Category Archives: ADHD strategies
ADHD and Some Other Stuff Tips O the Day: If you have ADHD or if you’re old, or if you’re old and have ADHD, never ever place your phone on the restaurant table. Just saying. I was to give a … Continue reading
ADHD and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria
Sometimes you don’t see something that’s right in front of your eyes; at least I don’t. Rejection sensitivity dysphoria is a hot topic. It’s been found as another part of ADHD, like irritability (not in DSM, not part of the … Continue reading
Persistence, Not Willpower, with ADHD
Persistence requires some willpower, which we ADHDers tend to be a little short on. (Hah!) But strategies help: committing, locking yourself in, small steps. And a dash of stubbornness helps too. It took me two years to write the book, … Continue reading
A New Treatment for ADHD, Finally
For years, research on ADHD has been only confirming things we already knew. Some new medications are on the market, mostly variations on the old ones so they can get a new patent. Meanwhile, we’ve had a shortage of stimulant … Continue reading
An Almost Truism For ADHD
I’ve written this before but today I have new examples and the principle is so important it’s worth repeating.(And I’m proud of myself for solving these problems.) If you can identify something as A Problem and not just life, you … Continue reading
ADHD and Meditation? Really??
Stress and ADHD feed each other in a typical feedback loop. Meditation can reduce the stress and possibly help directly with ADHD symptoms. With ADHD, meditation is not easy. I practice a simple form. I sit comfortably, preferably quietly, and … Continue reading
Word vs ADHD
Microsoft Word is a wonderful application and a royal pain in the neck. It has many tricks, both good and bad, many traps and many benefits. The learning curve for me has been very steep, and continues to be. I … Continue reading
ADHD Key Points — ADHD Tip O the Day 1000
Just a few of the key ADHD points. There are so many, so many ways to make our lives better, so that we are managing our ADHD and it’s not in control.Sadly, this is my last post. I want to … Continue reading
Taking It Easy? — ADHD Tip O the Day 996
An ADHD Strategy: When you need to get something done but can’t dig up the energy, see if you can find an easy way out. Here’s a bunch of quotes for today. “Your first step is just that: the first … Continue reading
Three Most Important ADHD Principles —ADHD Tip O the Day 991
New Year: time for a brief review Three most important ADHD Principles: Identify a Problem, devise a strategy, make it a habit. 2. Small steps. 3. Do it now, do it right, do the hard part first. (After … Continue reading
How to Be Happy — ADHD Tip O the Day 983
It can be hard to be happy, especially these days, and harder with ADHD. But- Affirmations: Every morning, state, “I choose to be happy today.” Learn to cope with your ADHD. Minimize contact with toxic people. Help someone else. Get … Continue reading
How to Make Decisions — ADHD Tip O the Day 982
With ADHD we have trouble making choices and decisions. Do I really need to make this decision? Does it matter?- is it worth the the time and effort? Does it have to be me? Gather data List pros and cons … Continue reading
Many ADHD Links, Many Choices — ADHD Tip O the 981
We ADHD ers have difficulty making choices. I’ve collected too many links, so I’m going to dump them now. You pick and choose. It’s up to you now. Doug Links: Outgrow ADHD? Ages and stages of ADHD … Continue reading
What to do about my forgetfulness and absentmindfullness? — ADHD Tip O the Day 975
Answering this question about ADHD: This is an example of accepting that you can’t change something, but you can make strategies to help you cope with it. (But medication might help somewhat.) 1. Write everything down on a card, folded … Continue reading
Frustrated and Overwhelmed — ADHD Tip O the Day 974
A couple of weeks ago, I just gave up, just for the week. I didn’t post, and lots of other things I let go. Some weeks are like that with ADHD, although fortunately, it’s usually just a day, not a … Continue reading
Procrastinating or Pushing Ahead? — ADHD Tip O the Day 971
Overwhelmed is common with ADHD but strategies can help. The same is true for procrastination. I took on the task of clearing the trash in our stretch of the Santa Fe “river“ (even calling it a creek is an exaggeration … Continue reading
Self Abuse Makes ADHD Worse — ADHD Tip O the Day 967
(Not that kind) With ADHD, we have many opportunities to feel shame. And we often contribute to that be being harshly critical of ourselves. And we often were subjected to shaming criticism as we were growing up (and after), so … Continue reading
ADHD Handwriting — ADHD Tip O the Day 965
It’s called dysgraphia, another ADHD comorbidity. This might be related to dyscoordination (basal ganglia, cerebellum), being in a hurry, and trying to get a flood of ideas down on paper before we lose them. My handwriting caused me lots of … Continue reading
Breaks and ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 962
Everyone needs breaks, probably more so with ADHD, but they can be difficult. Breaks throughout the day, week, and year can be very beneficial, even necessary. That’s why we have vacations, and why it’s best not to work during them. … Continue reading
FAQ about ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 958
I get many AHD questions from various web sites. Here are some answers (ie my opinions) with links. What can cure ADHD? – Only God. Does ADHD get worse with aging? – No, age just adds more problems. Am I … Continue reading
Keep It Short — ADHD Tip O the Day 955
My astute wife said the last ADHD post was too long. So this one will be short. Strategy O the Day: Listen to your wife. doug Links: ADHD and Relationships ADHD and Relationships more Webinars Quotes O the Day: “The … Continue reading
Assumptions, Premises, and Illusions — ADHD Tip O the Day 954
Now for something different This will be a philosophical discussion today, not limited to ADHD. (Had you assumed there would be a Poem O the Day? Sorry to disappoint you. I hope you’re not heart broken. ) General Strategy O … Continue reading
ADHD Medications — ADHD Tips O the Day 948
This article is so good I’m offering it as the ADHD Tip O the Day ADHD Medications Hope you’ll read and enjoy it. doug Poem O the Day: The Mail Back in the day, when I was working, in … Continue reading
ADHD Excuses — ADHD Tip O the Day 947
We ADHDers are hard to live with. We cause a lot of frustration. A comment from T: “I would love for you to address the issue with people with ADHD trying to justify behavior that is driven by the ADHD … Continue reading
Failing with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 940.1
“I am a failure.” What a terrible thing to say about yourself. I often read posts from mothers who say they’re failing, that they must be a bad mother. Often that means they can’t get their child to do what … Continue reading
An Old ADHD Principle — ADHD Tip O the Day 939
For every problem, there’s a solution. The trick is to recognize that it’s a problem in the first place. Problem: At night I put my glasses and my iphone (with the alarm set) on the bedside table and turn out … Continue reading
Venting — ADHD Tip O the Day 938
It’s good for us to vent and get things off our chest occasionally. This works best of course if we have an audience. Thank you for being my audience today. 2. Word has decided to revolt and take control. It … Continue reading
James Clear on Habits – ADHD Tip O the Day 920
James Clear’s excellent book, Atomic Habits, covers the same material I’ve been writing about for years; how you can make good habits and get rid of bad ones. However, since his focus is solely on habits and mine just includes … Continue reading
Why Use Strategies and Habits for ADHD? — ADHD Tip O the Day 919
Insights on living with ADHD: I finished another retreat and again gained some insights, some of which I’ll share with you. The purpose of the ADHD strategies and the habits is to make your life easier, to decrease pressure and … Continue reading
ADHD and Changing — Tip O the Day 916
Puryear’s Principles of Human Behavior #1 After we struggle and struggle with a problem and finally find some effective way to cope with it, the next thing we do is stop doing it. Maybe one of the reasons is that … Continue reading
ADHD Changes — ADHD Tip O the Day 913
Puryear’s Principles of Human Nature – Number One: “If we struggle and struggle with a problem, and we finally find a solution that works, the next thing we do is to stop using it.” One of my favorite strategies is … Continue reading
Clumsy with ADHD? — ADHD Tip O the Day 907
If ADHD is related to abnormalities of the basal ganglia and the cerebellum, and the circuits connecting them, then what would you expect? Clumsy. I pull a cereal bowl off the third shelf and on the way down manage to … Continue reading
ADHD Medication — Tip O the Day 905
The Question Was, “What should I expect when I start ADHD medication?” Between two hours and two days you should notice more focus and more motivation and more follow through. You probably won’t get any side effects, but if you … Continue reading
Report on My Retreat —ADHD Tip O the Day 904
I finished my five day spiritual retreat, a success. I got off track some on day five, next time I’ll do four days. It wasn’t as difficult as I’d expected. I had a little struggle about how to use my … Continue reading
Living with ADHD and Corona Virus — ADHD Tip O the Day 903
ADHD and Corona Virus, wouldn’t either one be enough? I hope you are safe and well and finding some way to make use of this strange time. Although we’re all waiting for things to return to normal, I fear that … Continue reading
Organize? With ADHD? — ADHD Tip O the Day 902
One of my long-term goals is to get organized. After sixty years or so I have to admit it is either: 1. Hopeless or 2. … Continue reading
Living with ADHD and the Virus: Frustrating — ADHD Tip O the Day 900
ADHD causes many frustrations, and also makes it harder to cope with frustration. It’s a booger. These last few days have been frustrating, and it’s not getting any better. Of course, the main issue is this virus situation, with diminished … Continue reading
ADHD and Legs — ADHD Tip O the Day 898
Continuing with Sleep, Science, and ADHD: As if we didn’t have enough problems, we ADHDers often have leg problems. These include restless legs syndrome (RLS), paroxysmal abnormal leg movements (PALM, aka ‘the jerks’) and leg cramps. The book says these … Continue reading
More ADHD Science —ADHD Tip O the Day 897
We’re all tired of the virus thing. I just ask that you pay attention to the scientific experts, especially those willing to admit they don’t really know, and ignore the blathering and BS. Here’s more ADHD science: 1. Sleep problems … Continue reading
Virus, Science, and ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 896
Virus, virus, virus and ADHD What else is there to talk about? We are blessed with leadership from someone who was born with innate understanding of science so that, despite his being apparently illiterate, he knows more about scientific things … Continue reading
Virus and ADHD, Science, and a Brilliant New Insight — ADHD Tip O the Day 895
The virus and ADHD It would be strange not to write about the virus today, but I think I mostly said it last time. How could I connect the virus with the topic of ADHD? Well, maybe. We’re under semi … Continue reading
Sleep and ADHD, and Now, the Virus — ADHD Tip O the Day 894
Virus I meant this post to be solely about sleep and ADHD. After all, what does the virus have to do with ADHD? Well, not much, except we’re impulsive and impatient, and prone to take risks. So, wash your hands … Continue reading
Changes. ADHD in Transition — ADHD Tip O The Day 893
I thought that once I retired, life would get easier. Hah! “There’s been a change in the weather and a change in the sea From now on, there’ll be a change in me. My walk will be different, my talk … Continue reading
Too Busy? — ADHD Tip O the Day 892
With ADHD, I’m Always “Too Busy” Since I retired, I figured I wouldn’t feel too busy all the time anymore. Wrong. I suddenly had a brilliant insight. Maybe if I didn’t try to do so many things all the time, … Continue reading
Pause — ADHD Tip O the Day 889
Pause – a help with ADHD Pause is a simple strategy I’m trying to turn into a habit. I haven’t figured out what rule to make yet. But the strategy is just to pause several times a day, or even … Continue reading
Ramblings and Ruminations — ADHD Tip O the Day 886
Life with ADHD I wanted to be sure that the tube was the right length, so I measured it carefully before I cut it. It looked too short. I measured it again to be sure; it was correct, so I … Continue reading
Frustrated— ADHD Tip O the Day 885
ADHD is a Natural Recipe for Frustration Yesterday I fixed my iPhone, got the library book for Martha she’s been waiting for, learned a little bit of guitar, and lost almost two pounds. I “should’ve” been happy. But – OK, … Continue reading
Happy New Year Even with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 883
I hope you have had a good 2019 and that 2020 will be even better for you. It will as you learn new ADHD strategies and improve your coping. One of the problems we ADHD folk struggle with is time. … Continue reading
Too Busy with ADHD — Tip O the Day 879
Why Am I “Too Busy?” Ram is on a roll; this comes from comments and discussion: Too Busy, part one: With ADHD – 1. It’s hard to set priorities. 2. I want to do it all. 3. I set good … Continue reading
Ram’s Comment —ADHD Tip O the Day 878
Ram makes good comments, and this one raises issues about structure and routine, skimming instead of reading, and our ADHD difficulty of picking one thing. Great post! I laughed out loud at your “skimming” comment. I did read your whole … Continue reading
Structure, Schedule – The Secret to ADHD?— ADHD Tip O the Day 876
Flopping around with ADHD Retired. Again. Haven’t found my groove yet. Too busy. Writing two books, one on ADHD, Living Well with ADHD, and a novel, Alma Means Soul, both about ready to publish, which I dread; Create Space has … Continue reading
A New Use for Index Cards — ADHD Tip O the Day 875
Index Cards and Manila Folders (and smartphones?) God’s Gifts to ADHDers I keep the stack of index cards on my desktop just to the right of center, where I can’t miss it. Each one has a “Saying O the Day” … Continue reading
Ram’s Saga-Writing with ADHD — ADHD Tip o the Day 874
I asked for volunteers to write posts for the ADHD blog and Ram stepped up. This started a journey with a long period of correspondence, some of which is lost, which looks like the makings of a novel. I’ve recreated … Continue reading
ADHD Strikes Again! — ADHD Tip O the Day 872
ADHD continues its devious works to screw up our lives. You all know my friend Tom, who missed three straight appointments with me? The good news is that this stimulated him to look at how he was managing his calendar … Continue reading
Distracted, Derailed, Off the Track — ADHD Tip O the Day 871
Distractable = ADHD I’ve been working on a revision of the 365 Tips O the Day book and I got about 65% finished on the final draft, number 11. When it’s done I can publish it. Well, writing is the … Continue reading
Missed Appoinments – – – ADHD Tip O the Day 870
My ADHD friend (still) Tom and his missed appointments: Tue 9/10/2019 12:07 PM Doug, I am mad at myself and embarrassed at missing breakfast with you this morning. Going back over this morning and when this happened last … Continue reading
A Day with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 869
What is a typical day with ADHD like? Here’s an example of how I spend my time: Trying to find my glasses: 20 minutes Trying to find my i phone, twice: 45 minutes Trying to find the thing that was … Continue reading
Pause – An ADHD Strategy — ADHD Tip O the Day 868
Trying a new strategy to help with my ADHD. Maybe it’s not so new; I may have tried it before? Maybe it’s a form of mindfulness? Anyway, it’s pretty simple. I occasionally stop whatever I’m doing wherever I am and … Continue reading
ADHD Mantras — ADHD Tip o the Day 864
Using Mantras for ADHD I don’t know about you, but I don’t wake up and leap out of bed bright and ready to go anymore. I stumble into the bathroom, answer the pressing physical demand that has my attention and … Continue reading
Defective — ADHD Tip O the Day 863
Who’s defective??! My patient sat with her head down, looking morose. I asked her why. “I’m defective,” she answered.” Just defective.” “What do you mean?” “Well, I have anxiety disorder and phobias. I’m just defective. I tried reassurance. “You’re not … Continue reading
Dinos On ADHD and Technology part 2 — ADHD Tip O the Day 862
Dinos is a high tech person. I’m not. He’s contributing some good tips. “A Smart Home Makes A Smarter You Have you ever found yourself doing something like cooking or washing dishes and wish you could tell somebody something like, … Continue reading
Goals and ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 861
Is It Good To Set Goals If You Have ADHD? I’m a big fan of setting goals, but it’s hard for us ADHDers. We always overestimate what we can do and underestimate how long it will take, don’t we? And … Continue reading
Using Technology To Outsmart ADHD —ADHD Tip O the Day 860
Dinos has helped me with technology before, one of my many weak spots. He has generously agreed to contribute some posts. Enjoy! doug Using Technology To Outsmart ADHD I’m not sure how many other people can relate to this, but … Continue reading
Efficient with ADHD. Huh??—ADHD Tip O the Day 856
I’m trying to get more done in less time and with less effort. Tthat sounds like trying to be more efficient, not one of my strong points. So I asked for advice from my son-in-law, Bruce, who is sharp and … Continue reading
Some Little Things that Help — ADHD Tip O the Day 852
Little Things Can Make a Difference with ADHD One of the keys of living well in spite of ADHD is making habits. With a habit, you don’t have to remember, think, or make a decision; you just do it. Here … Continue reading
Bad Words — ADHD Tip O the Day 851
Don’t Use These Words If You Have ADHD or maybe even if you don’t. Ram recently stated that “Stupidly, I fell off the bike– .” I suggested that that wasn’t a good word to apply to herself, but she explained … Continue reading
JADE and ADHD —- ADHD Tip O the Day 850
Ram, who is a great contributor to the ADHD blog, has written about the difficulties of dealing with family. I couldn’t refrain from offering some advice: “Ram Families are truly difficult. Ignorance makes it even worse. You need to manage … Continue reading
There Is a Solution to the Problem— ADHD Tip O the Day 848
My job put me up in a beautiful big old house. When I come in in the evening, and when I leave in the morning, there are no lights. It is dark. Very dark. It is a big beautiful old … Continue reading
I Don’t Get It!— ADHD O the Day 842
Isn’t technology wonderful? If you have recently subscribed to this ADHD blog, you are most welcome here. I hope you will find it useful and enjoyable. And I hope you will make comments. I love the comments. But: I’m no … Continue reading
An ADHD Christmas — ADHD Tip O the Day 841
I wish you each a very Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, and whatever else you may wish to celebrate, and a very blessed, joyous, productive, low stress new year. People ask me, “Are you ready for Christmas?” I always reply, “I … Continue reading
Traveling with ADHD. Oh, My. — ADHD Tip O the Day 839
This ADHD post is too long. As you’ll see, that’s kind of the point. We flew from Santa Fe to Dallas to visit our new foster great-grandchild. Yay! But: Checking in, I left one of our bags at the security … Continue reading
Apologies and a Plan — ADHD Tip O the Day 837
Living with ADHD can be a challenge. OK, I’m a little behind on my blogs. OK, I’m a lot behind. I have a new job and that takes up some time even though it’s part time. Strangely, I haven’t been making … Continue reading
Working with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 832
I love my new job, but I’m struggling with the EHR, electronic health record system, on the computer. This is the sixth different I’ve have had to use. They’ve ranged from horrible to bad. This one is the least bad. The two … Continue reading
ADHD Jokes — ADHD Tip O the Day 831
ADHD Jokes O the Day: 1. A guy with ADHD walks into a bar – – – Oops, I forgot the punch line. 2. A guy with ADHD and dyslexia walks into a rab. 3. An uncoordinated guy with ADHD … Continue reading
A Bad Habit — ADHD Tip O the Day 829
I have a bad habit. No, it’s not sexual, no matter what you may have been imagining. Still, it’s too embarrassing to tell you. It’s just a bad habit which causes me some discomfort. I don’t like it. I’ve tried … Continue reading
ADHD Solutions— ADHD Tip O the Day 828
ADHD causes us many problems. Life can be hard. I believe that every problem has a solution. I know this isn’t 100% true, but it’s very useful to act as though it were. I’ve come up with some new examples. … Continue reading
Ways To Live With ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 827
I find that I don’t have new tips and strategies recently, because somehow, I’m not screwing up. I find that I am, without a plan, strategy, or intention, doublechecking everything. I ask: How could this go wrong? Did I really … Continue reading
Can I Relax, with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 826
On vacation again, but I haven’t relaxed yet. Travel arrangements, glitches to fix, reservations to make, finding my way around the city. Hard work. I recently wrote about vacation in Oaxaca, but didn’t post it. Kept getting lost there, in … Continue reading
ADHD Author??? Getting It Done— ADHD Tip O the Day 825
When I published the second ADHD book, the 365 tips of the day, it was only as an e-book. This was partly because each page had wonderful links to other good site. However, with time, many of those links are … Continue reading
Lessons learned while living with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 824
Lessons Learned- and relearned If I can’t find my glasses, look on my face first. If I can’t sleep, check to make sure I took off my Daytrana patch. It always takes longer than you expected. There is no easy … Continue reading
Comments About ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 822
Do you read the comments? I hope so. They are often better than the post. And contributing upgrades the blog. Here’s two of my responses to good comments: Scott Good to hear from you. The boating sounds great. Two things, … Continue reading
Update on ADHD Science and Controversies- ADHD Tip O the Day 821
Controversies in ADHD In my opinion, science can be flawed, but it is more trustworthy than opinions. In the following, my opinions are italicized. There really is no controversy about whether or not ADHD exists. There are more and more studies showing … Continue reading
Living with ADHD (or trying to) — ADHD Tip O the Day 820
Life can be hard. It can be harder with ADHD. The day runs away from you. You have a list of things to do today. They all seem important. You realize that you’re no good at setting priorities. Possibly some … Continue reading
A New ADHD Strategy, Working So Far — ADHD Tip O the Day 819
Puryear’s Principles of Human Nature, number one (or something) We struggle with a problem until we find something that works. The next thing we do is we quit doing it. My ADHD Strategies These strategies make my life immensely better. … Continue reading
Medicines for ADHD?— ADHD Tip O the Day 817
ADHD medicines – alway a controversy! My View: The medicines – Ritalin, Adderal, Vyanse,Concerta, Daytrana, et al – are miracle workers for some, very helpful to others, somewhat helpful to some, and worthless or even detrimental to some. You will never know … Continue reading
“You Don’t Listen to Me!” — ADHD Tip O the Day 816
Have you ever heard that? Miscommunication is a standard part of normal human life. So is the frustration with it. But who ever said that ADHD is normal human life? So we have a lot more of it. Feeling not … Continue reading
ADHD and Irritiable — ADHD Tip O the Day 815
What Still Drives Me Up the Wall, I Mean Up The Flipping Wall: Politics The minority “president.” It is not appropriate to go into that here. I probably shouldn’t even have said it. … Continue reading
Stuck again – ADHD Tip O the Day 814
Well here I am again, writing about being stuck, because I’ve been stuck. Many reasons, will spare you the excuses. In Mexico, on vacation, but still have a to do list of about six things that need doing pretty soon. … Continue reading
Goals for 2018 – With ADHD?! — ADHD Tip O the Day 813
Yes, even with ADHD, goals can help make our lives better. I didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions, but I set ten goals for 2018. These were spiritual, health, financial, professional, recreational, and educational goals. They are each very specific … Continue reading
Make Your Life Better in 2018 — ADHD Tip O the Day 812
I continually try to make my life better, make things easier, simpler. One of the ADHD principles is to identify a problem. Sometimes we don’t think of it as a problem, but just as a part of life. But –. … Continue reading
ADHD– Strategies -Do They Really Work? Three Tips — ADHD Tip O the Day 810
I have a fairly new strategy. Whenever I park my car, I say, out loud, where it is. “Second row, facing out, in line with the I in the LIQUORS sign.” 2. It works. It’s a good ADHD strategy. I spend … Continue reading
Ouch! Hypersensitivity and ADHD – – – Tip O the Day 809
I know I am hypersensitive. Am I hypersensitive as a symptom of my ADHD? Or have my ADHD problems, including so many screw ups, just made my self-esteem fragile? So is the hypersensitivity an ADHD symptom or a consequence? I … Continue reading
Whipping Procrastination? With ADHD? — ADHD Tip O the Day 808
It just seemed like too much, so I kept putting it off. Hanging over my head for six long months. Does that sound like ADHD to you? I want a job in Maine. I really really want a job in … Continue reading
In ADHD, Attitude Makes the Difference – But Then, There is Word Power — ADHD Tip O the Day 807
With ADHD, Everything Can Be Difficult But there are strategies to make things less difficult. Last post, I said that my job is difficult, but I love it. What helps me is using the power of words and keeping focus … Continue reading
Problems in ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 806
Your Life Can Be Better, and so can mine – if we recognize problems, and then apply the formula: recognize, strategy, rule, habit. My job is difficult, but I love it. One of my many frustrations was dealing with a … Continue reading
ADHD Plus Anxiety – The Podcast — ADHD Tip O the Day 805
Do you have ADHD? Then you know about anxiety: Am I going to screw this up, too? Am I going to get my to do list done? Am I going to get anything done? Am I going to blurt … Continue reading
Is It Distraction? Or Something Else? -An ADHD Dialog with Scott — ADHD Tip O the Day 804
I fear that some people may not read all the comments, which are over to the right on the site. You are missing something. Here are some great issues that Scott brings up (slightly edited): Hi Doug, I just realized, … Continue reading
Just About Everything About Coping with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 803
ADHD is about coping – you don’t cure it, you don’t overcome your symptoms, you learn to cope, to minimize the effect they have on your life. Today I’m feeling lazy, kind of stuck, hard to get moving. To be … Continue reading
A Tool for ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 802
ADHD and Stress. With ADHD, we experience a lot of stress. With more stress, our ADHD symptoms intensify. This makes it harder to function, which creates more stress. Can you see where this is going? Some years ago, I saw … Continue reading
What Helps with ADHD? —ADD Tip o the Day 801
Lots of things help with ADHD Some are a little complicated: medications, strategies, tools, coaching, therapy, mindfulness, yoga, education. They can be extremely helpful. But there are some basic simple things that help. exercise healthy eating good sleep get outside … Continue reading
ADHD and a Fleeting Moment of Fame — ADHD Tip O the Day 799
Who’d Have Ever Thought My ADHD Would Bring Me Fame, Other Than From An Horrendous Accident Or A Terrible Crime I am honored, and excited, within reason of course, to be a guest on a podcast recorded last Thursday. … Continue reading
Losing Things – Living with ADHD and Three Strategies — ADHD Tip O the Day 798
Losing thing on a trip with ADHD If you’re on a trip, oh, say like to Maine, for example, and you’re out in the boondocks with very limited shopping opportunities around, and you can’t find some really essential items that … Continue reading
ADHD and Accident Prone? — ADHD Tip O the Day 797
With ADHD We Need to Be Aware of These Things Perhaps it would be better not to set it down right on the edge? Just saying. doug #adhd @dougmkpdp
Blurting out with ADHD. Did I Just Do It Again? — ADHD Tip O the Day 796
ADHD: Impulsiveness, Distractability, Poor Social Judgement, Blurting Out Impulsivness is one of the defining criteria for ADHD. Products of ADHD impulsivity include both distractability – I get a distraction and I impulsively follow it, off task – and also blurting … Continue reading
Vacation! and ADHD. Vacation? — ADHD Tip o the Day 794
Have been on vacation a week now. It’s wonderful! But- I had two goals for this vacation: To relax. It’s about time, To get some things done, get caught up. Unfortunately, the two goals are incompatible. And guess what? I’ve … Continue reading
ADHD Help Number Two — ADHD Tip O the Day 792
Three Basic Ways to Improve Your Life with ADHD Sleep 2. Exercise 3. Get Outdoors Help Number Two — Exercise. Our son Duane had ADHD and learning disabilities. He was extremely smart but couldn’t actually function. The only thing he … Continue reading
Three Simple Proven Helps for ADHD, or Maybe More — ADHD Tip O the Day 791
Making Your Life Better – Even With ADHD Here are the basics of dealing with ADHD: Get enough sleep, whatever it takes. Your best bet is to practice sleep hygiene, and/or use melatonin, or whatever. Exercise Get outdoors More … Continue reading
Cross Off Your ADHD —ADHD Tip O the Day 790
The Power Of Positive Reinforcement We all need positive reinforcement, ADHD or not. One way to give it to ourselves is crossing off. That’s one of the side benefits of the to do lists; we get to cross things off. … Continue reading
Life With ADHD. Oh, My! — ADHD Tip O the Day 787
With ADHD, I need a wife, an iPhone, and strategies. I had an 8:30 breakfast appointment with my boss at an excellent restaurant. And he was paying. I set the alarm; it worked. I got up on time, got ready … Continue reading
The Cell Phone Saga: Another Chapter in My Life with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 785
My iPhone has a great GPS and since I’m directionally challenged, I use it a lot. Sometimes it sends me on a wild goose chase, but usually it’s right on. So I set it in the cup holder of the … Continue reading
“Are We Overdiagnosing and Overtreating ADHD?” Or Not? Or What? — ADHD Tip O the Day 784
This is the title of a recent ADHD article in Psychiatric Times (reference below, for the compulsive or curious.) ADHD was first identified as a syndrome in 1935. (I didn’t know this, did you? — Syndrome – “a group of symptoms … Continue reading
Is My ADHD Messing With Me Again, Or Is It Something Else? —Tip O the Day 783
Is it ADHD or Human Nature? Puryear’s Principle of Human Nature #2: Once we find something that helps us cope with a problem, we will quit doing it. And this does apply to me. Oh, my. The Index Card System … Continue reading
Is It Ethical to Diagnose A Public Figure? — ADHD Tip O the Day 782
It is unethical for a psychiatrist to diagnosis a person, either private citizen or public figure, without personally examining him. If the psychiatrist has indeed personally examined a person, it is then unethical to make that diagnosis public, or even … Continue reading
ADHD Strategies 40 Tips — Tip O the Day 781
Living With ADHD, Ain’t It Awful? No, It’s Not. Just got a bad book review from Frances. She said she couldn’t read the book because my life is so awful it made her feel awful to read about it. She … Continue reading
Super Comments from Ram and Sue — ADHD Tip O the Day 778
Lots of people have contributions to help the ADHD tribe I hope each one of you reads all the comments here, but I’m not sure. Maybe you don’t read ALL of them? Here are two recent ones that are too … Continue reading
The Perfect Approach With ADHD (or without) — ADHD Tip O the Day 777
The Perfect Approach to Life With ADHD OK, I’ll admit I get lazy, and that I’m still behind, but trust me, that’s not the reason for this post. The link below is just perfect: The Perfect Approach Trust me. doug … Continue reading
One At A Time – – – ADHD Tip O the Day 773
With ADHD, we need to work harder, but it’s more important to work smarter. When I got back to work after two weeks vacation, there was a huge stack of papers on my desk. I used a very good strategy and started … Continue reading
” I Don’t Need Any Medicine!” — ADHD Tip O the Day 772
Learning More About My ADHD The Hard Way Had a wonderful vacation. Was amazed to find I didn’t need my Daytrana patch at all, did just fine without it. Lying on the beach, eating and drinking, and even reading and … Continue reading
ADHD and Relationships. Is it possible? — ADHD Tip O the Day 766
My long suffering wife (very, very long) still gets annoyed sometimes when I do ADHD stuff. For one example, of many, calling her to come help and then doing something to get ready while she’s standing there waiting. I’m trying … Continue reading
A New Approach to My ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 765
Manila folders are God’s gift to people with ADHD, and yellow stickies may be his bonus gift. I have used my index card system successfully for many years, and have written and written about it. Quote O the Day: “Whenever … Continue reading
Mindfullness, Meditation, and ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 763
Non-medication treatments for ADHD – part two 2017 Mindfullness – means pause in what you are doing and take a nonjudgmental inventory of your thoughts, emotions, physical feelings and situation. The key is nonjudgmental, just be aware, that’s all you … Continue reading
Be Prepared, if you have ADHD, even if you’re not a Boy Scout — ADHD Tip O the Day 761
What could possibly go wrong, with ADHD? I was recently honored to be a guest, one of many, on Jennifer Friedman’s podcast. I must confess that I don’t listen to podcasts, don’t have the patience, probably missing out on a … Continue reading
ADHD and Self Esteem? A Plan for the New Year—ADHD Tip O the Day 760
Self-esteem is essential and precarious, especially with ADHD Our self esteem suffers when we don’t complete something, and that demoralization makes it harder to start the next job. When we do complete something, the boost in self-esteem helps us move … Continue reading
Five Disconcerting Facts, Relevant To But Not Limited To ADHD — ADD Tip O the Day 759
Disconcerting Facts: 1. Our decisions are made unconsciously, based on unconscious factors, mostly emotional. After a decision is made, we think we “decide.” Then we come up with “facts” to support our decision and make it appear to be rational. 2. … Continue reading
It’s Christmas/Hanuka/Holiday Season -A challenge with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 758
The Holidays are supposed to be Joyful But with ADHD, they can be just extra challenging. Did you procrastinate on getting the gifts or the cards? Does the prospect of making choices and decisions terrify you? Are you having trouble … Continue reading
Using ADHD Strategies On the Job — ADHD Tip O the Day 757
ADHD Strategies at Work Probably everyone uses strategies for their work, but it’s more essential if we have ADHD. I like my new job at the pen. I’ve needed to work out the strategies specific to this job. I’m writing complicated orders that have to be written perfectly. I also need to make sure each patient’s name and the date are correctly put on the order and on each progress note. So I check each chart before I close it. Then, if I have time, I check each one again before I turn it in. I also complete each chart before I see the next patient, so I don’t get behind and feel rushed, and so I don’t need to remember anything about that patient for later. Some officers are fast in bringing the patients to me, so I have the patients wait while I finish the chart before I dismiss them. Then the new patients don’t arrive before I’m ready. If the officers are slow, I dismiss the patient … Continue reading
I Whipped My ADHD Procrastination -for the moment. —ADHD Tip O the Day 756
With my ADHD I wasn’t doing what I need to do. On my to-do list, for a very long time, was “car and tires”. I needed to get my car to the mechanic for an oil change, and to the … Continue reading
Some semi morbid thoughts somewhat related to ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 754
With ADHD, I really like to plan ahead. Just finished a funeral and reception. Pretty good as those things go, but funerals are always painful and sometimes can be awful. This one was pretty good. You all are invited to … Continue reading
A whole bunch of stuff, including a valuable secret, related to ADHD— ADHD Tip O the Day 753
With ADHD, sometimes our brain gets clogged up. And we seem to need to justify what we’re doing, like this post, for example. Some days my brain is crowded with lots of stuff, not all of it relevant but all … Continue reading
A Book Suggestion, Partly About ADHD, and How We Are Being Gamed — ADHD Tip O the Day 752
I wrote this blog on a plane on a little notebook flying to a funeral and it’s not my best but the best I could do and I wanted to get something in so here it is. Not even any … Continue reading
Blessings of ADHD? — ADHD Tip O the Day 751
With our ADHD, we tend to be interested in many things. This is one of the blessings of ADHD. It is also one of the curses. I am working a half time job, trying to keep up two blogs (and … Continue reading
Do the Hard Part First? — ADHD Tip O the Day 750
Life is complicated, especially with ADHD One of my favorite tools, a slogan or motto, is, “Do it now; do it right; and do the hard part first.” This has been extremely useful for me, and I highly recommend it. … Continue reading
Busy, Too Busy, Way Too Busy, Life with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 746
I am way too busy – is it life, or me, or ADHD? I know that “busy” is only a state of mind and not a reality. I truely believe this, although I have found it difficult to sell the concept … Continue reading
Bad Attitude with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 744
The Attitude I don’t know why I’m rather gloomy today, although to be honest, I do have an idea. But I don’t intend to stay this way and I plan to change it, right after I finish this post. In … Continue reading
ADHD and Attitude Adjustment — ADHD Tip O the Day 743
ADHD – Frustrated, Irritable, and Discouraged I get easily frustrated, often over little things, and I’m irritable, which is a symptom of ADHD, and sometimes I get discouraged, tho not often. But I have a strategy. The Strategy I’ve developed … Continue reading
Caring for Someone With ADHD (ambiguous title). Affection or caretaking?— ADHD Tip O the Day 742
Life Is Hard Life is hard. Life with ADHD is harder. Marriage is hard. Marriage with ADHD is harder. Being married to someone with ADHD is harder than I can even imagine. There are strategies that will make our life with … Continue reading
Open Mind VS Old Patterns — ADHD Tip O the Day 737
With ADHD, we need to make some changes. It’s hard to change a habit, but there are strategies: Spotting – This is the first step. Instead of trying to stop the old habit, just recognize every time you do it, spot … Continue reading
Goals and ADHD — ADHD Tip o the Day 731
With ADHD, sometimes we need to lower the bar. “Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, Or what’s a heaven for?” Robert Browning This is one of the guiding principles … Continue reading
Tips for Surviving with ADD ADHD — ADD Tip o the Day 730
What can we expect of ourselves, or of someone else, with ADHD? “Life can be hard, and with ADHD, it’s even harder.” “Some days, just surviving is a triumph.” Doug Puryear The great cell … Continue reading
Time is a Booger with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 728
I got a new job, and I played in a concert, and I let time get away from me and I didn’t get a post ready. So I collected some ADHD links. Hope you will like them. Time management – … Continue reading
Living with ADHD and Getting an ADHD Diagnosis — ADHD Tip O the Day 727
This comment from a fellow ADHD tribe member, Ram, on the post about diagnosis. The bolding of parts is my doing. My comments are at the end: “Hi Doug, I’ve told you before about my diagnose, but I’ll recap for … Continue reading
This free technique helps my ADHD — ADD Tip O the Day 726
A Buddhist Practice, Borrowed for ADHD My wife went to a Buddhist retreat. It was very good for her. She brought home a practice to share. At this temple, one practice is at the sound of any bell, stop whatever … Continue reading
Diagnosis of ADHD Can Be Upsetting — ADD Tip O the Day 725
Late ADHD diagnosis I got a message from someone recently diagnosed with ADHD. They were struggling with anger that they had been diagnosed late, and thinking how much better their life could’ve been if diagnosed sooner. They asked how I … Continue reading
ADHD Makes Me Irritable — ADHD Tip O the Day 722
Irritability is one of the many symptoms of ADHD. Trust me on this. From a big article on ADHD: Wender (1998) provided a list of adult behaviours linked to childhood ADHD (see also Weiss & Murray, 2003; Asherson, 2005). Motor … Continue reading
Mother’s Day and ADHD, or, Living with an ADHDer —ADD Tip O the Day 715
With ADHD, Nothing Is Easy Hope you had a great Mother’s Day, whether you’re a mother or not. You deserve it. I took Martha, the mother of my kids, and Laura, the mother of my grandson, to a nice restaurant. … Continue reading
Just Be? With ADHD? — Tip O the Day 712
With ADHD, we need to be DOING My very wise sister suggested that I need to do more “being” and less “doing.” She’s right. That’s very hard for me to do. The internal flywheel keeps spinning. The to-do list keeps … Continue reading
More Apps for ADHD – – – ADD Tip O the Day 710
I am taking the easy way out and just posting Hold’s comment here in case you didn’t see it. Many cool apps, get what you like: Hey doug, I apologize. In classic ADHD fashion I’m a week late in seeing … Continue reading
Four Great ADHD Tips, Number Four – – – ADHD Tip O the Day 709
As promised, here is Great ADHD Tip, Number Four-except, not quite- Do This With ADHD we get distractions. And when we start off on one distraction, other distractions will occur. With ADHD, we get distracted from our distractions. I … Continue reading
Four Great ADHD Tips, Number Three — ADHD Tip O the Day 707
ADHD Vocabulary: I highly recommend editing your vocabulary and eliminating the words “should” and “have to.” As soon as we say one of these bad words to ourselves, we develop automatic unconscious resistance to doing the task. We really don’t … Continue reading
ADHD and Bio Feedback and Other Science— ADHD Tip O the Day 706
A short break from The ADHD Four Great Tips A recent meta-analysis, a study of previous studies, indicates that biofeedback is not an effective treatment for ADHD. That does not mean that it doesn’t help for other conditions, and doesn’t even … Continue reading
Four Great ADHD Tips, Number 2 — ADHD Tip O the Day 705
When we’re doing a task, we want to focus on that task and not be thinking about the rest of the ADHD to-do list. But a good strategy is, “What next?” When we start a task, we can say “What’s … Continue reading
Four Great ADHD Tips – – – ADD Tip O the Day 704
I have four great tips that will help you with ADHD. I’m going to try something different, and piggy back them, adding one at a time. ADHD Tip Number One When you make a to-do list, the new rule is that you cannot … Continue reading
Frazzled and My ADHD — ADD Tip O the Day 701
Frazzled Homey just wrote about overwhelmed, but yesterday, I was frazzled. It’s not the same. My appointment was canceled and rescheduled, I was behind on my blog posts and everything else, Marge broke her arm and I needed to walk … Continue reading
Homey’s Back! – Strategy for Overwhelmed — ADD Tip O the Day 700
Affirmations I love it when someone comes up with strategies that match mine. Looks like I might be on the right track. For Overwhelmed Homey has good tips for when she’s overwhelmed. They match some of my general strategies – … Continue reading
Technology and ADHD? — ADD Tip O the Day 698
Technologically Challenged with ADD ADHD I’m technologically challenged. That’s just part of my ADD ADHD. But I’m finding some apps very helpful. Of course, the iPhone is both a gift and a challenge. It pretty well solves the problem of impatience and boredom while … Continue reading
Resume, Recoup, Retry with ADHD — ADD Tip O the Day 697
If we have a problem, and finally find a solution, the next thing we do is to stop doing it. from Puryear’s Principles of Human Nature, Principle One I’m rewriting Living Daily with Adult ADD/ADHD,365 … Continue reading
ADHD and Computers – Helpful? or Diabolical Instruments?— ADD Tip O the Day 696
With ADD ADHD, maybe everything is a challenge? On vacation, I’m using my laptop. I’m cheap, and it doesn’t have Word, but KingSoft, a great free program that will save documents in Word form. But, oh my! It’s a booger. … Continue reading
617.48, or, The Mystery of the Missing Book — ADD Tip O the Day 693
At the Library with ADD ADHD Went to the library to get a specific book. Computer says it’s 617.48, and it’s on the shelf. Went to the shelf. Not there. There was a big book on brain injury, a subject … Continue reading
Writing with ADD ADHD? Is It Possible? — ADD Tip O the Day 691
Writing with ADD ADHD? It takes me a long time to write a book. ADD ADHD does not help. I’m a lousy writer, so I need many drafts with many suffering reviewers helping along the way. But I finally got The Bully … Continue reading