5) Develop a daily exercise routine. Exercise has been found to be helpful in reducing some ADHD symptoms. If you do not already exercise on a regular basis, take the time to develop a routine that will work with your lifestyle. It is important to talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
6) Look for a support group. There are many support groups around the country through either CHADD or ADDA. The websites for each of these groups have lists of support groups. If there is no group in your area, or if you prefer an online support group, there are many of those available as well. ADHDCentral also offers people the opportunity to share information and join discussions about ADHD. Sharing experiences can help you to understand ADHD, to not feel alone in your struggles and to find coping strategies to help with your symptoms.
7) Talk with friends and family about ADHD. Help those closest to you to understand ADHD and how symptoms may manifest themselves. Help them to understand some of your shortcomings may actually be a result of your ADHD and not from some personality fault. Let them know which symptoms you have the most problems with and enlist their support and understanding.
8) Make your home ADHD friendly. Place a basket right inside the front door where you can immediately put your keys, your cell phone and anything else you use on a daily basis. This will help you to spend less time looking for these items and more time enjoying yourself.
9) Read about strategies for coping with ADHD symptoms and find those that can easily be implemented into your life. There are many different strategies, from creating daily “things to do” lists to using the alarm on your cell phone for reminders, available. Some items will not work for you and some will. Find those that will and begin to incorporate them into your daily routine. Discard ideas that just don’t work for you.
10) Forgive yourself. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, chances are you have struggled for many years. Your self-esteem may be low. Accept your life for what it was in the past and look toward the future, let go of things that went wrong in the past and forgive yourself. Choose instead to move forward with more knowledge and the determination that you can succeed.
