

This has been a game-changer, especially in managing ADHD symptoms, helping to keep distractions to a minimum and focus on what really matters.

It not only saves time but also makes using a computer a more streamlined and focused experience.

Get Alfred here.

7. Task Management with ToDoist

Before I discovered ToDoist, a handy task management app, keeping track of daily tasks felt like trying to find my way through a super confusing maze.

But now, that whirlpool of chaos has turned into a nicely laid out, visual guide that practically walks with me as I tackle my to-dos each day.

This app doesn’t just list your tasks; it helps you visualize them, breaking down even the most significant projects into smaller, manageable bits.

Organizing tasks is no longer a headache but more of a clear path that helps me focus on the important stuff without feeling swamped.

It's become like a friendly assistant that knows exactly how to keep things streamlined and under control.

And when it comes to big projects? ToDoist has been an absolute game-changer.

It helps me keep an eye on all the little details of different projects, creating a smooth road towards reaching my goals without missing any deadlines.

Watching projects grow from just tiny ideas to fully finished tasks has become a regular joy.

Thanks to ToDoist, I have this constant source of organized positivity amidst the ADHD whirlwind, providing a beacon of hope and showing that with the right tool, managing ADHD chaos can be not just possible, but also enjoyable.

Get ToDoist here.

8. Improved Reading Experience with Shortform

Shortform has totally changed the way I approach reading.

What it does is give you super straightforward summaries of entire books, helping you understand the main ideas and takeaways without needing to read the whole thing.

A lot of times, I'll check out a book's Shortform summary first to get a feel for what it's all about.

It lets me see if I'm really interested in the topics and ideas the book covers before I decide to dive into the full text.

This way, I save so much time and energy, and I avoid spending money on books that I might not end up reading.

It's like a little sneak peek that helps me make the best choice for my reading adventure!

Plus, it's just a fantastic tool to quickly learn something new from a book even if I don't have time to read the whole thing. It's a win-win!

Get Shortform here.

9. Mindfulness and Relaxation with the Calm App

Dealing with all the noise and buzz every day can be super tiring, especially when you have ADHD.

This is where the Calm app has become my go-to buddy for finding peace and quiet.

Imagine it as a personal pocket guide that helps you find chill moments in your busy day.

So, what exactly is this app doing for me?

Well, it offers guided meditation sessions that have seriously upped my relaxation game.

These sessions are like having a friendly coach who helps me take a break, breathe, and focus on one thing at a time.

It's become a part of my daily routine to gift myself these peaceful moments to just be.

But that's not all; this app is also my nighttime hero.

It has this awesome library of sleep stories and soothing music that has totally changed how I go to bed.

Imagine finishing your day by getting lost in a gentle story that takes you on a relaxing journey, helping you leave all the day’s worries behind as you drift off to sleep.

This combo of calming stories and music has made going to bed something I look forward to, giving me not just good sleep, but really refreshing and restful sleep that makes a world of difference in handling ADHD symptoms.

It's like having a bedtime sanctuary right in my phone, helping me recharge and be ready for the next day with a smile.

Get Calm here.

10. Keeping Up-to-date with Google Bard

In a world that's always changing, it's super important to stay updated with the latest news and facts.

That's why, even though I love using ChatGPT, I sometimes turn to another handy tool called Google Bard — especially when ChatGPT's knowledge cutoff date means it can't give me the most recent information.

Google Bard is like this really smart buddy that helps me stay in the loop with the freshest updates and current events.

I don't use it all the time, but when I need the latest info for things like school presentations or just satisfying my own curiosity, it's always there to help out.

It ensures that I can always have the most up-to-date facts at my fingertips, making my discussions richer and more informed, without having to rely on ChatGPT for everything.

It's a great backup to have to make sure I'm always on top of things!

Get Bard here.

11. Secure Password Management with aWallet Password Manager

In today's digital world, we all know how hard it is to keep track of so many passwords, especially when dealing with ADHD.

That's where the aWallet Password Manager app comes in - it's like a superhero for managing your passwords!

Imagine having a secure place where all your passwords live, safe and sound, so you don't have to go through the headache of resetting them all the time.

It's kind of like a digital keychain that holds all your "keys" (or passwords) so you can easily access all your favorite websites and apps without the stress of forgetting your passwords.

aWallet keeps all your passwords in one spot, so logging in to different sites is a breeze.

No more heart-stopping moments at the login page, no more getting stuck in a loop of "forgot password" links.

It helps to take one big hassle out of your online life, leaving you with more time and energy to focus on the things that really matter.

It’s a simple tool that stores and organizes all your passwords in one place, making your digital experience way smoother and easier.

Get aWallet Password Manager here.

12. Podcast Management with Snipd

Diving into the big world of podcasts can sometimes feel really overwhelming, especially when you're juggling the busy mind of someone with ADHD.

That's where the Snipd app has become my go-to buddy, helping me keep all my favorite podcast moments organized and easy to find.

Snipd is basically an app that lets you clip and save the best parts of the podcasts you listen to, and it even helps you find new ones to enjoy using smart AI technology.

Let's break down the cool things it can do:

Podcast Clips: You know when you hear a part in a podcast that just sticks with you, and you wish you could listen to it again or share it with friends?

Snipd lets you do exactly that!

It's super easy to clip your favorite segments to listen to again later, and you can even share these with friends to start some great chats and feel more connected.

AI Integration: What's also neat is how Snipd can learn what you like.

It uses AI technology to notice the kinds of things you're interested in and suggest new podcasts that match your tastes.

It's like having a friend who always knows the coolest new show to recommend, helping to keep your podcast playlist fresh and exciting all the time!

It's a really cool way to find new stuff that you might not have found on your own, always keeping your curiosity piqued and bringing new ideas into your day.

It also generates AI transcripts for podcasts.

Get Snipd here. 

13. Writing Assistance with Grammarly

Grammarly is like having a helpful teacher by your side when you're writing.

It's an app that not only spots mistakes in your grammar but also gives tips on how to write better sentences and choose just the right words to get your message across in a neat and polished way.

It can be super useful, especially for folks with ADHD, helping to make your writing clear and on point without sweating the small stuff that can sometimes make writing feel like a chore.

So, whether you are working on a school essay or just sending a message to a friend, Grammarly makes sure your writing is top-notch and that you can express yourself clearly and confidently.

It's like a friendly guide for your writing adventures!

Get Grammarly here.

14. Creative Brainstorming with Otter AI

Otter AI is an app that writes down what you say, kind of like having a buddy who takes notes for you while you talk.

It's super handy for when you're struck with a sudden awesome idea while walking, or when you're in a meeting and you don't want to forget any important details.

If you have ADHD, this app can be your friend, helping you focus on what's being said without the stress of trying to remember everything later.

You can just enjoy your walk or focus on your meeting, and then check Otter AI afterwards to see all the things that were said, kind of like having a rewind button for conversations!

This means you won't miss out on any cool ideas and you can go back and make them even better when you read over them later.

It's a cool way to make sure you capture every great idea and important detail.

Get Otter AI here.

In conclusion, stepping into our modern-day 'Cyborg' selves allows us to unlock unprecedented levels of organization and efficiency in our lives, especially when managing the symptoms of ADHD.

Through the thoughtful integration of technology into our daily routines, we can transform potential hurdles into stepping stones, forging a path of ease and empowerment.

As we have explored in today's newsletter, the right set of digital tools can truly be a game-changer, helping us to streamline tasks, maintain focus, and bring harmony to our hectic lives.

Thank you for embarking on this 'Cyborg' journey with me.

Remember, the future is bright, and with the right tools at our fingertips, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

Here's to a more organized, vibrant, and joyful life through technology — the 'Cyborg' way!

Stay Curious,

Addie LaMarr

P.S. This is not sponsored content. However, some of these links contain affiliate codes.