Tips to Manage ADHD (Teen Perspective)
Being a Teen and having ADHD can make things difficult. If you have ADHD, you know how the disorder can make you feel misunderstood and frustrated at times. ADHD does not have to have the power to hold you back but rather it is important to learn as much as you can about it. While there is no quick fix to ADHD, working with professionals and working on yourself through tips can help you figure out how to be and do your best. Provided below is information from Kidshealth.
These tips are universal, meaning they can help with school/work and also relationships:
- Sit in the front of the class to limit distractions
- Turn off your phone when doing homework. This will help prevent you from being distracted since phones these days are distraction central with all the little notifications they bring
- Talk to your teacher about your ADHD. Some schools can help students by providing them with extra time to take tests. Some students may benefit from smaller class sizes, and some may need tutoring. Working with your teacher can help you have a plan that is tailored to your needs.
- Let your friends know what is going on. Sometimes we may blurt things out and regret it later on or we may even do impulsive, silly things. If this happens to you, you should let your friends know that sometimes you do/say things without thinking them through. If you have hurt someone's feelings, apologize and be mindful in new situations.
- Use tools that help you stay organized. Keep track of assignments in a homework notebook or use a phone organization app. Create lists of what you have to do once you're home and set phone reminders for classes and any other appointments or write them down in a planner.
- Get plenty of exercises. Exercise has been shown to help people who have ADHD. If you feel hyper during school, try asking your teacher about taking activity breaks so you can stay focused and concentrate better when in class. Take activity breaks often while studying or doing homework.
- Practice Relaxation and Meditation. Following regular meditation and mindfulness practice helps people train their attention and focus better and can help lower stress reactions.
- Take pride in the things you do well. Having ADHD is only ONE part of you. Do not diminish the other things you excel in. Make time to do things that you enjoy and develop your interests and talents.
Resources
Focus Apps - Some are free, some have a fee.
Organization Apps - 15 options here
Discussion
What do you use to stay focused and organized?
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Hopie
tagging some people who might be interested in seeing this post: @wonderfulRainbow817 @AriadneLove @azuladragon34 @calmsoulmeet @artisticCoconut81194 @GrahZeymahzin @ouiCherie @jovialButterfly6752
Hopie
Hey! Thank you for tagging me, I'll definitely try the exercise breaks.
My advice (more like something I personally do): Make a "jar of success". Write down your successes, even little ones, like "I got a good grade" or "I dealt pretty well with a stressful situation", and put them into a jar. So when I feel like I can't accomplish anything and/or think I'm a total failure, I open the jar and read a few of them. It makes me feel better.
Anyways, I wish all of you a very merry Christmas 🎄✨
hey! You’re welcome! I really love your idea! I think I’ll try it! Thank you! And merry Christmas to you as well!
@HopieRemi
Great post Remi!
Sit in front row does reduce distraction but just that, didn't help for me. Fidget box-ing or doodling helped to 'dragged' me back to the speaker.
What do you use to stay focused and organized?
- To stay focused: it's a struggle but these are my strategies: for the things I don't like but I have to do: have an activity as a...I called it 'switcher'. That will serve to shift & refresh my mind to go back to main task again. Community work can be a switcher. But too much is a disaster.
- The quantity & quality of food and sleep.
- Limit real time conversation. It is a huge distraction for me.
- To organize: A note app/ bujo. Continuously changing after a period of time. And that's fine.
- Alarm. For every little thing like: make the bed, shower, etc xD
- Mind setting: first, finish. Perfection later.
It's common for ADHDers to beat themselves hard or procrastinate because of little imperfections, on the other hand it's hard to do things perfectly with ADHD. Vicious cycle xD
ADHD can be your super power or your 'kryptonite'. Make it the first 💜
@ouiCherie Such a vicious cycle indeed! Thank you for your tips on dealing with ADHD. I love how you mention that ADHD can be our superpower or kryptonite. I think that is very true! I love your ideas of doodling/fidgeting to pay attention. I love that there are so much more fidget toys being marketed and sold to children (and adults too :P )
Hopie
@HopieRemi 😁💜
@HopieRemi
Extremely insightful post . Thanks for tagging me . 😊 .
@calmsoulmeet You're welcome!
Hopie