I was diagnosed with mild ADHD in March of 2020. It came as a relief as frankly speaking, I had always thought I wasn’t entirely normal! Ha ha.
In truth, my ADHD had been well suppressed until my 40’s. However, throw into the mix my menopause and I had a challenge of a lifetime on my hands.
One thing about the diagnosis confused me. if I had ADHD how come I could be super neat and tidy and organised and yet, in the same breath, could be incredibly dipsy? Surely that didn’t add up? As someone who ran a business with my ex in London I was known to be super efficient and yet could still leave a bag of groceries in the supermarket, frantically, having to drive back to the store to pick up my goods!
In reality, I now know, that what I have are coping mechanisms.
As I have mastered those mechanisms, I now find that I feel completely calm and although I still lose the odd coat, apple headphones, adaptors and scarves, my life has become a tranquil sea in which I swim.
So here are my top tips to living and thriving with ADHD
- Slow down – there is no need to hurry
- Practice mindfulness & Meditation
- Drink at least 2 litres of water a day
- Avoid sugar like it’s the devil’s food (it is in fact the devil’s food) with no nutritional benefit and the ability to make one bounce off the walls like tigger!
- Avoid or cut down on alcohol
- No to bed at a reasonable time
- Take hot baths
- Learn to sit in silence (light candles to bring a sense of tranquility to your space)
- Listen to calming music (like Reiki inspired tracks)
- Accept who you are and stop beating yourself up
- Think before you act and before you speak. Is it kind, is it truthful, does it help.
- Read more books and watch less TV
My experiences with ADHD and my mechanisms to cope with this personality type, have made me the ideal candidate to help others as I know how the thought processes work and I have devised some simple ways to keep me on track.
I am therefore, bearing my soul, as I am happy to help others, as I have learned to help myself.
With love
Tracey B
