5 ADHD Tips for Managing NATURALLY | How I Coped Before Meds

Summary

In this video, a 52-year-old woman shares her journey of managing undiagnosed ADHD through natural methods. She reflects on her life before and after discovering her ADHD, emphasizing five key habits that transformed her life: regular exercise, prioritizing sleep, creating a calming environment, practicing yoga and meditation, and developing systems to stay organized. These strategies helped her manage her ADHD, improve her focus, reduce anxiety, and enhance her quality of life. The video encourages viewers to adopt these practices for better ADHD management, whether diagnosed or not.

Takeaways

• 😀 ADHD symptoms can change with age; in later life, they may focus more on managing daily tasks like medication, sleep, and organization.
• 🚶‍♀️ Regular physical movement, even if it’s not intense, can greatly improve ADHD symptoms by boosting brain function and executive decision-making.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Starting exercise in her 20s helped the speaker lose 80 pounds and improve her self-regulation, marking a major turning point in her ADHD management.
• 😴 Prioritizing sleep enhanced the speaker’s ability to stay consistent with exercise and manage her ADHD better, highlighting the link between rest and overall functioning.
• 🏡 Creating a stable, calm living environment was key for managing anxiety and ADHD, helping the speaker feel more organized and in control of her life.
• 🧘‍♀️ Yoga became a critical tool for managing anxiety and ADHD, particularly during times of emotional stress, such as dealing with the death of her mother.
• 🧠 Changing the speaker’s brain chemistry through fitness and mindfulness practices led to better focus, organization, and improved relationships and work performance.
• 📋 Implementing systems and routines, such as automating daily tasks, allowed the speaker to conserve cognitive energy and focus on her goals.
• 💡 Discovering ADHD at 52 through a podcast was a turning point for the speaker, leading her to pursue ADHD coaching and further understanding of her condition.
• 🔥 Focusing on personal strengths, values, and passions, such as sharing her ADHD journey on YouTube, helped the speaker find purpose and fulfillment.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on managing ADHD naturally, particularly from the perspective of someone who was undiagnosed until the age of 50 and how they made lifestyle changes that improved their condition.

How did the speaker first start managing their ADHD without knowing they had it?

The speaker started by incorporating regular physical movement into their routine, which eventually led to weight loss and improvements in their mental focus and overall life.

What was the speaker's first major lifestyle change that helped manage ADHD symptoms?

The first major change was exercising regularly. Although the speaker disliked working out initially, the physical activity improved their brain function, which helped them manage ADHD symptoms more effectively.

How did the speaker’s physical health improve after starting regular exercise?

The speaker lost 80 pounds, gained more focus, improved decision-making, and developed better self-regulation as a result of consistent exercise.

What role does sleep play in managing ADHD symptoms, according to the speaker?

Sleep is crucial for managing ADHD, as it helps with energy, reduces irritability, and supports the motivation needed for exercise and overall productivity.

How did the speaker’s environment impact their ADHD management?

Having a clean, organized, and peaceful living environment helped reduce the speaker’s anxiety and contributed to better focus and decision-making.

What additional tools did the speaker adopt in their late 30s to manage ADHD?

In their late 30s, the speaker incorporated yoga and meditation, which helped manage their anxiety, regulate emotions, and improve their overall mental health.

What realization led to the speaker's formal ADHD diagnosis?

The speaker realized they had ADHD after listening to a podcast episode where someone described symptoms and experiences that matched their own, leading them to seek a formal diagnosis.

What is the fifth method the speaker recommends for managing ADHD?

The fifth method is creating systems and processes for daily tasks, which helps conserve cognitive energy and maintain focus on more important goals.

What additional advice does the speaker offer for those managing ADHD?

The speaker suggests finding what 'lights you up' by discovering your strengths, interests, and values. Aligning your life with these factors can lead to more fulfillment and better ADHD management.