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Juggling multiple responsibilities can be mind-numbing and chaotic. For those of us with ADHD brains, managing daily tasks can seem impossible. Thankfully, using an ADHD planner can keep your life on track.
Whether you’re a student trying to keep up with assignments or a busy professional managing work and personal life, utilizing a planner designed with ADHD in mind is a great way to stay on track.
And the best part? You can get your free planner printables when you sign up for my newsletter. When you sign, you’ll get a convenient PDF format designed for personal use.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best ways to utilize ADHD planners, whether you prefer free printable templates, digital formats, or ready-made options.
Why Ready-Made Planners Are Best for ADHD Brains
ADHD brains work differently, often requiring more support to complete tasks and stay organized.
While traditional planners may work for some, they can be challenging for individuals with ADHD to maintain. That’s where ADHD planners come in—they provide the structure and flexibility needed to help you thrive.
A ready-made planner is like your personal assistant for daily planning and organization.
It’s designed to streamline your daily schedule, from managing to-do lists to mapping out your weekly planner.
With built-in features like meal plans and monthly calendars, these planners offer the perfect solution for staying on top of your tasks.
Whether you’re a busy professional or a student balancing multiple responsibilities, a ready-made planner provides the structure and convenience you need to tackle each day with confidence.
How to Choose The Right Planner For You
When it comes to ADHD planners, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some prefer the tangible feel of pen and paper, while others thrive in digital formats. Here are some options to consider:
Free Printable ADHD Planner Templates
Perfect for personal use, free printable planners offer customizable options for daily, weekly, and monthly planning. They come in PDF format, making them easy to download and print at your convenience.
Free printable ADHD planner templates are invaluable resources for managing the most important things in your life.
Whether you’re looking to create your own daily planner or seeking helpful resources to stay organized, these templates, available in PDF files, are a game-changer.
Planner templates aren’t just for personal use. Fellow ADHD adults who understand the unique challenges can also share them.
Customize your own planner, one that’s tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Digital Planners
Digital planners are ideal for those who prefer mobile access. They allow you to keep track of your schedule and tasks on your mobile device.
With features like habit trackers and customizable layouts, digital planners can help you stay organized on the go.
Ready-Made Planners
For busy individuals who prefer a hassle-free approach, ready-made planners provide pre-designed layouts and templates. Available in both printable and digital formats, these planners offer convenience without sacrificing functionality.
Follow this link for free access to a Canva ADHD template. Once you’ve clicked the link, you’ll be brought to my Canva account, where you will have access to the ADHD planner template.
Important note: Save and rename the template so that you can make changes without changing the original template. As a free Canva member, you will only have access to the free graphics, images, and specific tools on the site.
You will need to create a free Canva account if you already have one. Don’t worry, it’s free, I promise. There is a paid version of Canva, but you won’t need that.
How to Get The Most Out of Your Planner
Once you’ve chosen the right planner for you, it’s time to make the most of its features. Here are some tips for maximizing your planner’s potential:
Create Daily Goals
Break down your tasks into manageable chunks and prioritize them based on importance and urgency.
To create daily goals with a planner, start by allocating specific time slots for each task on your task list.
Use realistic time estimates for each task to ensure you stay on track throughout the day. With the right tools, you can easily organize your schedule and prioritize your tasks for maximum productivity.
Utilize Habit Trackers
Keep track of your daily habits and routines to ensure you’re staying on track with your goals.
The best way to take advantage of habit trackers is to identify the habits you want to track. Create a dedicated section for them in your planner.
Each day, mark off whether you’ve completed each habit, allowing you to visualize your progress over time. Use the habit tracker to stay accountable and motivated, aiming for consistency rather than perfection.
Some habits you might want to track include:
- Daily exercise
- Drinking enough water
- Getting enough sleep
- Meditating or practicing mindfulness
- Reading for a certain amount of time each day
- Practicing gratitude
- Limiting screen time
- Eating healthy meals or snacks
- Taking breaks throughout the day
- Completing a certain number of tasks or chores
- Spending quality time with loved ones
- Engaging in hobbies or creative activities
- Journaling or writing
- Practicing self-care activities
- Learning something new every day
Include Important Dates in Your New Planner
Don’t forget to mark down important dates, appointments, and deadlines to avoid missing anything crucial. Don’t tell yourself you’ll do it later, because you probably won’t. I know this from my own experience.
Instead, start writing down all the birthdays you can remember. Then write down anniversary dates. Continue with any doctor appointments you have coming up, and so on.
The only way to get this done is to park yourself in a chair and get going! Think about how much easier your life will be once you have these dates at hand.
Use a Brain Dump Feature
Take time to unload your thoughts and ideas onto paper or your digital planner to clear mental clutter and improve focus.
The brain dump feature in a planner is a designated space where you can quickly jot down all your thoughts, ideas, and tasks. There’s no need to worry about organization, structure, or even grammar!
It’s just a place to unload everything on your mind. In fact, it’s a great way to clear mental clutter and gain clarity on what needs your attention.
Staying Healthy and Balanced With an ADHD Planner
An ADHD planner can help a person stay healthy and balanced by providing structure, organization, and support for managing various aspects of their life. For example, you can use planner pages for the following:
Time Management
ADHD planners can help individuals allocate time effectively. This could be for self-care activities like exercise, meal prep, and even relaxation.
Medication Reminders
Many ADHD planners include sections for medication tracking. This helps ensure people stay on top of their medication schedule.
Sleep Tracking
Some planners feature sleep trackers to monitor sleep patterns and identify areas for improvement. This can promote better sleep hygiene and overall well-being.
Meal Planning
Having a meal planning section is ideal for including grocery lists, recipes, and ways to meal plan for the next week or month. It’s a great way to maintain a healthy diet and avoid impulse food choices.
This could also help you spend less at the grocery store!
Stress Management
Using features like habit trackers, gratitude journals, and mindfulness exercises, an ADHD planner helps individuals manage stress and cultivate a positive mindset.
Exercise and Activity
By incorporating exercise logs and activity trackers, individuals can monitor their physical activity levels and set goals for staying active, promoting physical health and vitality.
Self-Care Planning
With dedicated sections for self-care activities, individuals can prioritize activities that bring them joy and rejuvenation, fostering emotional well-being and resilience.
Summary
ADHD planners are a great tool for individuals with neurodivergent brains to stay organized, manage their time effectively, and accomplish their goals.
Whether you prefer printable templates, digital formats, or ready-made options, finding the right planner for you is the first step towards mastering your day. So, don’t wait any longer—start planning your way to a more organized and balanced life today!
