Self-Care Guide for Adults with ADHD
Increase your capacity to deal with troubling symptoms, so you can enjoy life and pursue your goals!
Paying attention to your physical, mental, and spiritual needs is essential. The more you love and nurture yourself, the greater your capacity to deal with troubling symptoms and pursue your goals.
"Self-care is giving the world the BEST of you, instead of what's left of you." - Katie Reed
A Self-Care Guide for Adults with ADHD
Your daily habits play a big role in managing the symptoms of ADHD. With regular doses of skillful self-care, you can boost your mood and make it easier to fulfill your responsibilities.
Use these self-care strategies for getting organized and staying healthy!
Getting Organized
How would you like to achieve order and use your time more effectively?
Simple self-care routines like these, enable you to take greater control of your life:
Clear away clutter. Tidying up your home and office, reduces anxiety and cuts down on time spent searching for lost keys and remote controls. Give away possessions you rarely use or donate them to charity. Use shopping lists to cut down on impulse purchases, so you’ll have fewer things lying around.
Go paper free. How much of your clutter is unread mail and magazines? Cut down on paper with digital subscriptions and online banking.
Schedule your time. Maintaining a calendar can be a major challenge with ADHD. Find a basic system that works for you and set aside time each day to plan your activities.
Use reminders. Take notes, make lists, and set alarms. Being proactive can often protect you from the consequences of forgetfulness.
Act promptly. Procrastination is common when you have ADHD. If possible, complete a task immediately while you’re still thinking about it, so you can check that one off your list.
Limit distractions. Figure out where you’re wasting time. Resolve to watch less TV, less browsing on social media, etc. Check your messages at designated times instead of watching your phone during meetings and meals.
Browse for apps. Free apps can help you record your to-do list, sort your photos, calm your mind, and relax in between.
Staying Healthy
ADHD can take a toll on your body and brain. Your stress levels rise when tasks become more difficult and relationships become more complicated.
Try these techniques:
Exercise daily. Physical activity trains your mind. Strengthen your focus along with your muscles. Aim for 20 minutes each day of moderate aerobic activity.
Take frequent breaks. Pause in between tasks and move around. Go outside and get some fresh air. Take a walk. Do some deep breathing.
Change your diet. Some research suggests that what you eat could reduce ADHD symptoms. Include a diet high in fruits and vegetables and lower animal fat and dairy. Aim for foods that strengthen the nervous system and nourish the brain. Adaptogenic herbs can be very helpful.
Sleep well. Do you find it difficult to fall asleep and wake up frequently during the night? Try going to bed and waking up on a consistent schedule. Keep your bedroom dark and quiet and avoid heavy snacks, stimulants, alcohol, and screen time before bed.
Ask for help. Inattentiveness and mood swings can lead to misunderstandings with family, friends, and coworkers. If you feel comfortable, let others know about your symptoms and the steps you’re taking to make positive changes. They may be eager to support you.
Find a Practitioner you trust. Tell your healthcare practitioner about your self-care program and any natural remedies you use. They can coordinate your care and make other recommendations based on your individual needs.
ADHD affects many aspects of life, but consistent self-care will help you to enjoy greater life-balance and peace. Healthy habits and a supportive environment give you more opportunities to use your unique strengths and increase your happiness and productivity.