Tips for managing ADHD

(God, Universe, Flying Spaghetti Monster) grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

While I am not traditionally religious, I find the Serenity Prayer to be an excellent mantra for dealing with the ups and downs of ADHD. Concentrate on what you can control; focusing on anything else simply sucks your energy and time.

Here are a few additional strategies I use to cope with some of ADHD's less pleasant traits.

In a rut? Start something new

Taking on a new project can provide a sense of purpose and direction, as well as a sense of accomplishment, for those with ADHD. Additionally, it can assist in concentrating the mind and establishing a sense of structure. Finally, it can serve as a catalyst for motivation and positive thinking.

Don't fight the depressive periods, they too shall pass.

Constantly fighting your own mind can be extremely exhausting. Depression can result in difficult-to-break negative thinking patterns. When you're in the throes of a depressive episode, it's difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Combating depression can actually exacerbate it. Remember; this too shall pass.

Get up at the same time, every day.

Hyper focused - can't sleep. In a rut - want to sleep all the time. In my personal experience, sleep quality has an effect on virtually every aspect of my life - and waking up at the same time each day has helped train me to go to bed at a relatively consistent time.

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can assist in enhancing sleep quality, increasing energy levels, and relieving stress.

Shake up any negative self-medicating

If you're like many people with ADHD, you may use substances such as nicotine, alcohol, or marijuana to help your brain replenish dopamine levels, which are frequently depleted. If you do, ensure that you vary it. If you're going to harm your body, at the very least make it inconsistent. Smoker? Consider vaping on occasion. Vaping? Every other day, apply a patch. Shake it up to avoid a single vice causing too much damage.

Keep a daily journal

We've discussed the value of daily journaling for those with ADHD previously; specifically how journaling can help people with ADHD to track their thoughts and progress over time. It can be a useful tool for understanding and managing symptoms, tracking medication and other treatments, and monitoring mood and behavior. Journaling can also help people with ADHD to identify patterns and triggers, and to develop coping and problem-solving skills.