| Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) often | | | | GREAT doctors. Don't settle for doctors that |
| feel like they are running behind schedule, and just | | | | make you feel uncomfortable. When choosing a |
| don't have the time get everything done. As a | | | | doctor, talk to friends and family and find out who |
| result, many ADDers end up sacrificing their own | | | | they recommend. Make sure the doctor listens to |
| self-care in order to scratch off items on their | | | | your feelings and concerns, and answers your |
| to-do lists. Those who skimp on self-care, | | | | questions. If you've been to a doctor a few times |
| however, will find themselves slowed down in the | | | | and they never remember your name, face, or |
| end. It's nearly impossible to be an effective | | | | circumstances, it may be time to find a new |
| parent, spouse, friend, or worker when you are | | | | doctor. The extra effort that is sometimes |
| not operating at your best. And you can't be at | | | | required is worth the stress and frustration that |
| your best when you are not taking care of | | | | you save yourself in the end. |
| yourself! | | | | 4. Indulge in Your Passions |
| The following strategies are small changes that | | | | Life should be about more than to-do lists! What |
| ADDers can employ to practice excellent | | | | do you love to do? Paint, sing, visit the theatre, |
| self-care. | | | | rock climb? Schedule in regular time to indulge in |
| 1. Cover the Basics | | | | the activities that you are passionate about. It will |
| Eat right, exercise, and get enough rest - we hear | | | | help keep you happy, positive, and motivated! |
| it all the time for good reason! These are the | | | | And you deserve it! |
| basics that our bodies and minds need to stay fit. | | | | 5. Surround Yourself with Happy & Helpful |
| Making even small changes in these areas will | | | | People |
| increase your energy levels and ability to focus. | | | | One of the best ways to stay happy and positive |
| Please talk to your doctor if you need some | | | | is to surround yourself with others who are |
| guidance in these areas. | | | | happy and positive. Energy is infectious, and we |
| 2. Schedule in "Down Time" Every Day | | | | absorb others' positive energy just as easily as |
| With or without ADD, life is hectic. But ADDers | | | | we absorb others' negative energy. Surround |
| frequently report feeling like they are on "over | | | | yourself with people who will see the good in you, |
| drive" or "high speed" throughout the day. And | | | | instead of those who are overly critical or quick |
| this applies to mental activity, as well as physical | | | | to point out your challenges. |
| activity! It's extremely hard to make progress | | | | 6. Don't Tolerate Things or Situations that You |
| when operating in this mode. Learning how to | | | | Don't Have To |
| slow down and recharge may take some time, | | | | When adults with ADD feel weighed down with |
| but the benefits are well worth it. Try meditating, | | | | day-to-day life, they often feel like they lack the |
| sitting quietly, or taking a peaceful walk by | | | | necessary motivation to make big changes. Things |
| yourself. Feel free to start small - just 5 minutes | | | | like bad relationships, undesirable living spaces, or |
| a day will make a difference - and increase your | | | | unfulfilling jobs seam easier to tolerate than to |
| down time as the practice becomes more | | | | change. But making these types of changes |
| comfortable. | | | | doesn't have to be all-consuming. When large goals |
| 3. Choose Great (Not Just Good) Doctors | | | | are broken into small steps, progress becomes |
| >From general practitioners to dentists, make | | | | more realistic and less draining. It's difficult to be |
| sure that you have a friendly and reliable doctor | | | | happy and healthy when life is full of things you |
| who can help. Adults with ADD, especially those | | | | tolerate, instead of things you love. |
| taking medication, should make sure they have | | | | |