- Holly Hagan shares her own story of living with ADHD and the everyday workarounds that make a real difference.
- Her words reflect what so many people with ADHD experience, especially before diagnosis.
- By opening up about her journey, Holly hopes others will feel less alone and more understood.
- She was diagnosed as an adult through ADHD Certify, a process she described as “thorough”, “supportive”, and “eye-opening”.
Who is Holly Hagan?
Holly Hagan is widely known for her time on the reality TV series Geordie Shore, and more recently as the host of the BBC’s CBeebies parenting podcast. Over the years, she’s shared her life with millions of viewers, but it’s her most personal story “her journey with ADHD”, that’s striking a chord in a very different way.
Holly’s Turning Point: Life Before and After ADHD Diagnoses
In her own words, Holly described what life was like before understanding her brain worked differently:
“I always just felt so lazy and messy… if anybody wanted to come to my house, it’s like, oh my god, I’m going to need three days to actually tidy the house before I then clean the house.”
She explains how for years, simple things felt overwhelming. Forgetting things constantly, struggling to stay organised, and blaming herself were everyday realities. Like so many adults with undiagnosed ADHD, she thought she was just bad at managing life.
That changed when she came across other people talking about ADHD online:
“People were speaking about their experiences online that made me think, oh my god, I relate to this so much.”
Eventually, she decided to go through a full assessment.
What Happened When Holly Took the ADHD Assessment
“So, I went to ADHD Certify for my assessment… they seemed to be a really trusted provider but also the most affordable.”
Holly shared how the assessment made her feel truly seen:
“When I had my assessment with them, oh my god, I just felt so understood… I didn’t feel alone, which was just so amazing.”
She also appreciated how thorough the process was:
“The assessment itself was quite a lengthy assessment and that’s kind of what you want… somebody to be taking their time and actually delving deeper into your past.”
Her diagnosis brought clarity and peace:
“Getting diagnosed was probably one of the best things that I’ve done, and it’s made me feel a lot more at peace.”
With that understanding came a new way of thinking about daily life, and a few simple shifts that made it feel a little less overwhelming.
Holly Hagan’s Everyday ADHD Fixes That Actually Help
“Hanging my clean clothes up felt impossible.” — Holly Hagan
Below are a few of the practical ADHD hacks Holly shared, small but effective ways she makes her daily routine work better for her:
These aren’t just tips; they’re everyday solutions from someone who’s figuring it out one step at a time.
You can hear more about her experience and the context behind these tips in the video below:
More ADHD Tips & Tricks That Actually Help
If you’re feeling inspired to try a few more strategies that make everyday life smoother with ADHD, here are some expert-backed tips we’ve compiled. These aren’t connected to Holly, but they follow the same honest, no-nonsense vibe.
Use visual timers to break down time blindness
Try an hourglass or a colourful countdown app to stay grounded in how long tasks actually take.
Chunk tasks into micro-steps
“Clean the house” becomes “clear the table, wipe the counter, sweep one room.”
Create ‘drop zones’ near your front door
Designated hooks and baskets can reduce the chaos of keys, wallets, and daily essentials.
Schedule ‘body doubling’ sessions
Doing tasks alongside someone else (virtually or IRL) can seriously boost follow-through.
Keep a notepad in every room
When a thought or task pops up, jot it down right there instead of trying to remember it later.
Use one calendar for everything
Work, home, and reminder, put them all in one place to keep your headspace clearer.
Pair tasks with music or movement
Turn folding laundry into a one-song challenge. Dance your way through the dishes.
None of these are magical. But stacked together, they can help make the day feel less like a battle.
A Final Word from Holly
“Just know that if you are feeling these things that I’m feeling, you are definitely not alone.” — Holly Hagan
And that’s the heart of it.
Holly’s story isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about recognising patterns, seeking clarity, and finding ways that work for you. Whether it’s a diagnosis, a daily hack, or just feeling seen for the first time, every step forward counts.
Thinking About ADHD?
If Holly’s experience feels familiar, you can take the first step, too. Our free online screening is a simple way to start understanding your brain a little better.
Quick, confidential, and entirely online.
