Expert shares simple daily habit that makes you more productive

News.com.au

2 days ago

'No shoes in the house' is a common rule for many Aussie households. For some, wearing shoes inside is considered downright gross.
But what happens if this habit is actually holding you back from being your most productive self?
For some people, especially those with ADHD, wearing shoes inside actually helps them get more done.
Across TikTok and Reddit forums, people have shared how it makes them more likely to jump up and put a load of washing on, vacuum the lounge or even just move around more, instead of doom-scrolling on the sofa.
And according to an expert, this quirky hack might actually have some truth behind it.
Joanna Bailey, a clinical psychologist and the director of Bluebird Psychology, says while wearing shoes indoors isn't a 'miracle fix' for productivity issues, it can still be one of the small, creative tools to try out.
The science behind the shoe hack
While there aren't any published studies directly linking indoor footwear with improved productivity, Ms Bailey, who has ADHD herself, says there are some convincing psychological reasons why it might work.
For many, putting on shoes is a mental cue that it's time to get moving, just as people find dressing in work clothes, even at home, helps them feel more focused.
'Wearing shoes creates a psychological 'work mode',' she tells news.com.au. 'And can signal readiness to leave the house or start an active task'.
This can act as a mental cue to shift from 'relaxation/home mode' into 'get-things-done mode,' she explains.
And for people with ADHD, who often struggle with switching between states (often called 'task initiation' or 'switching'), that external cue can be a game-changer.
'Putting on shoes can help signal a shift in context — a strategy known as 'environmental scaffolding',' she says.
There's also a sensory aspect to it. Many people with ADHD are especially sensitive to certain textures or sensations, and putting on shoes helps them avoid distractions like a cold or dusty floor, freeing up mental energy for focus.
And then there's the movement factor. Most of us associate putting on shoes with being outside, being active, or running errands.
So Ms Bailey says that putting them on inside can create a mental link that makes a person feel more ready to move around.
Another reason why it might boost productivity is that it could be part of a person's 'getting ready routine'.
'These sorts of routines can act as an anchor to start the day with intention and momentum,' she says. 'Repeating a ritual (like putting on shoes) can reduce decision fatigue and mental clutter.'
It's not a one-size-fits-all solution
Of course, this won't work for everyone, and Ms Bailey is quick to point out that personal preference is key.
'For some, wearing shoes inside can feel uncomfortable, restrictive or even distracting,' she notes. 'For others, it can be grounding and empowering.'
And like many ADHD strategies, it's all about trial and error. One person might love it, another might prefer slippers, warm socks or going barefoot.
And for those without ADHD, she encourages personal experimenting as well. If it works for you, great. If not, there's no need to force it.
Other ADHD productivity hacks
Whether or not you try the shoe hack, Ms Bailey suggests people think about what signals your brain to switch into focus mode.
This could include things like working in a specific chair or at a certain desk.
You could also try 'body doubling,' which is working alongside someone else who's doing their own tasks.
Another trick is the 'one more minute rule,' she says.
'When you're feeling stuck, tell yourself you'll do the task for just one more minute. This tricks the brain into continuing beyond that minute once started.'
Breaking tasks into micro-tasks may also prove effective. For example, instead of aiming to clean the whole kitchen, start with just putting one dish in the dishwasher.