Health experts on how to have an ADHD-proof morning

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Amazon has launched a marketing campaign to spotlight the features its Alexa digital assistant has that may help individuals who endure from consideration deficit hyperactivity dysfunction (ADHD).

In celebration of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, the know-how firm has collaborated with the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! winner, Sam Thompson – who has opened up about dwelling with ADHD in a brand new quick movie – to publish an on-line information.

People who personal the sensible speaker can ask, “Alexa, I have ADHD, can you help me get organised?”, and can obtain an inventory of urged options that may help them, together with reminders, calendar markers, setting focus time and different organisational duties to assist them every day.

Neurodivergent folks course of, study and behave in a different way to the common “neurotypical” particular person. But in accordance to Dr Tony Lloyd, chief government of the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity, one in 20 folks stay with ADHD.

“Support from Alexa in the morning will enable those with ADHD to start their day on a positive note, leaving them with greater energy and focus for the rest of the day so they can go out and let their talent shine,” Lloyd stated.

Thompson, additionally a former Made in Chelsea star, added: “My ADHD can make it difficult for me to leave the house as I can get easily distracted and overwhelmed with my thoughts running a million miles an hour.

“Setting up an Alexa routine has been transformative for my mornings, and I think so many others with ADHD would benefit from using this guide.”

Sam Thompson utilizing an Echo gadget to help dwelling with ADHD (Amazon)

But in the event you have ADHD, how are you able to construct a greater morning routine that units you up for a fantastic day? Health experts clarify all the pieces you want to know…

Explained

What is ADHD?

According to Dr Seb Thompson, marketing consultant medical psychologist at Cygnet Health Care, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental situation that impacts somebody’s consideration and their ranges of hyperactivity and impulsivity.

“Typically, when someone has ADHD they tend to struggle with their attention span, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, although it is possible to just struggle with symptoms from one specific domain (e.g. just symptoms of inattentiveness).

“ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, which means that there needs to be evidence of the presence of these traits before the age of 12. Usually, these traits are present much earlier in childhood, although a typical ADHD assessment would tend not to occur before the age of seven years old.”

Have a visible or written guidelines

For academic psychologist Dr Patricia Britto, establishing a constant, non-negotiable routine is important because it helps people with ADHD regulate the mind’s circadian rhythm.

“[This can have] a positive ripple effect on their sleep patterns and promotes overall wellbeing. Having a routine also enhances time-management skills, as it provides predictability when engaging in a sequence of activities, such as getting dressed in the morning and being on time,” stated Britto.

“A visual or written checklist of tasks to achieve in the morning is highly critical. It is essential to tick off the visual or written checklist as one progresses through a morning routine.”

Charlene McIntosh, lead psychologist at Cygnet Health Care, is in settlement and added: “Task prioritisation is really important. Make a list of tasks for the day and prioritise them based on importance and urgency. Utilise visual cues, such as sticky notes or a whiteboard, to remind yourself of important tasks or appointments.

“You can also break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed and look around your environment to limit distractions.”

Exercise within the morning

Apart from setting a constant time to get up, to assist regulate your physique’s inner clock, McIntosh encourages folks with ADHD to additionally take into account some morning train.

“Engaging in physical activity helps to boost dopamine levels, which can help with focus and mood regulation. Likewise, spending a few minutes practising mindfulness or meditation to calm the mind and improve focus can be of great benefit and set you on the right path for the day ahead,” she stated.

“In terms of breakfast, it is important to eat a nutritious breakfast to fuel your body and brain.”

Use a timer or alarm

Individuals with ADHD ought to use a timer or alarm to assist them monitor their potential to stick to a plan and a routine.

Researchers have revealed the important thing elements that may enhance outcomes in youngsters with ADHD

(Oksana Mizina)

“At the end of each morning, individuals with ADHD should reflect and evaluate how well they are sticking to a routine, and do more of what works. Individuals need to reflect, get to know themselves, and stick to what works,” stated Britto.

“Equally, individuals with ADHD should identify one aspect of their morning routine that does not work and focus on changing that area.”

Identify what motivates you

For Britto, people with ADHD want to determine what motivates them to comply with a routine.

“For example, some may find listening to music helpful in sticking to a task, while others may find it distracting. Finding internal motivation, such as reaching a personal goal or feeling accomplished, is vital,” she stated.

“There is no right or wrong answer; however, searching for the most effective motivator is critical, and the likelihood of a successful morning routine will increase.”

Keep issues easy

Another tip from psychotherapist and co-host of the Insight Podcast, Helen Villiers, is to preserve issues so simple as attainable.

“To minimise transitions, reduce your choices, which will minimise overwhelm and analysis paralysis, and use punishments, not rewards for not completing a task,” stated Villiers.

“The ADHD brain unfortunately responds a lot better to punishment than reward, so telling yourself ‘I can’t have X if I don’t do Y’ will be much more effective than the other way round. This isn’t an opportunity for you to be mean to yourself though.”

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