Simplify your mind.

Isn’t that just the best idea ever?

You know what our ADHD minds are like – there’s a whole circus going on in there and then some. It’s as though all of the channels on your TV were on and playing at the same time.

Is it any wonder we are forgetful and have trouble paying attention?

Well, I’ve got a few ideas for you to help you quiet your mind and simplify things.

Here they are, in no particular order:

• Go back and read Day 3 – Simplify Your To Do List. Pay special attention to the part about the Dump List. Getting everything out of your head and recorded on paper in a reliable manner will make a big difference to your mental state.
• Learn to turn your monkey brain off. You know what a monkey brain is – that chattering little voice in your head, interrupting, worrying about silly things, and just generally getting in the way. The way I turned mine off (most of the time anyway) was to recognize when I was listening to it and then just telling it to shut up. It worked.
• Look at areas where you feel your life is out of control and take steps to fix them. Even though I have a degree in accounting, the state of our finances has always made me feel as though I had no control whatsoever. And it didn’t matter if we had $1.00 in the bank or $1,000.00. Now I am slowly but surely learning to use budgeting software in order to finally take control, and you know what? It’s made a huge difference in my state of mind.
• Find time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes. During my dad’s illness, things were very stressful and there was no time. Still, I managed most days to find a minute or two to escape to the deck and just be. See 5 Ways to Decompress for more.
• Learn to meditate. Many people think that meditation means clearing your mind of everything. I suppose that’s true, but to me, meditation is more about redirecting my attention elsewhere. I find that those of us with ADHD do well with what are called guided meditations because there is a voice (and sometimes video too) that takes us through the process. We aren’t left alone to our own devices. (A frightening thought!) Try UCLA’s site, The Chopra Center’s site, or one on the list from Hero Health Room’s site.
• Keep a journal. I don’t write in mine on a regular basis, but I do find that picking it up and journaling when I’m stressed or overwhelmed helps.

Finally, you might want to check out my slideshow on ADDitude Magazine’s website called Your Own Worst Enemy: Silencing Negative Self Talk. There is some really good information there if I do say so myself, and I’m published!!!!! How cool is that?