??The Secret to Better Focus and Creativity

Here, in the US, we're heading into a long holiday weekend where we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.?

So, in that spirit, I want to chat about something many of us—especially those of us with ADHD—struggle with: taking intentional time off from work.?

In today’s world, we’re constantly told that being busy and productive is the ultimate goal. (Which I believe is?WAAY off base! Remember: I support my?clients in improving their productivity with the ultimate goal of more Freedom and Fulfillment--NOT more busy-ness!)

But let’s be real—we all need to unplug and recharge FAR more than we do, particularly those of us juggling the demands of being professionals and entrepreneurs with ADHD.

The Struggle to Be Present

Picture this: you’re at a holiday cookout with your family and friends. The smell of yummy food cooking on the grill and the sounds of laughter and people connecting surround you. Everyone’s chatting and laughing. Kids are playing and enjoying the warm, sunny weather.

You’re right there... in body. But your mind is somewhere else—thinking about that?unfinished project or that email you might might have forgotten to send. (IMHO, what's worse yet is that you skip the party altogether because you "can't afford" to go when you have so much to do.)

Sound familiar?

This is a way-too-common scene for many of us.?

Being present can be incredibly challenging when our brains are always buzzing with the next task or thing that we haven't completed. We’re physically there, but mentally checked out, and this inability to disconnect impacts the things and people that matter most.

The Real Cost of Always Being “On”

When we’re always “on,” doing or thinking about doing and?working, there’s a hefty price to pay. Our relationships can take a hit when we’re not fully engaged. We miss out on those small, precious moments that make life rich. And let’s not forget our health, which often gets sidelined because we’re too “busy” for self-care.? ?

The kicker? Our struggles with avoidance, procrastination, and time management feed into this cycle. Feeling overwhelmed makes it even harder to justify taking a break. But without breaks, our productivity and creativity take a nosedive, trapping us in a loop of inefficiency and stress.

And, ultimately, the productivity we’re working so hard to improve takes a nosedive as well!

The Power of Taking Time Off

Now, imagine stepping away from work completely for a few days. No emails, no messages, and no to-dos—just time to recharge and be present in the rest of your life . Sounds impossible, right? But the benefits are worth it.

Here’s what intentional time off can do:

1. Clearer Mind, Better Focus: Taking a break helps reduce stress and anxiety, so you come back to work with a clearer, sharper mind.
2. Stronger Connections: Being truly present with your loved ones strengthens your relationships and gives you the emotional support you need.
3. Renewed Creativity and Productivity: Breaks give your brain the space to come up with new ideas, making you more effective and innovative.

Finding Balance

I know, letting go isn’t easy, especially when your struggles with overwhelm, avoidance, procrastination, and poor follow-through are making you feel like you can’t afford (or don’t deserve) to.

But I hope you know that isn’t the case, and that you’re not alone!

These are exactly the challenges I help my clients tackle in my small-group program.?

Together, we work on solving avoidance and overwhelm at the root, once and for all, so that you are managing time better, have less stress, and create a healthier work-life balance.

So, this weekend, give yourself permission to unplug. Embrace the downtime, be present with your loved ones, and take care of yourself.

You deserve it, and your work (and the rest of your life) will benefit from it in the long run.

I’d love to know how will you disconnect from work, recharge your batteries and reconnect with what matters most to you this weekend. Simply comment below and let me know what you’ll be doing to fill your cup.?

But please be patient with my response! I'll be out of the office until the middle of next week filling my own cup by relaxing with my hubby on the beach, enjoying some great local food and live music, and spending time with friends.?

Wishing you a restful and rejuvenating weekend, too!

Lynne Edris