Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Laura Forsyth

Best planners for managing ADHD and enhancing focus

Living with ADHD means managing a mind that rarely slows down. Tasks jumble into one another, deadlines arrive without realising the time, and staying organised is usually a constant challenge. Which is why a good planner isn’t just a convenience – it’s a must for keeping everything streamlined whether it’s finance, life goals or daily tasks.

I was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago and often find that my mind wanders and I forget about tasks unless I have a written reminder in front of me. With this in mind, I decided to try out some of the top planners designed to help organise every aspect of my life, to help me schedule and focus better.

Why people with ADHD need a planner

A planner acts as a second brain, capturing essential information and freeing up mental space to concentrate on the task at hand. Some people find that physically writing things down helps with memory and engagement, while others prefer the ease of a digital planner that syncs across devices. Both have their merits, but the key is finding a format that feels intuitive and reduces, rather than adds to, cognitive overload.

Margot Van De Riet, co-founder of the Bundle It planner, highlights the importance of choosing the right system. She says: "Clutter can overwhelm an ADHD mind, whether it's physical or digital, so having a paper planner or an app – such as Bundle It – is the perfect way to streamline and organise all your important online content to keep your mind calm and focused.

“As someone diagnosed with ADHD, I've experienced 'digital overwhelm' firsthand and used these experiences to shape the app's design and functionality. People with ADHD often seek dopamine hits, which can lead to distractions. When choosing a planner, look for one that provides a balance of structure and spontaneity. This approach captures the bursts of creativity characteristic of ADHD while also providing clear, manageable steps to navigate daily life."

How we tested

As someone with ADHD, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to manage endless thoughts with constant distraction and procrastination. Remembering the most basic task is a regular struggle which is why having a planner is super helpful.

I also found that the rest of the ES Best Shopping team, who don’t have ADHD, benefited from these planners. We’re all juggling work, social lives, and general life admin, so having an effective system in place can make a huge difference.

Whether it was checklists for daily tasks, space for brain dumps, or digital tools that reduced mental clutter, these were the planners that helped cut through the chaos.

Read on for the best ADHD planners.

Bundle It App

When Bundle It co-founder Margot van de Riet was diagnosed with ADHD at 42, she realised there was a reason she was ending up down online rabbit holes every time she searched for a post she had saved. This is where the idea for Bundle It came from. Using powerful AI technology, Bundle It does what it says on the tin – it bundles together your saves into one easy location so you will spend less time finding them and more time focused on the task at hand, thus lessening your overall screen time.

Buy now £5.99, Bundle It

Internal Glow Up Daily Productivity Planner

Struggling to boost your efficiency levels? Feeling sluggish? We’ve all been there. Improve self-organisation and remain focused on your daily tasks with Internal Glow Up’s daily productivity planner. Boasting five-star reviews across the board, this cute planner will guide you through the day, week or month in style.

Buy now £16.00, Internal Glow Up

Cloudberry Papery Graphite Two-Sided Goal Planner

Cloudberry’s goal-setting planner keeps you balanced and on track. With space for monthly goals, daily tasks, and intentions, it helps you stay focused and productive.

Need a reset? Plan a recharge day. Ready to dream big? Section B dives into long-term vision, life goals, and personal values. Wrapped in sleek faux leather with shiny rings and handy compartments, it’s as stylish as it is functional.

Buy now £111.00, Wolf & Badger

The Classy Planner Store Monthly Planner Pad

This colour-coded planner is one to use for every day, but the simple design makes it perfect for more detailed notes. Plus the eye-catching colours make it hard to ignore. The unmarked calendar style means you can get to work using it at any point of the year - it’s never too late to start.

Buy now £8.99, Amazon

The Positive Planner

Brighten up your day with a planner dedicated to instilling positivity. Follow its pages down a 12-week journey of self-care and positivity with daily mindfulness exercises. It’s complete with sections for journalling, intention setting and reflections, along with mood checkers and gratitude prompts.

It also serves as a daily planner for jotting down your own reminders, while making use of organisational extras such as shopping lists and meal planners.

Buy now £26.00, NOTHS

Papier Wonder Finance Planner

This notebook won't teach you about money, but it will make planning for financial goals much easier. 

Papier's Finance Planner puts all your debts, expenditures and trackers in one easy place, making it easy to stay on top of your records and targets. The lined notebook comes with sections for end-of-year reviews and occasion budgeting too, so you can see exactly where every penny and pound goes. 

It's perfect if you're trying to improve your personal finances and keeps you accountable when you get the urge to impulse shop.

Buy now £29.00, Papier

Intelligent Change Productivity Planner

Available in classic black or dreamy cream, Intelligent Change’s Productivity Planner will help bust the procrastination blues. Learn how to manage your personal time effectively, set intentions for the day (or week) and reflect your inner growth. This handy design will see you through the next three months with ease and efficiency.

Buy now £28.00, Intelligent Change

Myndmap My Journal Planner

The My Journal Planner from independent, female-founded company Mynd Map, prioritises mindfulness and mental health in a blended approach to productivity and planning.

It features tools such as habit trackers, self-care routines and workbook pages to set you on the path to staying organised and on top of tasks, while keeping you in tune with your needs at the same time.

Buy now £34.99, Myndmap

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.