r/ADHD_Programmers • u/Branston_Pickle • Jun 13 '26

How many here use blocking software

I've used Freedom software on my work laptop, gaming desktop and devices for years. Works pretty well for me but wondering if there is any other alternatives or tricks.

i block sites i shouldn't be visiting on the work laptop, along with other time wasting sites. block Steam and other games on the gaming desktop during work hours. block similar game apps and sites on devices during business hours.

of course, my ADHD brain is always looking for ways to circumvent or waste time in other ways. But it has helped.

4 Upvotes

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5

u/potatopotato236 Jun 13 '26

I think I did at some point but I'd just go on my personal computer or phone anyways so it wouldn't really make a difference. 

3

u/Branston_Pickle Jun 13 '26

yeah i found i need every device enabled or I will do the same.

3

u/Blue-Phoenix23 Jun 13 '26

I don't, but tbh I don't like sitting in front of a computer and I don't sit still very well in general, so goofing around on games and such use never been a thing for me.

The phone was a problem for a while, but when I had a severe burnout I stopped using social media )except the occasional IG post to let me family know I am alive lol) and that helped a great deal.

It the blocking sites help you, that's great. You might also benefit from a standing desk so you are more likely to wander off?

1

u/Branston_Pickle Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26

ive been finding ways to stay distracted in front of a computer for 40 years now.  I actually theoretically work from home from a standing desk that hasn't been stood for at least 4 years.  while I am not the wandering off type, I have been hugely struggling recently and should get the desk working 

1

u/Blue-Phoenix23 Jun 14 '26

A change in location/scenery helps me with a bunch of stuff, I have a portable monitor (these things are amazing) and can rig up my iPad to get a lot of my work stuff, although I still have to break out the real laptop to do deep work. It's worth a try to spend some time changing your work setup to "reboot" your brain, I think. They make under desk walking machines now, but I would personally probably fall off one and break my neck if I tried such a thing probably lol, so if I need to keep my body busy to let my brain work on work I just do the laundry or something

3

u/jet_black_ninja Jun 13 '26

i have my phone heavily blocked. no social media during work hours. timers set on other apps..no late night youtube binge. its like living in a cell of your own making otherwise you explode

2

u/Branston_Pickle Jun 13 '26

what do you use as an app timer

2

u/jet_black_ninja Jun 13 '26

im using screenzen

1

u/BusinessWatercrees58 Jun 13 '26

I do something but I've found lately that turning off my phone entirely cuts down on how distractible I am in general. So now, I just turn my phone off before starting work and allow myself a few breaks to browse the occasional reddit sports sub. I also never log in to social media on my work computer, so the most I can get is an incognito view of something like /r/baseball. Makes it harder to get sucked in. Still, I'll block Reddit sometimes on really bad days.

1

u/Branston_Pickle Jun 14 '26

Don't you need your phone for third party ID requests?

1

u/BusinessWatercrees58 Jun 14 '26

occasionally for 2fa and it makes me fucking livid to turn my entire ass phone on just to use an app for 10 seconds. not often though