ADHD Tools

Tips

21st Nov 2023

Research

I’ve started with the research. It was very important for me to understand what ADHD is, where it comes from and what to do with it. 😄 It has allowed me to find resources and a community – people who actually get what it’s like! You can start here:

Medication

Next step was medication. Taking medication has allowed my brain to supplement what was missing and provided mental space that I needed to learn new tools. It has allowed me to make changes, build structures, routines and new habits. And most importantly it’s given me self-trust: “I can finish what I’ve started!”, “I can keep up with things”.

Coaching

Now here’s where my tools and strategies come in. 😄 Coaching has been a huge help in my journey! It has helped me with overwhelm and certain challenges. I feel like now 80% of the time I have autonomy in my decision making, and my brain doesn’t take me on a rollercoaster every day. And that’s huge for me! Of course, we still have our moments…

exercise

Exercise has helped me when it comes to restlessness, fatigue and mood swings. I actually feel happier and calmer after exercising – and have better sleep too. 😊 Also, fun fact – most of my comics ideas happen on the treadmill. 😆

Exercise can look like:

dance class
yoga (aka moving my body in weird ways)
home workouts
a long walk / run
cardio at the gym
weightlifting….

protein rich diet

I’ve noticed that food affects my fatigue and focus. That’s why I try to eat protein rich breakfast and lunch, because otherwise I’ll get a 3pm slump. Which is not ideal. Some of my favourite ADHD friendly (easy) ideas:

🧁 Omelette “cupcakes”: I throw some veggies, spices and scrambled eggs into a silicone cupcakes tray and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

🥣 Oatmeal with cherries and protein powder (sometimes I make it like royalty – using an actual pot; sometimes I just add boiling water in the mug)

🥤 Protein smoothie: just some frozen fruit like cherries, bananas or mango and blend it together with coconut milk and protein powder. Sometimes I add spinach if I want to feel healthy. 😄

🥘 Grilled chicken or tuna salad (hack: grilling a big batch of chicken beforehand and freezing it – so I can just take what I need for the meal and reheat it. Same can be done with veggies.)

intentional change

Planning intentional change – my brain CRAAVEEEESSS stimulation and novelty. Knowing this information has made a difference! If I don’t intentionally choose to change things from time to time (like working in different environments, going away on trips, doing new activities) my brain will do it for me. And it will happen probably not in the best way…. ☠️