Lunch breaks are essential for me to reset, but I constantly find myself skipping them—either because I hyperfocus through lunchtime or feel guilty stepping away when there’s so much to do. Last week, I powered through without a break and ended up completely drained by 3 PM, barely able to focus. I know taking breaks is supposed to help with productivity, but actually forcing myself to stop is the hard part. How do you make sure you take breaks during the day? Any tricks that help you actually step away and recharge?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Very firm scheduling that you “have” to stick to can help. Block of your calendar to ensure you are left alone.

The other part is reframing your thinking re:breaks. Recuperation is essential to working effectively (as you’ve seen!). Therefore, breaks are productivity!

like

Most ADHDers have gotten so many negative messages growing up about being "lazy" or not applying ourselves, so we overindex on being busy or productive, or self-sacrificing.

I also struggle to take breaks, but I'm trying to tell myself it's actually helping myself and my team to have me working in a sustainable way, instead of being burned out all the time.

It's an internal litany some days of "Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others."

like

When I tell you I felt this in my soul. I have the exact same problem. I usually work through lunch without even realizing I have done so and I look down and suddenly its 4:00 and I haven't eaten anything and am starving. Its definitely hard when you don't have an appetite to make yourself eat.

Related Posts

Anyone here ever been to RCA? Is it worth it ?

like

Has anyone used Smart Asset for lead generation?

like

What can I do if I believe I’m being overcharged for utilities. I was charged prorated around 125 for 11 days for water and electricity (this is my share in a four bedroom apartment). I think this is crazy expensive for utilities for 11 days. I did just move to Austin, is it normal for utilities to be this high ?

like

Why is the ad community in London so cliquey?

like

Friend asked to buy my SPG/marriott points. How would that work hypothetically? $0.027/SPG , $0.009/Marriott? (According to Points guy) & transfer to their account?

like

What’s the best route to becoming a Forensic Staff Accountant for the SEC? Is it easier process than the FBI?

like

Any tips to help stay focused? WFH has been difficult for me because it’s so hard to focus (harder than it is at the office). I know I’m so lucky to still have my job & work coming in, so I feel bad.

like

First year associate in litigation offered an assistant in-house role for the construction division of a real estate development company. Asked to send an offer letter detailing my salary and benefit requirements. Don’t know where to begin. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

like

Are there any other job titles that I can use in surveys other than an “accountant” if I work in FDD?

like

DM for referrals in Oracle.
Experience: 4+ Years
Vacancies available for:
Java/Microservices Developer, SpringBoot
Tableau Developer
Javascript/Apex/PL-SQL
SHAELL/Python Developer
Full Stack - Java/Python

Locations: Bangalore, Hyderrabad, Pune

like

Is it true for Assoc 602 level who hasn't completed one year, can't have S. My managers(functional and local) gave this reason for my OOO?

My functional manager personally messaged me later and said his recommendation is SOS but they cannot work past through the rules of less than 1year

like

Any recommendation on under eye cream for wrinkle??? Thank you!

Is corporate development an interesting option?

like

I am a regional controller for a hospitality group. I began looking for a job in a different industry, but have hit some roadblocks with trying to communicate transferable skills and management style (decentralized). Any recommendations?

like

Could anybody help with a reference for Siemens pls

like

Forensic tech vs non tech..go!!

likefunny

Is anybody else here?

like

Anyone get into defi? Projects seem to have better use cases than older altcoins, but I don’t know where to start

like

hi ,

any one joining accenture on may 16th? please let me know

like

Me 2 months ago: Finally got Hamilton tickets this year! What could go wrong?

😭😭😭😭😭😭

like

Additional Posts in ADHD Professionals

How do you complete the last parts of slideware? Boring cleanup, numbers consistency, spelling etc (the ocd factors)?

like

It’s looking like my job is gonna start asking us to return to the office. We have an open office plan and before we wfh FT I would save all my work for my telework days bc I can’t get shit done in the office. I’m having major anxiety about them making this decision. I know I’m not alone that people don’t want to return to the office. My ADHD and the open office just makes working from the office a nightmare and I’m feeling really nervous and kind of resentful.

like

Just restarted stimulants and already I'm dealing with twitches again. Does anyone else get these? No type of pain or anything just every once and a while my body will twitch strongly. Afterward I feel normal, but it's a bit annoying, and I can't control it at all which is a little disconcerting. Don't remember this from when I took stimulants as a kid, but it's been a while.

like

Does anyone have a list of the things (food, drink, other OTC meds) that make adderall less effective? I know I can simple google search and ask my doctor but want to hear other peoples thoughts…I love drinking my coffee to wake me up in the morning but I’m afraid it’s making my meds less bc of its acidic nature 😵

like

Looking for a good playlist to keep me motivated this morning :( I usually listen to Ava Max or something #ADHD is real!!

like

What are your best tools for self-motivation at work? There are days when it takes a huge amount of effort for me to get started and in the groove and I'm looking for ways to make work days easier.

like

For those who were diagnosed as an adult can you provide some insight into how you were able to obtain a diagnosis. I went to my primary care dr who referred me to another dr who specialized in mental health. He asked me about 5 questions before telling me I should see a neuropsychologist for an official assessment. The referral he gave me is super pricey and apparently isn’t covered by insurance. Is that normal?

likehelpful

Been really fighting sleep lately. I recall reading that’s an ADHD symptom but I can’t find it now in my half asleep but wide awake state.

like

Can anyone relate? If I’m stressed out, I can’t focus on my tasks because my productivity is driven by creative and explorative thought. When I’m stressed or anxious, my mind doesn’t have the room or space to think freely to get things done, and I end up bouncing around different tasks not getting anything done. And then there’s the whole dopamine addiction issue with doing a small amount of work then hopping on social media because you feel like you need the reward. Just me?

like

How do you get out of the burnout cycle? I’ve felt overwhelmed for a while and now I’m in the “can’t function at all” stage. It’s so hard explaining this to my manager because I already have a workload that’s lighter than others (not because of performance or my request). Any tips on how to get re-engaged, since the overwhelming feeling will come back?

like
likeupliftinghelpful

Just here to say I’m so thankful we have this safe space. People who aren’t diagnosed generally have misconceptions about ADHD and its symptoms, and I’m so grateful we have this bowl to seek help, learn from one another, and sometimes just vent! With all the negativity in the world, this bowl is that one ray of sunshine I so desperately need, so thank you everyone for what you have done and what you’ll continue to do!

likeupliftinghelpful

I started checking out ADHD resources on Twitter after a friend suggested it and love some of the illustrations/explanations I've found especially because it can be hard to get straight answers from a doctor. This one on executive function is great and made me feel so much better (that it wasn't just me). Her account is @ADHD_Alien

Post Photo
like

I found a place with great reviews to be diagnosed for ADHD, but it’s through virtual appointments, is this a normal thing?

like

People that take medication, do you find that using marijuana in the evening helps with sleep?

like

Has anyone gotten to the point where it is physically painful to try and concentrate? Not sure what to do at this point; had Ritalin for a bit, but I adjusted in like 10 days before the benefits went away. Now I’m scared I’ll just keep getting worse

like

Best tips for someone who has object permanence issues? If I put something down or away the chances I forget it and never come back to it are at least 50/50. How do you keep your home/office space clutter free without putting things where they'll never be found again? Or I guess how do you remember to go back to them? Help

like

For anyone who has a consistent exercise routine can you explain if it has helped you manage your ADHD symptoms and all the different ways it has helped?

like

My boss assigns projects with unclear expectations and provides no guidance on how to achieve them.

I've asked for help, and, to avoid a long post, she expects me to figure it out. Perhaps you go through this too, but when I don't have a clear guide on completing big projects, it paralyzes me because I don't know where to start. On top of that, I have anxiety, so "it has to be perfect".

How do you approach projects when your boss plays the "guess what's in my head" game?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal