ADHD can make your life much more difficult if it’s not managed. You may find yourself distracted, unproductive, and frustrated. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat and cope with ADHD – and you can keep it all natural!
What Is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It’s characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can interfere with daily functioning and development. In other words, if not managed, it can be very frustrating to live with.
There are three main types of ADHD…
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
Individuals with this type of ADHD primarily struggle with inattention. They may have difficulty staying focused, following through on tasks, and organizing activities.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
This type of ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity and impulsivity without significant inattention. People with this presentation may have trouble sitting still, waiting their turn, and acting impulsively without thinking through consequences.
Combined Presentation
This is the most common type of ADHD, where individuals exhibit both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
ADHD Symptoms and Causes
Maybe you haven’t gotten an official ADHD diagnoses but you think you might have it. So below are some of the most common signs and symptoms to look out for. And as you can see, there are quite a few. If you notice you have a handful of these, it could be helpful to speak with a specialist.
- Difficulty paying attention to details or making careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
- Trouble sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
- Frequently appearing forgetful in daily activities
- Struggling with organization and task completion
- Avoiding or being reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Frequently losing items like keys, books, or homework
- Fidgeting or tapping hands or feet
- Inability to remain seated when expected (e.g., in the classroom or during meetings)
- Running or climbing in inappropriate situations
- Inability to play or engage in activities quietly
- Talking excessively
- Interrupting or intruding on others' conversations or games
- Blurting out answers to questions before they have been fully asked
- Having difficulty waiting one's turn
- Frequently blurting out responses or comments without thinking
- Impatience, difficulty delaying gratification
But what causes ADHD?
It’s difficult to say. Specialist aren’t even sure, but contributing factors could be genetic, prenatal and early-life environment, and brain chemical imbalance.
Common ADHD Treatments
The treatment of ADHD typically involves a multimodal approach. This means specialists will build a treatment plan tailored to the your needs that may involve multiple different methods.
So ADHD treatment for you may include a combination of the following:
- Behavioral therapy
- Parent training
- Classroom management
- Medication (stimulants like Ritalin and/or non-stimulants like Strattera)
- Management strategies (more on this in the next section)
Natural ADHD Treatments
Many people don’t want to go down the route of traditional treatments like medication, especially if it’s for their young child. And for good reason – ADHD medication can cause unwanted side effects, like weight loss, decreased appetite, and trouble sleeping.
Instead, using ADHD management strategies can be effective in making life easier without taking medication. Here are some management strategies that work for many people with this diagnosis…
Create a Structured Routine
Establish a daily schedule with specific times for tasks, activities, and breaks. Consistency and predictability can help manage impulsivity and improve time management.
Use Visual Aids and Reminders
Employ visual tools like calendars, to-do lists, and reminders on your smartphone to help stay organized and on track.
Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps
Large or complex tasks can be overwhelming (for all of us, not just those with ADHD). So break them down into smaller, manageable steps to make them more achievable. A helpful tool for this is Magic ToDo.
Prioritize Tasks
Determine which tasks are most important and tackle them first. Avoid the tendency to procrastinate by focusing on high-priority items.
Set Realistic Goals
Set achievable goals and avoid overloading your schedule. Realistic expectations reduce frustration and increase the likelihood of success.
Use Time Management Techniques
Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (working in short, focused intervals with breaks) or time-blocking can help improve concentration and productivity.
Minimize Distractions
Create a clutter-free workspace and limit distractions like noisy environments, social media, or unnecessary notifications. Noise-canceling headphones can be helpful.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness exercises can enhance self-awareness and improve impulse control. Regular meditation can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity can help release excess energy, improve focus, and regulate mood. Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a walk around the block.
Adequate Sleep and Nutrition
Prioritize getting enough sleep and maintaining a balanced diet. Lack of sleep and poor nutrition can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Seek Social Support
Share your challenges and progress with a trusted friend, family member, or support group. Having a support network can give you lots of motivation and encouragement.
Self-Advocacy
Learn to advocate for your needs and accommodations in educational or workplace settings. Talk about your or your child’s ADHD with teachers, professors, employers, or HR departments to explore reasonable accommodations.
Celebrate Successes
Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can really boost your motivation!
Treat ADHD Naturally
As I mentioned above, many people don’t want to take traditional medicine to treat ADHD. This is especially true of parents with children who receive this diagnosis because they are worried about the effects of the medicine longterm. Fortunately, there are many natural things you can consume that will help manage ADHD.
My highest recommendation is the Wellness Trio, three superfood powder formulas you can mix into your favorite drink.
Many people report almost immediate benefits, like:
- Generally being in a better mood
- Feeling sharper mentally
- Getting an energy boost
- Feeling less stressed and more calm
In other words, the Wellness Trio helps you combat the overwhelming effects of ADHD.
Give it a try! I would be shocked if it doesn’t help you feel more like yourself.
ADHD Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common ADHD treatment questions…
Does caffeine help with ADHD?
Caffeine has been reported to help people with ADHD concentrate better. This makes sense because it is a stimulant. However, it could have the opposite effect and make some people more distracted as it can overstimulate the brain. The point is, don’t rely solely on caffeine to manage your ADHD.
What are the top 3 treatments for ADHD?
Set a routine, sleep well, and exercise. These three elements, when done regularly, will help you manage the sometimes overwhelming effects of ADHD. Things will feel less chaotic, your brain will be able to recharge, and your mood will stay more level. On top of these three things, I would highly recommend the Soul Drops Complete Set. It has four plant-based liquid formulas that will help you focus, stay calm, destress, and sleep well.
