Six ways to enjoy a stress-free holiday season at work.

Finding the perfect workspace can feel impossible—especially when you’re managing ADHD. Distractions can seem endless whether you’re working from home or in an office. Add the chaos of the holiday season, and it’s no wonder you might feel overwhelmed. Missed deadlines? Struggles to stay on task? That’s not just you—it’s your environment.

The good news? With a few intentional tweaks and the help of tools like Freedom, you can create a workspace that supports your focus and productivity—even with ADHD.

Why You’re Distracted: It’s Not Your Fault, Wise Squirrel.

First, let’s be clear: ADHD brains are wired to notice distractions. It’s a survival mechanism—our ancestors needed to stay alert for dangers, so our brains are experts at scanning the environment and flagging anything “off.”

The problem? Modern distractions, like email pings or cluttered desks, don’t actually threaten us, but our brains still treat them like alarms. This makes staying focused extra challenging. Recognizing this is key: ADHD isn’t about laziness or lack of willpower; it’s about understanding your brain’s unique needs and working with them.

Six ways to optimize your workspace for ADHD during the holidays and beyond.

Six ways to optimize your workspace for ADHD during the holidays and beyond.

You can reduce distractions and improve focus by tailoring your environment to meet your brain’s needs. Here are six factors to consider:

1. Ergonomics

Sitting in an uncomfortable chair or craning your neck toward a poorly positioned screen? No wonder your focus wavers. Pain and discomfort are major distractions. Invest in ergonomic furniture to support your body and keep your attention on your work and your posture (trust me, L5-S1, if you know, you know). Go for an Original McKenzie Lumbar Roll if you can’t swing a new office chair, I travel with mine and use it for driving long distances.

2. Temperature

ADHD brains can be hypersensitive to discomfort, including temperature. If your workspace is too cold or too warm, your brain might fixate on feeling uncomfortable instead of staying on task. A cozy sweater or a space heater might be just what you need.

3. Sound

Do you thrive in total silence, or do ambient noises help you focus? Noise can be a productivity killer for some and a motivator for others. Freedom offers Focus Sounds, designed with ADHD-friendly musical theory, to drown out distractions and keep your mind on track.

4. Lighting

Natural light is ideal for focus and energy, but not everyone has access to a sunny office. If you’re stuck with artificial lighting, try full-spectrum bulbs that mimic sunlight. Avoid harsh fluorescent lights, which can trigger headaches or sensory overload for many with ADHD. I hate those bright lights!

5. Visual Clutter

A cluttered workspace equals a cluttered mind. Declutter your desk, organize your digital files, and create a visually calming space. Incorporate friendly colors like blues and greens to promote relaxation and focus. Tools like Freedom can also block digital distractions, helping clear mental clutter.

6. Scent

Your sense of smell has a direct line to your brain’s emotional center. Energizing scents like citrus or calming ones like lavender can set the tone for your workspace. Add a candle or essential oil diffuser to help you stay grounded and alert.

Take Control of Your Workspace.

Yes, I love Freedom, and I’m thrilled to have a partnership with them. Creating an ADHD-friendly workspace isn’t just about buying new gadgets or furniture; it’s about understanding how your senses influence your focus and mood. Customize your environment to support your brain, and let Freedom handle the digital distractions.

With Freedom, you can block time-wasting apps, silence pings, and notifications, and even use Focus Sounds to keep your mind engaged. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of a workspace that works for you. Start for free, and let me know what you think.

If you click any of the links in this article and make a purchase, you’ll also be supporting us; thank you for this. Happy Holidays.