5 Simple Things

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Living life with ADHD can be hard at times, but hey, life can be hard for anyone, ADD or not.

You can take medication to manage your ADHD, hire a coach or see a therapist, or you can just try to get along the best you can.

Here are 5 simple things that can help your ADHD as well as some of the other “gifts” that might come with it.

1. Take your vitamins. Vitamin C and the B vitamins are especially important. Vitamin D can help with depression if that comes along with your ADHD. A combination of flaxseed and vitamin C has been shown to be effective in managing behavior, restlessness, and impulsivity. Zinc has also been shown to be effective. Start with a good multi-vitamin and take it from there. Oh, and some fish oil would be helpful, too.

2. Drink more water. (No, Diet Coke doesn’t count.) It’s my personal belief that adequate hydration throughout the day helps your brain function more efficiently. Try to get your 6-8 glasses throughout the day. Instead of filling up one of those giant sized water bottles, use a small Dixie cup instead. The ones they sell for the kitchen are about 7-9 ounces – one serving of water – and they’re far less intimidating.

3. Move! No – don’t sell your house – move your body. This isn’t exercise for weight loss or punishment, this is moving for your brain. Exercise can have a significant effect on your ADHD symptoms, and unlike exercising for weight control, you don’t have to do intense cardio for 30 minutes to see results. Take a walk most days and try to speed up the pace just a little. Walking outside is the best; I think being out in nature really soothes the ADD soul.

4. Make protein a priority. ADHD brains function better on a diet that is high in lean protein. Having some protein at breakfast and lunch is most effective, since most of us use our brains more during that part of the day. Protein doesn’t have to mean meat – there are lots of other sources out there including protein drinks.

5. Be who you are. As ADDers, we can spend a lot of our time focusing on our symptoms and monitoring ourselves for slip ups or ADD moments. You are who you are for a reason, and it’s OK for you to be you, ADD and all. Spend less time thinking about how ADHD makes life harder and more time appreciating the unique and wonderful person that you are.

Lacy Estelle

Lacy Estelle

Lacy Estelle is the writer of Lacyestelle.com and the Podcast host for An ADD Woman.

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