ADD Insights, LLC

Over time people with ADHD have reported to me that the way they start their day determines how the rest of the day will go. Many of my clients have shared with me their stories over the years about how difficult their mornings were when they were disorganized and unprepared. As a result of early morning struggles, they would begin the day feeling bad about themselves and their lives, and this mood and temperament would continue throughout the day until they got home at night. Instead of feeling good about their accomplishments at the end of the day, they felt just as depressed and unfulfilled as they had that morning. Also tragic was the fact that they were likely to repeat the same pattern tomorrow.

I have learned a great deal from my clients through the years regarding this issue. Of the thousands I have coached, most of those with ADHD have reported great success when using a well thought out morning routine. They talk of an increase in feeling good, confident and optimistic, and experience a decrease in feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.

These are the top three successful practices my coaching clients tell me they have used:

1. Get off to a good start each day: Prepare the night before what you need to have ready and planned for the morning. Pack your bag, update tomorrow’s schedule, make calls, send emails, pick out clothes, pack your lunch and do anything that will get you off to a good start and able to avoid wasting time or the need to rush around. You will find you can meet the day with a greater sense of confidence and optimism.
2. Exercise a little every day or three times a week for forty-five minutes. How we feel can determine many aspects of success and failure in our lives from our relationships to our careers and the ability to make money. Getting regular exercise has a huge effect on how we feel, both physically and emotionally. In our busy lives today it is easy to neglect our bodies, more so than at any other time in history. As a result, as a species we are less healthy than we ever have been. Obesity, artery disease and type II diabetes are growing at an alarming rate. Research, medical anecdotal reporting and longitudinal studies tell us that better brain functioning for people with ADHD results from the degree to which we oxygenate, increase the blood flow, and balance the circulation, chemical and hormonal systems in our bodies. Thirty minutes of cardio exercise such as power walking, swimming or running just three times a week is enough to keep us in good health.
3. Forgive three people (including yourself) everyday; give thanks for three things you are grateful for before bed.  Practicing forgiveness and gratitude has been shown to de-clutter both the mind and the spirit. Releasing pent up resentments and any blame you feel for yourself or others frees you to focus on the peace and serenity of love and acceptance, thereby allowing a more positive expression of your life force.

It has been my experience that those who practice these three ways to stay on top of ADHD have fewer issues with their ADHD. And when they do have an issue, they are more able and likely to be good problem solvers and quickly get back on track. Of course, there are many other worthwhile practices I have left out; not because they are not important but rather because they are not the three definitive practices I have learned work best from the thousands of clients I have coached over the years.

However, I would like to include additional practices to consider that are known to have a very positive effect on successfully managing ADHD and keeping a positive outlook:

• Meditation and calming the mind: calm abiding
• Life coaching, therapy and other “helping” professions Eating right and taking care with what you put into your body
• Advocating for yourself and training others how to relate to you
• Accepting and taking full responsibility for having ADHD
• Emphasizing the strengths and gifts you have as a result of your ADHD
• Using your ADHD gifts to create a powerful and purposeful life

Once you have tried a number of routines and have found the one that works for you, it’s important that you have a coach, counselor or other appropriate person in your life to hold you accountable to staying on track with until your new routine becomes a reliable set of habits. Much hard work has been thrown out the window due to slacking off before a routine has been firmly established. Don’t leave this to chance. Research reports it takes five to seven weeks before one can depend on the regularity and predictability of a new routine. And remember: most people who become successful at establishing new habits and practices do so because they have outside support.

Get accountability.  Your future life depends on it.

Tags: ADD Insights, ADHD Coaching, Alternative Health, Healthy Body, Monthly Coaching Tips, tips