For years, I felt like I was constantly behind. Like no matter how much I tried to stay on top of things—housework, appointments, messages, work, parenting—I was always dropping the ball somewhere. And the worst part? The shame. The guilt. The feeling that everyone else seemed to manage just fine, so why couldn’t I?
But over time, I’ve had to accept that my brain just works differently. Instead of constantly chasing the impossible goal of keeping up with everything, I’ve learned to focus on what I can control.
I have a coach who helps me prioritise, catches me if I’m spiralling or being too hard on myself, and reminds me what actually matters. I have a group of friends who know I won’t reply to messages straight away (or at all sometimes!), and they love me anyway. And everyone knows—if they really need to get hold of me, they should just call Marcus. He’s probably the one who gets most frustrated when I lose things or forget to put lids on stuff—but I just remind him, This is me. You married me.
I’ve always been a bit scatty and forgetful, but recently, I’ve really started noticing just how much I zone out when something doesn’t interest me. I’m so grateful to have a job I’m obsessed with—listening to people’s stories, understanding them, and helping them make sense of things is my zone of genius. It lights me up, and that has really helped with my confidence.
But focus? That’s something I’ve always struggled with. And the more I learn about ADHD, the more I’m starting to understand why.
How I’ve Learned to Work With My Brain
How ChatGPT Has Helped Me Stay Organised
One of the biggest game-changers for me has been ChatGPT. Writing this article is a perfect example—I use it to organise my thoughts, structure my ideas, and refine what I want to say. My brain tends to jump around, making it hard to get everything down in a clear way, and ChatGPT helps me bring it all together.
Beyond writing, I use it for:
Breaking down overwhelming tasks into small, actionable steps.
Generating ideas when I feel stuck or unsure where to start.
Drafting responses to messages and emails that I’ve been procrastinating on.
Planning meals, routines, and even fun activities for my kids.
Instead of spending hours overthinking or avoiding things, I can ask a quick question and get clarity instantly. It’s like having a digital assistant to help me manage the mental clutter that comes with ADHD.
1. Using External Supports (Because My Brain Won’t Just Remember Things)
Alexa is my personal assistant—I use her to remind me of everything from appointments to what I need to order for the food shop.
I write everything down in my weekly planner, so I’m not relying on my memory (because let’s face it, that’s a lost cause). You can download my Weekly and Daily Planners here to help structure your days and reduce mental overwhelm.
Setting reminders on my phone for even the smallest things—because if I don’t, it won’t happen. I also have to put everything in my phone immediately; otherwise, it’s gone from my mind in seconds. Having everything in one place helps me keep track of tasks and reduces the mental load of trying to remember everything.
2. Creating Routines That Actually Work for Me
My Sunday reset is my way of getting ahead of the week. I spend time planning, organizing, and making sure I at least start the week feeling somewhat in control. This includes organizing all the kids' uniforms, ordering a food shop, meal planning for the week ahead, planning my workouts, and structuring my work week so I know what needs to be prioritized. It’s a non-negotiable habit that helps reduce stress and makes the week run more smoothly.
Getting up before my kids is essential for me to feel in control of my day. I wake up at 5:30 AM on weekdays, giving myself time to meditate, plan my day, and start with a sense of calm rather than reacting to chaos. I also have a bedtime rule—TV off by 10 PM—though this has been getting earlier recently. I’ve noticed that as I approach my period, I need even more rest, so I adjust accordingly. I feel incredibly stressed if I haven’t gotten organized in the morning, and it might sound silly, but just knowing what’s for dinner makes me feel so much calmer.
3. Making Life Easier Instead of Harder
I listen to podcasts while doing boring tasks—laundry, dishes, tidying—so they don’t feel so mind-numbing. Engaging my brain with something interesting helps me stay focused and prevents me from procrastinating.
I’ve stopped sweating the small stuff and let go of perfectionism. I watched my mum sweat every little thing, and I’ve seen how much harder it made life. So now, when something starts to stress me out, I ask myself, Will this matter in five years? Most of the time, the answer is no, and that helps me put things into perspective.
I journal all the time—writing is my space. It helps me process my thoughts, work through my emotions, and gain clarity.
4. Using Timers and the Pomodoro Technique
I set timers for everything. I use them to stay on track with work tasks, remind myself when to switch activities, and even for everyday things like making sure I don’t hyperfocus on one thing for too long. Using the Pomodoro Technique has honestly changed my life.
High-impact exercise has been one of the biggest game-changers for me. People with ADHD often crave movement, especially activities that release endorphins like running, HIIT, or strength training. This is because ADHD brains have lower baseline dopamine levels, and exercise naturally increases dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine—the exact neurotransmitters that help with focus, motivation, and emotional regulation. Without it, I can feel restless and irritable.
How Working With Me Can Help
If any of this resonates with you—if you find yourself feeling constantly behind, struggling to stay focused, or overwhelmed by the mental load of motherhood—you're not alone. Managing ADHD (or ADHD-like challenges) as a mum can feel exhausting, but you don’t have to navigate it by yourself.
Through coaching and my Mum Reset sessions, I can help you:
Build routines that actually work for your brain, not against it.
Find simple, sustainable ways to get more organised.
Tackle perfectionism and help you feel proud of yourself every day.
What is the Mum Reset?
The Mum Reset is a 90-minute session designed to help you step back, re-centre, and reset your mind. We’ll work together to:
Identify what’s really draining your energy.
Reframe the stories and expectations that are keeping you stuck.
Create a personalised action plan that feels doable, not overwhelming.
Get in touch to book your Mum Reset or learn more about coaching!
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