Several practical strategies can help patients with ADHD address challenges with attention, executive function, and memory.

But even those who don’t have a diagnosis of ADHD will find that the following strategies make it easier to improve mental focus.

Use to-do lists. This helps people ensure that they have a reasonable number of tasks to complete each day and helps them to follow through on the most pressing ones.

Make tasks manageable. Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, simpler jobs can make daunting responsibilities easier to complete.

Carry a calendar. Thanks to smartphones and tablets, it’s easy to keep a calendar with you at all times so you don’t need to commit every appointment to memory.

Write notes. Jotting down brief reminders and posting them in convenient places like a refrigerator or computer monitor is an effective way to remind you of important errands and tasks.

Keep to a daily routine. Performing daily tasks at the same time and place each day makes them much easier to remember and complete.