Wellbeing Services in Cornwall

Useful ADHD resources

The following links, tools, and apps may be helpful if you are seeking to understand ADHD better or if you’re seeking tools to support your studies. 

Useful content on ADHD 

Useful apps and online tools for ADHD 

The following apps are all freemium products available on iOS and Android 

  • Alarmy helps you wake up, get up and stay up. 
  • Momentum is a browser add-on that lets you create to-do lists, inspirational photos and quotes and add them to your new tab screen. 
  • Time Timer is a visual timer that allows you to set different coloured timers with alarms to stay on track. 
  • Trello uses boards, lists and cards to plan and manage 
  • Autosaving apps use clever tech to work out what you can afford to save and then automatically move money from your bank account to a virtual savings account. Read the MSE guide here.  
  • Snoop tracks your spending and gives personalised money-saving suggestions. 
  • myNoise is an online resource rather than an app; it offers customisable soundscapes for productivity, concentration and relaxation. 

Study strategies for ADHD

  • Break complex tasks into the smallest possible sub-tasks. 
  • Write your tasks on separate lines on a piece of paper and cut off each item as you complete it. Watch your overall task get shorter. 
  • Add assignment deadlines to a calendar or wall planner, then work backwards adding mini deadlines. 
  • Try the free Pacemaker tool to help you plan and manage tasks. 
  • Use the Pomodoro method of working in short bursts to maximise concentration. You can keep track with a Pomodoro app on your computer or phone. 
  • Try working in 25-minute bursts, it's easier to get started and keep going  
  • Before taking a break, jot down what you need to do next to help you get back into the flow. 
  • Involve a partner, friend or family member. 
  • Write down some rules, habits or activities you want to stick to. (Your study skills mentor and tutor can help with this.) 
  • Then ask them to prompt and check in with you. 
  • You could also use a goal-setting platform such as stickK.
  • Just working alongside another person (Body Doubling) can motivate you. 
  • Discussing ideas and assignments with a coursemate can help you get started. 
  • Try a Write Time session, run by the Academic Skills Advisors, or sign up for Focusmate.
  • Learn what strategies and environments do and don’t work for you. 
  • Don't beat yourself up if things go wrong - you can always try again. 
  • You can learn about how ADHD has helped people thrive in this post about the ‘Edison gene’.
  • Don't rely on willpower; instead, create routines. 
  • Routines are actions you do again and again so they become automatic. 
  • Create new positive habits and avoid negative ones; watch this Atomic Habits video. 
  • Try using a habit tracker app to stay on track.
  • Watch this video to find out how exercise can help your brain, body, attention and mood. 
  • Find activities you enjoy, it will be easier to make them a habit 
  • Aim for an hour of moderate exercise a day, you can break that down into several short bursts if that's easier to fit in. 
  • Having an exercise buddy will help you stay on track. 
  • Try to eat a balanced diet. 
  • Drink plenty of water. 
  • Avoid sugar, processed foods and artificial additives and colourings. 
  • Fish oils may help, you could try Omega 3 and 6 supplements. 
  • Eat iron-rich foods such as green veg, pulses, nuts, seeds and red meat.

Having an ADHD screening or getting a diagnosis 

If you are interested in being screened for ADHD or getting a diagnosis the links below may be helpful. You can find more information under ‘Medical assessment for ADHD’ on the Specific Learning Differences page.