Have you ever walked into your office, sat down to tackle a big project, and suddenly felt… exhausted? I’m talking about that bone-deep, “I need to walk away right now” kind of tired before you’ve even typed a single word or opened a single project.

If you’re nodding your head, let me give you a big virtual hug. You aren’t lazy, and you haven’t “lost your edge.” That, my friend, is Decision Fatigue and it is one of the biggest, quietest energy thieves for the high-achieving ADHD woman.

We often think of decision fatigue as something that happens after a long day of making “big” choices: hiring a new team member, choosing a brand strategy, or deciding what to feed the kids for dinner. But for us, the real drain usually starts long before the big stuff. If your physical space is a bit “chaotic” (and believe me, I see that pile of mail from last Tuesday peeking out from under the notebook!), your environment is actually screaming for your attention and stealing your energy in the process.

The ADHD “Data Point” Trap

For the neurotypical mind, a messy desk might just be an eyesore. But for the ADHD mind, everything in our line of sight is an active data point.

Think of your brain like a high-powered computer. Every item in your office is a background app that is constantly running, sucking up your RAM.

  • That half-empty sparkling water? Data point: “Is that old? Should I dump it? I need to stay hydrated.”
  • The tangled charging cables? Data point: “That looks messy. I should buy an organizer. Where did I see that ad for one?”
  • The stack of books you meant to read? Data point: “I’m behind on my professional development. I’m not learning enough.”

When our surroundings are cluttered, our brains are forced to make thousands of micro-decisions every second just to filter out the noise. We are constantly asking: “Should I move that? Should I file that? Is that bill paid?” By the time you actually sit down to do the work that pays the bills or grows your empire, your “decision tank” is empty. No wonder you end up scrolling on your phone for twenty minutes instead of writing that proposal! Your mind feels exactly like your desk: overcrowded, overwhelmed, and shouting for a break.

Hack #50: Clean Your Space 

I want to be very clear here: I am not telling you that you need to become a minimalist. As creative, visionary entrepreneurs, many of us actually find inspiration in our “stuff.” But there is a massive difference between “intentional inspiration” and “environmental overwhelm.”

For your ADHD brain to feel safe enough to drop into a state of deep work (that glorious “flow state”), you need a landing pad.

Try this: Clear just one square foot of your desk. Just one. You don’t need to organize the whole office or go on a three-hour cleaning spree (which we all know can turn into a “procrastivity” trap!). Take everything else—the mail, the random pens, the sticky notes and put them in a “later” bin or a drawer.

When your eyes have a place to rest that is neutral and isn’t demanding a decision, your nervous system can finally settle down. It gives your brain a visual “reset” and signals that it’s okay to focus on the screen in front of you.

Hack #49: Adjust the Lights

We often forget how much sensory input affects our ability to think. Did you know that the ADHD brain often processes sensory information, like light and sound—much more intensely than others?

Those overhead fluorescent lights in many offices are like a loud, constant buzzing noise for our brains. They keep us in a state of high alert, a “fight or flight” mode that makes it impossible to think creatively. High-achieving women often push through this, but the cost is high: we end up with headaches, irritability, and, you guessed it, more fatigue.

Try turning off the “big lights” and using a soft desk lamp, a salt lamp, or even just letting in natural sunlight. When you soften the environment, you soften the internal noise. It’s like giving your brain a permission slip to stop scanning the room for “threats” or distractions and start creating.

Tapping for Environmental Overwhelm

Even with the lights dimmed and a square foot of clear desk, your brain might still be “yelling” at you about all the things you haven’t done yet. When you feel paralyzed by the mess or the “to-do’s” staring at you from the corner of the room, it’s time to regulate your nervous system with a quick tapping reset.

Where to tap: Choose your favorite point or tap through them all (top of head, eyebrow point, side of eye, under eye, under nose, under mouth, collarbone, under arm). Tap without words and allow your body and mind to slowly relax.

Why it supports you: Tapping on these acupressure points reduces the intensity of the overwhelm. When you tap, you are sending a physical signal to the amygdala (the brain’s alarm system) that it’s okay to relax. That you really are safe. That things aren’t as urgent as they feel. And that you don’t have to do it all at once. 

The Script: After you’ve calmed your nervous system a bit, continue tapping while thinking or saying these words: “Even though my space is a mess and it fills me with overwhelm, I am okay. I do not need to run away. I have a lot to do, but it is not all urgent. I choose to be kind to myself. I don’t need to do it all right now and I’m open to clearing it with ease.”

Ready to stop the spiral and get started?

You don’t have to navigate the “mental clutter” all by yourself. You are doing amazing work, and sometimes you just need a friend to hold the flashlight while you find the path through the clutter.

  • Let’s see if we’re a good fit: I know the word “Consultation” can feel heavy, scary, and formal. Let’s call it a Connection Chat instead. We’ll hop on a call, see if we match, and talk about what “winning” looks like for you. No pressure, just two friends talking shop. Schedule your Connection Chat here!

  • Join the community: Every Monday at 11am PT, I host a Free Power Hour. It’s the perfect place to practice “Cleaning Your Space” or “Tackling the Big Task” with a group of women who totally get it. Come hang out with us!

 

  • The ADHD Survival Guide: If you loved these hacks, you will love my book, “Quit Chasing Squirrels… and Start Chasing Your Dreams.” It’s packed with bite-sized strategies designed specifically for your brilliant, busy mind. Grab your copy here!

You’ve got this, and I’ve got you! Which “data point” are you going to clear off your desk first today?