Adults & Strategies for Successful Living Tips

Procrastination

It's common to put things off until the last minute. Whether it's part of our personal lives or work life, putting off until tomorrow what can be done today can make an adult living with ADHD even more frustrated or more unfocused. Make a list of tasks. Put the most
difficult one at the top of the list. Start there. Once the difficult tasks are done you will feel a sense of relief and that will free up your mental energy to complete your "To Do" list. Other
tasks will feel much more manageable and you'll soon be done.

Clutter Removal 101

Clutter can be an annoying aspect for many adults. Schedule clutter-cleanup on the
calendar. Gather boxes, bags, markers,
or other supplies you'll need. Start in one room in one corner and stay there
until that small area is clean.
Work from left to right. Involve a helper if you can to help you remain
focused. There are many excellent books on taming clutter at your library if
you need ideas and inspiration.

Quick Tricks Using Tools Of The Trade

Use all the tools of the trade when dealing with
forgetfulness. Sticky notes, a small handheld tape recorder for recording
important information while driving, e-mail reminders, and a designated basket by the door for keys and other essentials are good ways to keep important tasks close at hand. Working from
lists often to reduce the frustration level for you and your loved ones.

The Psychological And Social Impact Of ADHD In Adults

Poor self-control, relationship issues, and coexisting psychiatric issues such as depression and anxiety all add up to create unbearable inner tension and stress. Add to this mix reduced educational attainment, marriage and sexual adjustment problems trying to keep up with an idealized role model, friction in interpersonal relationships or the workplace—all of these are sure ways to wreck self-esteem.

When heightened levels of sensitivity bind these emotional issues together, finding a centerpoint for balance can seem impossible. It doesn't have to be this way. Start with a physical check-up to rule out medical factors that can contribute to feeling unwell. Thyroid functioning, hormone levels, lacks of sleep, all of these impact functioning.

Find an ADHD coach. These professionals are specifically trained to help you design strategies for successful living. Coaching is not therapy because it focuses on accomplishing goals, but is a very powerful tool. National and state directories can be useful in locating a coach. Word of mouth referrals are often the best kind. Fee structures vary as do coaching styles, and many coaches will offer a brief, complimentary sample session for you to experience what coaching can do for you. Coaching can literally change your life for the better and you'll experience greater mastery in areas of concern to you. Some ADHD coaches focus strictly in a niche area that range from organization to financial planning.

Adults & Strategies for Successful Living

Adults dealing with AD/HD have a different set of
challenges than children do. Depression, substance abuse, and difficulty
managing anger are often comorbid with attention deficit disorders. Seeking treatment and using pharmacotherapy
(the use of medication as a therapeutic tool) is useful. Multi-modal
treatments, the combination of medications, therapy, or other kinds of support
systems, seem to work best.

Be Specific About Confronting Clutter

First decide on which room you want to tackle first. Start in one corner of the room and set a timer for how long you want to work there. Gather boxes, markers, file folders, trash bags or whatever you need. Work left to right. When the timer rings, take a 15-minute break. Set the timer for the break. Sometimes it helps if you play bright, bouncy music. If that is too distracting, go for "white noise." By working in sections consistently, you will accomplish your goal more easily.

Distracting Distraction

To cut down on distractions, work in blocks of time when you won't be interrupted. Jot down distracting thoughts and then return to the task at hand. A small handheld voice activated tape recorder is a wonderful tool for keeping track of the wonderful ideas generated in a ‘race car' brain. Simply speak what's on your mind into this tiny device, play it back and transcribe it. This one activity can bring you tremendous peace of mind because managing a hectic schedule while becoming even more organized than ever before is a dream come true for ADHDers!

Say What?

Blurting out inappropriate quips and comments does not enhance social relationships. Impulsiveness drives the inconvenient verbal outbursts that may be witty, but when delivered at the wrong time they can create hard feelings or put the speaker into a very awkward position.

Practice courtesy when speaking. Don't make personal comments about dress, style, appearance, or weight. Don't tell jokes that may be misunderstood. Humor isn't always received as entertainment when it is perceived as cutting, sarcastic, or rude. Before the impulse to speak out takes hold, take a deep breath and slowly exhale. Then smile. Put your hands together. Take another breath. Do this practice consistently until you have time to think your comment through.

Thanks, Coach

Work with a coach! A fitness coach, a relationship coach or a financial planning coach are trained and certified professionals who can help you set goals and then reach them. Coaches provide you with the tools, support, and structure to accomplish more. Ask friends for referrals or find them on the Internet. They will be listed in your state's Coaching Association by category. Things to consider before hiring a coach are: A. Is the Coach affiliated with a professional organization, if so which one?

B. What is the Coach's educational background, expertise, certification areas, and training?

C. Does the Coach respond to your inquiry in a timely manner?

D. Does the Coach offer a complimentary sample session?

E. Do you feel comfortable with the Coach and his or her style?

F. Are you ready to be held accountable for your actions—in other words, are YOU ready for coaching?

Manage Frustration In Style

It's easy to get frustrated, but for an adult with ADHD, the frustration seems more intense at times. To help manage your frustration levels, stick to a routine. Work in an
environment that appreciates your style. Practice relaxation techniques before
you explode in anger. Find a job that suits your talent and passions. Avoid
'pressure cooker' environments that focus on deadlines. Frustration
management—it's always in style.