National Wellness Month has arrived! It's time to take stock of your daily habits and think about what you're doing to promote better wellness — and what types of unhealthy habits may need to be kicked to the curb. When it comes to your ADHD, you can use this month as a way to reflect on the ways your ADHD symptoms may interact with your goals for wellness. Read this guide to learn about some of the best strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms for better overall well-being.
What Is National Wellness Month?
Recognized each August, National Wellness Month is an annual opportunity to think about self-care and healthy routines. This monthly celebration serves as a reminder of just how important it is to prioritize physical and mental wellness on a daily basis.
The month-long event is geared not only toward individuals, but also to businesses and organizations. For example, companies can think about what changes they can make to help their employees live healthier lives.
Wellness & ADHD
If you have ADHD, consider using the month of August to evaluate your own wellness. If you had to rate your general well-being on a scale of 1 to 10, what would be your score? What actions are you taking to promote better physical and mental health? What healthy habits could you incorporate into your daily routine?
These are great questions for anyone to ask of themselves during National Wellness Month. However, it's important to keep in mind that your commitment to wellness has ripple effects beyond your immediate health and well-being. Many people with ADHD find that when they're taking good care of themselves, their ADHD symptoms are easier to manage.
Poor health (especially poor mental health) can cause ADHD issues to crop up. When you're tired or stressed, you may find that your ADHD feels more out of control compared to times when you feel content and relaxed. This can be part of a vicious cycle: your symptoms are exacerbated by stress, which in turns creates even more stress. On the flipside, you may notice that your ADHD behaviors are less noticeable when you're feeling calm and happy.
The way you care for your body can also have an impact on your ADHD management. A number of physical health factors can be potential triggers for ADHD symptoms, including a lack of sleep and what foods you eat. When you prioritize your physical wellness, your ADHD may seem much more manageable compared to times when you're eating a poor diet or running on little sleep.
This August, we invite you to take stock of your own wellness. What are you doing well, and what could be improved? Let National Wellness Month give you that push to bring some healthy habits into your life.
Ways to Celebrate National Wellness Month
Looking for some inspiration on how to achieve better wellness? Check out these ideas for celebrating National Wellness Month.
1. Include brain-boosting nutrients in your diet
As someone with ADHD, you may feel like your brain isn't functioning the way you want it to sometimes. Although you don't have control over the way your ADHD brain works, you can control whether you're consuming the right nutrients for proper brain health. There are many ways you can improve your diet for better overall health, but if you want to focus on brain health, make sure you're getting an adequate amount of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids.
2. Get enough sleep at night
People with ADHD often struggle with sleep. Unfortunately, not getting enough rest can trigger your symptoms and make your ADHD harder to manage. Focus on developing habits that can improve your sleep and help you feel more rested. A few ideas include sticking to a sleep routine, turning off all screens an hour before bed, and using melatonin supplements (with your healthcare provider's approval).
3. Learn to manage stress effectively
High stress levels can impact your ADHD symptoms. Without good stress management strategies in place, you may feel like you're constantly trying to get your head above water. Try out different techniques to find the best ways for you to relieve stress. Some people like practicing mindfulness while others prefer vigorous exercise, for example. You can also utilize productivity apps, digital calendars, and other tools which help you stay organized so you're less likely to be surprised by sudden stressful situations.
4. Find the right ADHD treatment plan for you
One of the best things you can do for your personal wellness is to make sure you're getting the right treatment for your ADHD. Whether you've just been diagnosed or you've been dealing with the condition for years, take time to evaluate which treatment is the best fit for you. Maybe it's time to try a different medication, or perhaps this is the year you finally try cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage your symptoms. Whatever the case may be, our team at Done is available to help you navigate your ADHD treatment options.