How I manage with my ADHD

I used to not always be this stable.  There was a time where I couldn't hold a job, got into car accidents on a regular basis and my life was a mess.  Throughout the years I have learned to manage my Severe Predominantly Inattentive ADHD.  Again, I am not a doctor or a therapist but here are the main ways on how I navigate my life.

1.  Medication 

Medication is a necessity tool to living a normal life with Predominantly Inattentive ADHD.  I still have my struggles, but along with a healthy diet, routine and exercise I'm able to minimize my symptoms.  I'll go over some of the medications that are out there in later posts.  Also, you don't have to take medications in the morning.  Take your medicine on your schedule.  If your shift starts at 4 take your medicine sometime in the afternoon.  

2.  Exercise 

Exercise is another important tool in managing ADHD.  You don't want to overdo it though.  I do 20-30 minutes of running on a treadmill or outside three to four times a week. Also it's important that when you exercise you exercise in the morning as a way of starting your day.  This will help give you energy and clarity throughout the day.

3. Diet

Eat healthy!  I don't consume a ton of sugar and I eat lots of protein packed food.  I also find eating a low calorie diet helps me focus better.  Eating too much weighs me down and makes me groggy and spacy.  I'm not staying starve or deprive yourself but meaningful of what and how much you are eating.

If your struggling with a low appetite because you just started on medication.  Dont worry! Eventually your body will adjust and go back

to your normal appetite.  It may take some time.  It took me about 2 years for my appetite to return to normal after being on medication.  If you are struggling with a low appetite and medication, protein drinks are a great way for you to get nutrition and calories in you until your body adjusts to the medication.

4.  Stay hydrated 

Its very important especially if you are taking medication to drink water.  Staying hydrated will keep you from becoming grumpy and irritable on medication.  I always try to keep a water bottle on me for a six hour shift and two bottles for a 7 or more hour shift.

5.  Embrace the space!

I find that giving myself downtime to space out is helpful to me.  Allowing myself to be spacy helps me focus when I need too.  After work I watch tv so I can allow myself to zone out. Just laying in bed and staring at the wall so you can fully space out is very helpful. So embrace the space!

6.  Say No to Weed

For those with predominantly Inattentive ADHD pot is not helpful.  I had my medical card for a few years but in the end cannabis made me more inattentive.  Unless you can do your research and find a Sativa that is very stimulating then skip the weed.

7.  No Alcohol 

I barely drink.  I maybe have like 3 alcoholic beverages a year.  Drinking just is not helpful for ADHD.  

8. Sleep

Doesn't matter what medication you take if you don't sleep the medication won't be effective. I find I need at least a good 8 hours of sleep a night.  If I get 6 hours I am a walking zombie and my meds don't work at all.  

9.  Yes, drink your coffee! 

Studies show that caffeine helps with ADHD and it definitely does!  Just go light with the creamer or switch to sugar free creamer and no sugar.  Too much sugar and carbs will cancel out the caffeine.  Of course if you are on a stimulant particularly a high dose, you will want to be careful about how much caffeine you consume if any.  

10.  Know your limits!

The saying you can do anything you put your mind too, is crap. You have a disability and there are limitations to what you can do.  The more you get to know and accept your disability; the more you will know about your limits, and the more successful you will be.

An example is I can't work as a nurse.  This is because even with medication I still space out and make careless mistakes. I also need my breaks at work in order to function. I'm also terrible at science and math.  Working in food service is also a big no for me.  I used to work in food service but my autism and severe ADHD made it a recipe for disaster.  

I'm sure there are some people with predominantly Inattentive ADHD that strive in the resturant and nursing industry.  Bottom line: Stick to where your interestes lay.  The more interested you are in a subject the more your brain will zero in and you will thrive!