American Psychiatric Association https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. ADHD also affects many adults. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting) and impulsivity (hasty acts that occur in the moment without thought).
An estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD.
ADHD is diagnosed as one of three types: inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type or combined type. A diagnosis is based on the symptoms that have occurred over the past six months.
Inattentive type – six or five of the following symptoms occur frequently:
Doesn’t pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in school or job tasks.
Has problems staying focused on tasks or activities, such as during lectures, conversations or long reading.
Does not seem to listen when spoken to (i.e., seems to be elsewhere).
Does not follow through on instructions and doesn’t complete schoolwork, chores or job duties (may start tasks but quickly loses focus).
Has problems organizing tasks and work (for instance, does not manage time well; has messy, disorganized work; misses deadlines).
Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as preparing reports and completing forms.
Often loses things needed for tasks or daily life, such as school papers, books, keys, wallet, cell phone and eyeglasses.
Is easily distracted.
Forgets daily tasks, such as doing chores and running errands. Older teens and adults may forget to return phone calls, pay bills and keep appointments.
Hyperactive/impulsive type – six or five of the following symptoms occur frequently:
Fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in seat.
Not able to stay seated (in classroom, workplace).
Runs about or climbs where it is inappropriate.
Unable to play or do leisure activities quietly.
Always “on the go,” as if driven by a motor.
Talks too much.
Blurts out an answer before a question has been finished (for instance may finish people’s sentences, can’t wait to speak in conversations).
Has difficulty waiting his or her turn, such as while waiting in line.
Interrupts or intrudes on others (for instance, cuts into conversations, games or activities, or starts using other people’s things without permission). Older teens and adults may take over what others are doing.
There is no lab test to diagnose ADHD. Diagnosis involves gathering information from parents, teachers and others, filling out checklists and having a medical evaluation (including vision and hearing screening) to rule out other medical problems. The symptoms are not the result of person being defiant or hostile or unable to understand a task or instructions.
ADHD and Adults
Many adults with ADHD do not realize they have the disorder. A comprehensive evaluation typically includes a review of past and current symptoms, a medical exam and history, and use of adult rating scales or checklists. Adults with ADHD are treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination. Behavior management strategies, such as ways to minimize distractions and increase structure and organization, and involving immediate family members can also be helpful.
Exercise– may help manage your ADHD symptoms. At the very least, it can help you channel extra energy. Some research suggests that physical activity may stimulate parts of the brain associated with ADHD. Activities like yoga and karate may be better for ADHD because they offer opportunities for memorizing movements.
Organization
Calendar—Cozi, google, alarms. It doesn’t matter if it’s a day planner, a smartphone app, or just a plain old desk calendar. Keep it in one spot and check it at least three times a day. Make it a habit to check at the same times each day. Forgetting meetings, deadlines, medications, or other responsibilities can create problems at work and in your personal life. For help, turn to computer programs and other electronic devices to remind you of appointments and deadlines. For example, set your computer or smartphone to alert you five minutes before every event in your calendar.
Daily to do lists– Each morning, make a list of the things you want to get done that day. Try to keep your list realistic, so you’ll have a good chance of getting to everything. Arrange your tasks in order of importance, putting the most important tasks first. Cross off each task when you complete it. Do not worry this is just a brain dump list. What you do not get to can be added to the next day or next depending on the importance of the task.
Organization—organize the items in your life that you use all day every day. Make it as visually appealing as possible. When you have ADHD you need visual organization. Clear bins, chalkboards, white boards, sticky notes and labels. Start with a drawer, shelf, cabinet then move up to closets, then rooms and etc. Start with small bite size steps.
Declutter Start with trash Obvious items like dirty clothes, dishes Put all items from any flat surfaces in a basket. If you have an over whelming amount of stuff get several baskets. Try to declutter as you go. Declutter each basket. Try to sort and categorize as you go Sort and categorize items Measure spaces Purchase bins and organizational systems like shelve if needed. You can also use boxes, food container and jars from around the house. Maintain you must repeat the about consistently. This can be daily, weekly, monthly or seasonally.
Take a photograph.
This will enable you to see your environment in the same light as your guests do, leaving you shocked by the result. If you have trouble finding clutter, try taking photos from different angles. Photographs provide an entirely different perspective, and potential problems could pop out of the picture, helping you quickly identify the areas that need to be tidied up.
When you’re having trouble starting a project, try this exercise:
Set a timer for 15 minutes.
For those 15 minutes, focus on that one task only.When the time is up, decide if you can keep going for another 15 minutes. If you can, reset the timer. Keep going at 15-minute intervals for as long as you can.
If you can’t do any more, stop and try again later or the next day.
If you keep items, they should have a home. Use filing cabinets, labels, clear storage boxes, and over-the-door organizers.
Take 10 minutes each day to pick up and return items to their proper places.
If you take it out, put it back.
Keep a box for loose papers and other mislaid items to be put away. Go through it at the end of every day.
Command Center
Place a small table or bookshelf near the entryway of your home. Put a tray or basket on top of it to hold important items such as keys, wallets, watches, glasses, and phones. You can also use this area to hold other items you want to remember, such as lunchboxes, briefcases, important papers, or outgoing mail.
Easy Breezy Meal Plan episode 3
m- chicken rotating seasoning and sauces t-taco rotating types of meats and taco shells w-wing rotating seasoning and sauces th- take out or Italian spaghetti etc f-frozen entrees or fish sat- soup, salad and/or sandwich Sun-hubby bbq, your choice or planned leftovers