If you’ve got ADHD, finding the ideal work environment is crucial as it can significantly impact both your productivity and wellbeing. If you work in a fixed location such as a rented office or store, or you need location-specific equipment to run your business, you may be limited in how much you can alter your workspace. But if you typically work from home and can do most of your work with a laptop and phone, you’ve probably got more possibilities than you realise!
There are a number of benefits that experimenting with your work environment can bring when you’ve got ADHD. A new setting can add a dose of novelty when you’re feeling bored or uninspired, as well as providing extra opportunity for connection, even if it’s just with the barista in your neighbourhood café. If you usually work from home it can be helpful to create some distance from all of the to-dos you see when you look around your house, and it can be equally as helpful in motivating you to put on some pants and get outside!
When it comes to finding an environment that will prioritise your wellbeing and maximise your productivity, here are a few things to consider:
Identify your preferences and needs
Reflect on your work style and preferences. Do you work best in a quiet space, or do you thrive in a more dynamic and social setting?
Consider your sensory sensitivities. Many of us, particularly those who are AuDHD, are sensitive to noise, while others may find it helpful or even soothing.
Think about your organisational needs. Do you require a clutter-free space, or do you work better with visual reminders and creative chaos?
Make a list of the features your ideal work environment has to aid in your search. Most business owners have a variety of different work tasks that may benefit from different settings e.g. client work might be best done somewhere you can draw inspiration and be creative while your invoicing might require somewhere more peaceful and distraction-free. Make a list for each of these kinds of spaces.
Try out some different environments
Try working in various settings to see what works best for you. This might include working from a café, a coworking space, or even a traditional office. Check out the list below for 17 ideas for places to work.
Experiment with different lighting, seating arrangements, and background noise levels to find your optimal conditions.
Minimise distractions
Identify common distractions in the work environment you’ve chosen and take steps to minimise them. For example, use website blockers to limit online distractions or noise-cancelling headphones to reduce auditory disturbances, especially in public spaces.
If working from home, establish boundaries with family members or housemates to minimise interruptions during work hours.
✅ Where to experiment
Working from home can be convenient, but as I’ve mentioned a change of scenery can boost our productivity and creativity. Here are some ideas for places you might experiment with in your search for the ideal work environment:
☕️ Coffee Shops and Cafes: Cafés can offer a lively atmosphere with access to caffeine and snacks. They also often have free Wi-Fi and power points available.
📚 Library: Public libraries provide a quiet and focused environment with access to reference materials and research resources.
👥 Coworking Spaces: Coworking spaces are designed for remote workers and freelancers. They usually offer a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and networking opportunities.
🌳 Local Parks: Weather permitting, working in a park can provide a refreshing change of scenery and access to natural surroundings.
🏛️ Museums and Art Galleries: If you’re in a bigger city many cultural institutions offer quiet spaces and inspiring surroundings for work or creative thinking.
🏨 Hotel Lobbies: Upscale hotel lobbies often have comfortable seating and a quiet ambiance.
🏘️ Community Centres: Local community centres and neighbourhood houses may have meeting rooms or workspaces that you can reserve for focused work.
🏫 University Campuses: Universities often have libraries, study areas, and open spaces where you can work quietly.
🏡 Friend’s or Family’s Homes: If you need a break from your own home, consider working from the home of a friend or family member. Even better if they can be your gnome!
⛲️ Gardens and Botanical Gardens: Tranquil parks and botanical gardens offer a serene setting for work.
🏖️ Beaches or Lakesides: If you’re near a beach or lake, you might find working near the water relaxing and inspiring.
✈️ Airport Lounges: For travellers, airport lounges provide a comfortable work environment with amenities like Wi-Fi and charging stations.
🍻 Rooftop Bars or Cafes: Rooftop venues often have scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere, making them suitable for remote work.
🛋️ Cosy Nooks at Home: Even within your home, you can create different workspaces by setting up in a cosy nook or by working outdoors in your garden.
🪴 Local Community Gardens: If you enjoy gardening or just being outdoors, some community gardens have seating areas where you can work.
🎨 Art Studios: For creative work, consider renting an art studio or using a shared creative space.
🏬 Public Lounges and Atriums: Shopping-malls, business centres, and other public buildings sometimes offer quiet (or not-so-quiet!) spaces to work.
The suitability of these locations will vary greatly based on your personal preferences, the nature of your work, and the availability of amenities like power points, Wi-Fi or public toilets. It’s important to ensure that you have access to the tools and resources needed to be productive and that you adhere to the rules and etiquette of any place you choose to work.
🛑 What if you can’t relocate?
If you’re limited to a particular location to do your work, you can still experiment with finding the most suitable set up for your space. Things you might consider include your desk and other furniture, lighting, paint colour, air flow, decorations, and organisation. You can remove clutter, update old equipment or add some music to your space.
TRY IT OUT:
Changing up your environment can be especially useful if you’ve got a task on your list that you’ve been putting off or stuck on. Pick an item that’s been on your to-do list for far too long (and that doesn’t require anything more than a laptop or phone!) and head to your local library for a couple hours.
Where do you normally work? Does it “work” for you, or would you welcome a change of scenery?
I hope you take the chance to experiment with your work environment this week and it brings a little boost of motivation and inspiration!
Til next week, take care.
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