ADHD - Getting through the day in a productive way:
- Use a dry-erase wall calendar to track appointments and deadlines, aiding with time management.
- Utilise colour to enhance memory retention, such as highlighting important dates and colour-coding tasks.
- Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to prevent feeling overwhelmed and boost confidence.
- Employ the Pomodoro Technique: Work for 20 minutes, then take a 5-minute break, repeating as needed.
- Reframe negative thoughts about tasks into positive or realistic perspectives to encourage action.
- Create a 24-hour hot spot on your desk for urgent tasks to prevent them from being forgotten.
- Write important notes on paper and keep them in your pocket for easy access and reminders.
- Maximise smartphone features like notepad, reminders, and calendars with multiple alerts to meet deadlines effectively
ADHD - prepare for a restful night sleep:
- Set a wind-down alarm to signal the start of your bedtime routine, including powering down electronics and dimming lights.
- Use a happy lamp or get 20 minutes of early morning light exposure to regulate circadian rhythms.
- To address potential deficiencies, Consider melatonin supplements or melatonin-inducing snacks like tart cherry juice.
- Avoid caffeine within 5-7 hours before bedtime to ensure better sleep quality.
- Practice relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation to calm a racing mind and facilitate sleep.
- To enhance sleep quality and stability, Utilise noise machines, particularly those emitting pink noise.
- Maintain a room temperature of 65-68 °F (18-20 °C) for optimal sleep conditions and melatonin production.
- Establish a consistent wake-up time to regulate your body’s sleep system and hormone production.
- Enhance the sleep environment by using an eye mask or blackout curtains to promote darkness, which is crucial for melatonin release.
- Reserve the bed solely for sleep and intimacy to establish positive associations and improve sleep quality, known as stimulus control.