14 WAYS YOU CAN WIN THE TUSSLE WITH ADHD
By Areaona Roberson
1) Hydration.
Like Earth we are over 50% of water. Meaning water is a pretty big deal. I notice when I am dehydrated my quality of sleep declines, I am more irritable and less “myself.” Plus, water helps with making your skin healthier, removing waste and more.
What would happen if you didn’t drink water? - Mia Nacamulli
2) Snacking.
As a Westerner, 3 meals a day was programmed into me. However, on stressful or active days, these meals need supplements. And that is where snacks come in. My go-tos are homemade trail mix, fig bars, and peanut butter crackers. I can go from Oscar the Grouch to Elmo when I have sufficient food.
3) Organization.
Impulse buying combined with the 30 plus minutes needed to clean, and our infamous piles on the floor, bed, and couch equals a less productive week. My best tips are multiple laundry baskets, a shoe rack and remembering “now is better.” I also engage in something I call “speed-cleaning.” It’s where you pick a small area to clean like the shower put a timer on for 3-7 minutes, crank up your fave tunes and just clean as much as you can as fast as you can.
4) Time Management.
One word. Timers. Many of us tend to lose track of time when doing a task. I find that setting physical timers help a lot. Set multiple timers so that your allotted time is broken up into at least two segments.
5) Seasonal Cleanings.
As impulse buyers, sometimes we buy items we use for a month and then fall out of love with it. Seasonal cleanings allow you to do inventory so you do not rebuy items and possibly help someone in need if you donate.
(Shameless plug: ADHD Babes has recently created an opportunity where we can swap out our old hobby items for those for a new hobby!! You can participate by joining our Discord and assigning yourself on the #hobbies channel.)
7) Remember,
you are NOT a superhero and no one asked you to be. And even if they did, you don’t have to.
6) Sleep.
No one is an Energizer bunny. I am a nap connoisseur. A good hour-long nap changes my mood and focus. 😴
8) Boundaries.
Boundaries are hard, PERIOD. But, they are necessary. I challenge you to put up three boundaries starting now. It can be as simple as not running to an adult’s aid, only drinking soda on holidays, or only answering the phone during a certain time. One of the hardest things for me to learn was to not be so freaking helpful to the point where your peace is in jeopardy.
9) Pooping.
While not directly linked to ADHD, everyone has to poop. But, constipation is no one's friend. If you are not going regularly, you are harboring toxins that need to be released. 💩
10) Break up.
Again, not ADHD specific, but we can be more emotional than others. I can tell you first hand, trying to tough out a relationship is one of the unhealthiest things you can do. If you are not sure if your relationship is healthy, whether romantic or not, make a pros and cons list. If the cons outweigh the pros by 20%, also known as the 80/20 rule, then babe, you might need to review your relationship and boundaries with that person. (you may need to deny them access to you). Access to your time, emotions, money, body, and other assets is valuable, and needs to be treated like it is. should be denied ASAP.
11) Anxiety Control.
I had terrible phone anxiety. I overcame it by tying my phone anxiety with a social project I really wanted to be a part of. It was not my best work. But, now I find myself wanting to call instead of using the internet/texting on many occasions. If you have the option to not “raw-dog” your navigation of anxiety, unlike me, don’t do it. Here's the link to a video by Dr. Kojo that talks about anxiety and ADHD. 5 Practical Tips on Managing Anxiety!
12) Self-Diagnosis.
ADHD Testing isn’t readily available to many. But, if you think you have it and are tired of struggling, these tips and others, that do not need medical professional expertise/assistance may be life-changing.
13) Random Skills.
We love our random skills/hobbies. But, with that comes alot of money sitting collecting dust. So, I try my very best to only spend $25 on a new hobby until I am interested in it for more than a week.
(Shameless plug: ADHD Babes has recently created an opportunity where we can swap out our old hobby items for those for a new hobby!! You can participate by joining our Discord and assigning yourself on the #hobbies channel)
14) Celebrate Your Small Wins.
Making my bed has always been easier said then done. I went four days without making my bed. I just laid on top of the blankets. But, one day I got that extra boost and focus and completed the task in five minutes. Instead of beating myself up because it only took five times, I became proud of myself. All tasks that you have to mentally and physically force yourself to do are eligible for celebration. Your only competition is you. 🙌
BONUS: An ADHD music video by Dr. Kojo Dr. Kojo, DattKidRob - ADHD (Music Video)
About Info:
Areaona Roberson is a 29 year old high spirited person from the US South. Her interests and hobbies include watching police dramas,trying new foods.and the criminal justice system. When she's not doing either of those things she likes to help those in need, travel, and sleep. Feel free to follow her on Instagram @a.f.r.2020. Areaona is not a medical professional, nor claims to be. This article is based upon personal experience and research.