As technology evolves, workplaces continue to change. Many workplaces offer work from home opportunities, allowing employees to do their jobs without stepping foot in a workplace. Working in a bathrobe and slippers without leaving the house may sounds luxurious to some.

For people suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder (or ADD), a condition known to impact a person's ability to focus or complete tasks, remote work may make it difficult to complete tasks. Fortunately, there are ways to address these challenges utilizing one or more of the following strategies:

1. Get a noise machine

ADD can cause car horns, thunder, and other everyday sounds to shift concentration away from work. Getting a noise machine can help to drown out background noise, making focusing on tasks more manageable.  Noise machines come with different sounds, such as white noise or rain sounds. There is no one size fits all way to program the machine; try experimenting with different sound and volume settings to see what works best for you.

2. See a psychiatrist

Stimulants are commonly utilized by psychiatrists to help patients with ADD stay focused. Additionally, some anti depressants can be used off label to help manage ADD side effects. Speak with a psychiatrist to explore what option may work best for you.

3. Go to therapy

For people with and without mental health diagnoses, task completion can be difficult when there is a lot on the mind. This is particularly true or people with conditions that impede their ability to maintain concentration. Talking to a therapist can help process emotions you may be struggling with. In addition, some therapists can help identify and work on coping skills specifically related to ADD symptoms.

4. Workout

Staying focused while sedentary at home the whole day is nearly impossible. Incorporating exercise into a workday has been shown to improve productivity and concentration. This does not necessarily mean you need to join a gym. Something as simple as taking a long walk or doing a yoga video can be helpful.

ADD symptom management is possible, even when working remotely! Anyone with the condition can try these different coping skills to help mitigate symptoms associated with ADD.

Written by: Sara Fraum