Have you heard the latest TikTok trend for boosting productivity? Listen up:
Wearing running shoes inside can trick your brain into focus mode to help you get things done, especially if you have ADHD.
What’s the science around this? Some sort of magical foot-brain connection. “The shoes may be triggering people’s brains for productivity because traditionally, they wear shoes when being active and productive,” says licensed clinical psychologist and ADHD specialist Marcy Caldwell, PsyD.
Just like walking around the house barefoot or in slippers might chill you out and make you less productive, adds psychologist Sanam Hafeez, PsyD. What you’re doing here is basically playing mind games with yourself… and it works! While there isn’t evidence or research behind wearing shoes for increased productivity, anecdotally, Drs. Caldwell and Hafeez have both found this hack effective. “I find I can keep going with sneakers on but can’t wait to kick off heels or other shoes,” Dr. Hafeez says.
So, next time you need a little kick to get you going while working from home or trying to organize your closet, consider skipping the energy drink or super strong latte and putting on running shoes instead.
And for added health measures, keep your indoor running shoes for indoor activities only. That way you are not tracking in dirt, germs and other things into your home.
