Things to Do to Stop ADD Symptoms

Adults and children who suffer from ADD, or attention deficit disorder, struggle to overcome a number of different symptoms. These challenges include inability to focus, difficulty in expressing strong feelings, severe lack of organization and an excess of energy. Several methods can be implemented to minimize the symptoms of ADD.

Diet and Exercise

• Your diet and exercise regimen can affect your ADD symptoms. For instance, if you avoid sugar- filled foods and drinks you may be able to minimize overactive, nervous energy. Choose a variety of healthy foods, including starches, fruits and vegetables. Exercise on a regular basis. Exercise helps you eliminate extra energy that might distract you, and improves your long-term health. Combining these two approaches can help you deal with hyperactivity. Exercise also has a positive effect on the mood swings common in those with ADD.

Sleep

• It's important that you establish a regular sleep schedule when you have ADD. When you don't get enough rest you're left feeling tired and achy. With the loss of sleep, ADD sufferers have even more of a challenge when trying to concentrate on activities and responsibilities. People with ADD should have at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Additionally, you should maintain a regular bed time. If you can get your body into a rhythm, you will sleep better and more regularly.

Practices and Rituals

• One way to help focus and be more productive when you have ADD is to establish rituals and practices that help you stay in the moment. Use color-coded lists or leave reminders for yourself to help keep you on schedule, for instance. Purchase a calendar. Get in the habit of filling out information on it regularly. Check the calendar every morning to remind yourself what you have to accomplish for the day. Discover ways that you can stay on task and focused as well. Use personalized rituals, such as arranging bills in order of date or keeping a journal for important events.