Real talk? ADHD meds work great but obviously not always what suits the situation best. What works best for me is making lists, setting timers and going with the flow. Kinda depends on what flavour of ADHD you have but with me I noticed that my executive functioning improved once I stopped trying to force it and started making the most of the productive energy bursts I felt. Not a perfect method though and meds were definitely easier.
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this may just be my reality, but when i don’t take my medication, i am only motivated when there are huge consequences (i.e. i have to work). When i take my meds, i can do anything i set my mind to…
Outside of that, having premade lists makes things a lot easier. And when i don't take my meds, the lowest stakes tasks are usually what feels comfortable to tackle.
Feb 9, 2025
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hi from another lifelong ADHD insomniac!! I still have nights where it's hard but here's what works for me:
☕️ no caffeine in the afternoon/night! sucks but it will really help if you can stick to it
📵 pick a time to stop looking at screens! an hour before you need to sleep, start reading a book, journaling, skin care, etc...but no screens
😌 short meditation! if my brain won't turn off, I try to do deep-breathing and practice a meditation. calms my busy brain down but also helps me in other areas of my life. there are lots of short 3-5min ones on YT
🎧 earplugs or rain noise! I'm really sensitive to sound at night...soft foam earplugs put me in the sleep zone
💊 medication! ask your doctor about sleep meds, esp if you take daily ADHD meds. I struggled for so long before I asked a dr for help and idk why! you can also try: magnesium gummies/CALM powder, zzzquil, melatonin
☁️ daydream...in bed! take your mind somewhere nice: a bucket list place, a nostalgic memory, a fantasy world, a cozy room...and hopefully fall into a real dream
ADHD-specific Tips:
⭐️ Just try one new thing at a time and commit to trying it every night for a few days or a week and see what sticks!
⭐️ keep a list next to your bed of what works so you can remind yourself if you forget
⭐️ remember to always be gentle and kind to yourself!!
May 7, 2024
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Finding tools + a system that work for you is more important than putting in a routine amount of effort, especially when it comes to hygiene; everyone’s body is different and so you gotta find the effective products for your body instead of tackling it everyday with something ineffective. For example:
My scalp tends to get *extremely* dry so I went to a salon and they recommended I get a shampoo with a lower zinc concentration, bc most shampoos have 5% zinc and anti-dandruff shampoos actually have *higher* zinc concentrations which was just making it worse. Once I switched I did a wash once or twice a week and it was like I never had that problem before.
Once you’re using the right stuff, you’ll find the cadence that works for you - I think what’s hard (especially w/ ADHD) is just feeling like you’re going through the motions for the sake of it and not actually seeing the benefits of the work the maintenance takes
Mar 19, 2024
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Oct 13, 2024
I mostly do selfportraits with watercolours inherited from my mum and greatgrandma. I find that it helps me process and communicate emotions + it's easy to get reference pictures. (i also draw other people, like lovers and friends, sometimes)
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