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Adults with ADD: Are You Feeling Blah?

Sometimes, there are weeks in which many of my clients seem to be dealing with a similar challenge. For the past week, that challenge can best be described as "The Blahs."

It's not that things are falling apart, but stress and overwhelm are kicking in for what seems like no particular reason. More than anything, people are feeling tired, bored, and just kinda "blah." Since this is a recurring theme in my coaching, and I have to admit I've felt it a bit myself, too, I can only conclude one thing: this inexplicable blah feeling is a result of season changes.

While not all of us suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (depression often brought on by winter), adults with ADD are more neurologically sensitive than most. So small changes in our environment can have big effects on our mood.

Since the start of Daylight Savings Time this past weekend, the days are already much shorter and, for many of us, the temperatures have dropped significantly. The loss of daylight hours alone is enough to make an ADDer feel sluggish, tired, and moody. In other words: blah.

Slowing down in fall and winter is actually quite normal and natural, just as it's natural to feel more energy in the spring and summer. Rather than beating yourself up over feeling "blah," why not give yourself permission to slow down a bit? If you don't feel up to going out as much, or taking on too many projects, don't push yourself. If you find yourself getting tired earlier in the evening, get some extra sleep.

Humans, like all animals, are programmed to take our cues from nature. So when the sun goes down early, the animals begin to hibernate, and many of the plants around us go dormant, it's natural for us to want to slow down, too. Of course, if at any point you find yourself wanting to sleep all the time or feel extreme sadness or hopelessness, then you may be depressed and it's important to talk to your doctor. For most of us, however, the seasonal blahs will visit us every year around this time.

Instead of pushing yourself to be productive and beating yourself up because you're not getting as much done as you were a month ago, try putting your energy into cooking nourishing meals, enjoying good books, and catching up on the movies you want to see. I'm willing to bet that when you take the pressure off, those seasonal blahs will begin to fade.

How do you manage the seasonal blahs? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The 4 Steps of Personal Change for Adults with ADD

First of all, I'd like to thank all of you who joined us for the 2nd Annual Virtual AD/HD Conference earlier this month! This year's conference was fun, educational, and inspiring, with over 500 people in attendance. So a big thanks to all of you for making it a fantastic event!

The conference inspired a lot of people to start making positive changes in their lives, and so today I'm going to talk about creating personal change when you have ADD.

I'll be the first to tell you that ADD offers many gifts. I've never met an adult with AD/HD who wasn't creative, compassionate, and driven, in one form or another. We hold in abundance many qualities that the rest of world sometimes seems to lack.

But while ADD has its upside, there is no denying that many of us often find ourselves out of sync with the rest of the world. Our time management skills are usually poor. Our abilities to prioritize and organize often need work. And a host of other challenges present themselves when an adult with ADD tries to thrive in a world full of non-ADDers.

Like everyone else, there are things about ourselves that we find we need to change. If it were easy to change old habits and thought patterns, there would be no need for therapists, coaches, or self-help books. Life would be simple. And it would be boring.

When positive, personal changes are made, like sharpening time management skills or adapting techniques for better focus, the result is a renewed sense of confidence and an increase in the options that are available to us. I've always thought of change as a 4-part process:

1. Education

It's information that inspires change. Becoming educated about ADD and the way it can affect adults is the first step to identifying changes that need to be made. This stage can last quite a long time before the next step is undertaken. Knowledge is like a seed, and the mind, all by itself, is a fertile garden.

2. Awareness

Self-awareness is key when making personal change. It's impossible to change that which we are not aware of. An adult with ADD must practice self-awareness in all areas of life to determine what's working, and what isn't. This is a time when one begins to realize that certain behaviors and actions have propelled you forward, and others have held you back.

3. Reframing

It's important to realize that every person always does the best they can. No one purposefully under-performs, under-achieves, or disappoints. When you give yourself enough credit to explore why you might do certain things the way you do, you can reframe your behaviors and actions with the understanding that they are there for a reason, and not because you are inadequate.

4. Action

The action step often happens on its own. When an adult with ADD gains knowledge, practices awareness, and realizes the positive reasons that change needs to take place, action will unconsciously follow.

Change is something that we will practice our entire lives. Real, lasting change takes time, and can't be rushed.

How have you created positive change in your life? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

Final Audio in 2009 Virtual AD/HD Conference Podcast Series

Our Virtual AD/HD Conference Podcast Series concludes today as conference speaker Dr. Kenny Handelman gives us a preview of his session on Evidence-Based Alternative Treatments for AD/HD!

You can listen to or download the complete conference podcast series here: http://www.ADHDconference.com/podcasts.shtml

Dr. Handelman's session is scheduled for Day 2 of the Virtual AD/HD Conference on Tuesday, October 6th from 4:00pm-5:00pm Eastern. (Don't worry if you can't attend live, as the recordings and handouts for all sessions will be available to everyone who registers!)

During Dr. Handelman's session, you'll:

   * Learn about the scientific data behind many alternative treatment options

   * Explore the integration of alternatives into a comprehensive AD/HD treatment plan

   * Review common alternative treatments in AD/HD, such as changes in diet and use of Omega-3 supplements

Quick Conference Info

The 2nd Annual Virtual AD/HD Conference takes place October 5-7, 2009 from the comfort of your own home or office!

Don't miss this unique opportunity to:

1. Get the latest information, tools, and resources from 26 of the top AD/HD experts
2. Connect with hundreds of people whose lives are also affected by AD/HD
3. Participate at your own pace and on your own time with access to all the conference sessions and materials for a full 3 months after the close of the event 

To register, get more info, review the entire conference agenda (speakers and sessions), or listen to podcast previews of 10 sessions, visit http://www.ADHDconference.com.

The Virtual AD/HD Conference is a one-of-a-kind, international event that brings the AD/HD community together. I hope you'll join us!

Top 10 Reasons to Register for the Virtual AD/HD Conference

10. It's both fun AND informative!

9. You'll be one of the first to hear conference keynotes Dr. Ned Hallowell and Dr. Daniel Amen share information from their forthcoming books.

8. You can preview many of the conference sessions by checking out our Podcast Series.

7. You'll get a virtual Goodie Bag of valuable gifts (white papers, audio recordings, tip sheets, etc.) from our speakers and sponsors.

6. You can skip the cost and hassle of travel.

5. You can participate on your own time and at your own pace. You'll have access to all the conference materials during the conference, and for three months after.

4. You'll break out of isolation and connect with the people who are in your shoes.

3. You'll get all the information, tools, and resources that you and your family need to succeed with AD/HD.

2. You'll welcome 26 of the top AD/HD experts into your home...without having to clean up!

1. Registration fees increase by $50 on Monday!

The Virtual AD/HD Conference takes place October 5-7th in your own home or office.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the experts AND your peers to get all the tools you and your family need to succeed!

Register for the Virtual AD/HD Conference at http://www.ADHDconference.com

Do You Know the ONE ADD Management Strategy that Works for Everyone?

It's true! No matter who you are, there is one very important thing that you can do to effectively manage your ADD. I bet you'll know it when you hear it, too! But before we do that...

I want to make sure you know that you can still save $50 on registration for the Virtual AD/HD Conference! Rates increase on Monday, September 28, so now is the time to register!

Visit http://www.ADHDconference.com.

More on the conference in the next post, but first let's jump back to that one ADD management strategy that works for everyone. Can you guess what it is?

The one ADD management strategy that is guaranteed to make your ADD more manageable is...[drum roll, please]...self-care! Yes, it works for everyone. And small steps lead to really big improvements in this arena.

When I say "self-care," I'm talking about the three basic things that every person (ADD or not) needs to focus on in order to stay healthy and feel good: nutrition, exercise, and sleep.

Let's take a look at why each of these are so important for adults with ADD.

1. Nutrition

If you pay close attention to what you eat, you’ll find that the foods you consume have a big affect on your ability to manage your ADD. When you consume excess sugar (or caffeine, or simple carbohydrates), your energy spikes, and then you crash.

To manage the crash, you reach for more sugar, which once again makes your energy spike and crash. It's not uncommon for an ADDer to get stuck in this kind of cycle all day long. When that happens, you just don't feel good! You deprive yourself of the energy you need to focus on your day.

2. Exercise.

It can be hard to create an exercise routine when you feel like you're constantly running behind on life. But making exercise a priority can make a big positive impact on your ADD.

There are many benefits of exercise. And practically speaking, exercise directly helps combat many ADD challenges. It increases energy and focus, and helps you sleep better. It decreases your stress and tension levels. It gives you the opportunity to stop thinking so much, and move your body. You feel more balanced and in control. Many experts agree that exercise can be just as powerful as medication!

3. Proper Sleep

Studies show that people (without ADD) who are deprived of sleep become stressed out, have trouble concentrating, and difficulty managing tasks. Sounds like ADD, right? Now imagine how bad it is when you already have these challenges to begin with!

If you have trouble getting a good night's sleep, you may not be able to fix the problem immediately. But one thing you can do right away is make a decision to make sleep a priority! That might mean cutting out excess stimulation at night, going to bed earlier, or even making an appointment with your doctor.

When you focus on self-care, you feel better, and you lay a foundation for good ADD management.

The Bottom Line: The more you eat nutritiously, get proper sleep, and make time for exercise, the better you will feel. The better you feel, the easier it is to manage your ADD.

How does good self-care positively impact your ADD? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Virtual AD/HD Conference News: Save $50

There's Just 1 Week Left to Register for the Virtual AD/HD Conference at the Current Rates. Register Now Before Fees Increase $50 on Monday September 28!

Sign Up Now at http://www.ADHDconference.com!

The Virtual AD/HD Conference Podcast Series continues today with a preview of the session "For ADDults Only: AD/HD and Sexuality" with Kate Kelly and Paul Ravenscraft.

This is one of those topics that many adults with AD/HD have questions about, but are afraid to ask. But Kate and Paul are going to break it down for us at the conference and explore this subject with honesty and compassion. It's going to be informative and fun!

Go to http://www.ADHDconference.com/podcasts.shtml to listen to or download a preview of this session, along with previews of 8 other Virtual AD/HD Conference sessions.

Are You Still Undecided About Attending the Virtual AD/HD Conference?

If you're still undecided about joining us for the Virtual AD/HD Conference, then consider this:

• The Virtual AD/HD Conference is the ONLY event that gives you access to 26 of the top AD/HD experts, plus hundreds of your peers, in the comfort of your own home or office.
• The Virtual AD/HD Conference is for everyone in the AD/HD community, including adults, parents, spouses/partners, and professionals. Get the information, tools, strategies, and resources that you and/or your family need to succeed.
• The Virtual AD/HD Conference provides easy and convenient opportunities for you to connect with your peers both during and after the event. Share your experiences, swap tips, and make new friends!
• The Virtual AD/HD Conference allows you to participate at your own pace. You can attend sessions live, or you can listen later. And you'll have access to the event website for 3 months after the conference, so you'll have plenty of time to download all the recordings and handouts and connect with your peers.
• The Virtual AD/HD Conference provides all the benefits of attending a physical conference with none of the hassles. No planes, no hotels, no babysitters—no travel costs!

If you decide to join us, now is the time to register! Fees increase $50 on Monday September 28, so don't delay. Register at http://www.ADHDconference.com.

Hope to see you there!

P.S. Please don't forget that registration fees will increase on September 28, so don't wait to sign up! Join us at http://www.ADHDconference.com!

Virtual AD/HD Conference News: Only 3 Weeks Left to Register!

The Virtual AD/HD Conference begins in just 3 weeks! If you haven’t already registered, now is the time to do so, because registration fees increase by $50 on September 28. Visit http://www.ADHDconference.com for more info.

Over the summer, I got together with many of the Virtual AD/HD Conference speakers to find out a little bit about them, and how they got into working with people and families with AD/HD. And, of course, we also talked a great deal about their conference sessions, and why the topics they’re presenting on are so important. I recorded all of these talks to share with everyone!

Our latest podcast is with Dr. Rory Stern, who is going to be covering a very hot topic at the conference this year, Parenting Kids with AD/HD and Co-Existing Conditions. You can play or download Rory’s podcast here: http://adhdconference.com/podcasts.shtml.

And while you’re there, check out all the other podcasts that are on the site, including:

• Linda Roggli, PCC on "Counting Sheep: An AD/HD Guide to a Good Night's Sleep"
• Jodi Sleeper-Triplett, MCC, SCAC on "Homework's Done, Now Have Fun!"
• Bonnie Mincu, MBA, SCAC on "Proactive Strategies to Avoid Workplace Pitfalls"
• Dr. Charles Parker on "Paying Attention to Drugs for Paying Attention"
• Tara McGillicuddy, SCAC on "All About AD/HD Coaching and How to Find the Right Coach"
• Ariane Benefit, MSEd on "Overcoming Overspending: Why Adults with AD/HD Overshop and How to Stop"
• Dr. Ari Tuckman on "AD/HD and Depression: Treat Your AD/HD, Feel Better"
• Plus 2 additional speaker podcasts on the way!

Register here: http://www.ADHDconference.com

As you can see by the podcast list, The Virtual AD/HD Conference has something for everyone. Whether you're an adult with AD/HD, a parent, spouse, or professional, you’ll find cutting edge information from the experts along with community connection and support at the Virtual AD/HD Conference.

But don’t take my word for it! (Hey, I’m the conference host so I’m admittedly biased—and for good reason!) But do take the word of a few people who attended the 2008 Virtual AD/HD Conference:

“The Virtual AD/HD Conference was phenomenal! I have told countless people about it. I almost didn’t register because it wasn’t a good time financially. But I am so thankful that I did register… I learned so many things and now have renewed hope!”

- Suzanne Troll
Zionsville, Indiana

“I attended the Virtual AD/HD Conference to learn about the latest in medication and treatment options for AD/HD. There are not many resources available where I practice, and the conference gave me exposure to the leaders in the field...It was easy and convenient to attend the conference in my own home, and it cost much less than an in-person conference.”

- Dr. Fred M. Bruner
Berlin, Maryland

“The Virtual AD/HD Conference was just as good (and probably better) than attending a live conference…and I didn't have to worry about my hair or clothes! Not to mention the cost savings. It even fit my schedule!”

- Nancylynn Lockman
Kernersville, North Carolina

“I work as an advocate for kids with special needs, so I’m always looking for fresh, new ideas to use in IEP meetings, etc. I had read books by many of the speakers at the Virtual AD/HD Conference, and I was eager to hear updated information from them. The conference offered a great variety of speakers and topics, and it was well worth the time. I appreciated that the speakers’ advice was practical without being one-size-fits-all. It was great to have the recordings and handouts for the 3 months after the conference.”

- Evelyn Azbell
Phillips, Wisconsin

Are you ready to join us? Don’t delay! Registration fees will soon increase by $50, so now is the time to register! Register at http://www.ADHDconference.com

I’m very much looking forward to this event. Hope to “see” you there!

P.S. Please don't forget that registration fees will increase on September 28th, so don't wait to sign up! Join us at http://www.ADHDconference.com!

The Virtual AD/HD Conference is Less than 4 Weeks Away!

My team and I are hard at work behind the scenes making this year's Virtual AD/HD Conference even better than last year!

With 26 of the top doctors, authors, and experts in the field of AD/HD, this year's conference promises to be a can't-miss event for anyone affected by AD/HD. And you don't even have to leave home!

Even if you're not planning to attend, be sure to check out the Virtual AD/HD Conference Podcast Series, in which our speakers give sneak previews of their upcoming conference sessions!

The latest podcast in the series addresses a hot topic with many ADDers: sleep! Listen to Conference Speaker Linda Roggli discussing "Counting Sheep: An AD/HD Guide to a Good Night's Sleep" at http://www.ADHDconference.com/podcasts.shtml

Plus informative podcasts from our speakers on topics such as:

• "Homework's Done, Now Have Fun!"
• "Proactive Strategies to Avoid Workplace Pitfalls"
• "Paying Attention to Drugs for Paying Attention"
• "All About AD/HD Coaching and How to Find the Right Coach"
• "Overcoming Overspending: Why Adults with AD/HD Overshop and How to Stop"
• "AD/HD and Depression: Treat Your AD/HD, Feel Better"
• ...plus more podcasts to be added in the coming weeks!

All the podcasts in the series are F R E E! Visit http://www.ADHDconference.com/podcasts.shtml

The Virtual AD/HD Conference is a rare opportunity to get all the tools you need to succeed from top experts, break out of isolation as you connect with peers who've been or are in your shoes, and save tons of money by attending from the comfort of your own home, participating at your own pace!

Registration prices will be increasing by $50 this month, so if you plan to join us, now is the time! Register at http://www.ADHDconference.com

I hope to "see" you at the conference!

Adults with ADD: It's Time To Get Serious About Boundaries

Adults with ADD very often have trouble creating boundaries.

September, in particular, can be a difficult time as the world picks up its pace. It's back to school for the students. More projects suddenly appear at work. Retailers are beginning to drop hints about the holiday season. And any minute now your phone will start ringing as people begin asking you to help out with various causes and functions.

There's a lot going on, and you can get overwhelmed just thinking about it!

Without the appropriate boundaries, adults with ADD fall victim to the overwhelm-burnout cycle. You get completely overwhelmed trying to accomplish everything that you're "supposed to," and then you burn out from all the mental and physical stress.

Here are 3 simple strategies that you can use to set boundaries and take care of yourself.

1. Put yourself first.
You're no use to anyone—family, friends, or coworkers—when you're stressed out and overwhelmed. Make sure you get what you need to function at your best before committing to helping anyone else.

2. Set your own hours.
Decide when you're willing to help out or do things for other people. This includes spouses and kids! If you want a night off to relax, you're entitled to it.

3. Just say "No."
Never be afraid to turn down the requests that people make of you. You don't need an excuse to decline, either. If you truly want to do something and you have the time for it, then great. But you don't need to say "yes" just because you were asked.

Remember, good boundaries help protect adults with ADD from succumbing to overwhelm.

What have you done to create good boundaries? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Virtual AD/HD Conference News: Speaker Podcast and Special Report!

We have a few Virtual AD/HD Conference updates for you today, including a new Speaker Podcast about homework (just in time for back to school!) and a new Special Report on AD/HD and Medication in the Goodie Bag!

New Speaker Podcast Added!

Our Virtual AD/HD Conference Podcast Series continues today with a new podcast about kids and homework!

Just in time for back to school, today's podcast is a preview of AD/HD Coach Jodi Sleeper-Triplett’s session "Homework’s Done, Now Have Fun!" You can listen to or download this podcast here: http://www.ADHDconference.com/podcasts.shtml

Jodi's session is scheduled for Day 1 of the Virtual AD/HD Conference on Monday, October 5th from 11:30am-12:30pm Eastern. (Don't worry if you can't attend live, as the recordings and handouts for all sessions will be available to everyone who registers!)

During Jodi's session, you'll:

•  Learn effective coaching strategies that parents can use with children and adolescents who are struggling with daily homework
•  Take away information to create a coaching agreement to promote positive change and reduce frustration
•  Learn about the importance of a balanced life for children and adolescents, providing ideas to support a healthier lifestyle for children and adolescents with AD/HD

Review the entire conference agenda at http://www.ADHDconference.com/agenda.shtml

Special Report on AD/HD Medications Added to the Virtual Goodie Bag!

Everyone who signs up for the Virtual AD/HD Conference will receive a "Virtual Goodie Bag" of valuable (and free) gifts!

Today we're pleased to add a new item from Conference Speaker Dr. Charles Parker to the Goodie Bag. Dr. Parker has written a special white paper on “Predictable Solutions for the 10 Most Common Challenges with AD/HD Medications.” This 20-page report is full of valuable information and resources, and is now available to download.

The Virtual Goodie Bag is free to everyone who signs up for the Virtual AD/HD Conference. Register at http://www.adhdconference.com/registration.shtml

The Virtual AD/HD Conference offers you and your family all the tools you need to succeed! Learn from 26 of the top doctors and experts. Connect with hundreds of your peers. Participate at your own pace. And skip the cost of travel!

If you're planning to register, now is the time! Prices will go up later this month.

Go to http://www.ADHDconference.com to register today.

"See" you there!

P.S. Registration prices will increase later this month, so don't wait to sign up!

Join us at http://www.ADHDconference.com


The Virtual AD/HD Conference is Now Accepting Sponsors and Exhibitors

Do you have products or services that are of value to the AD/HD community? Showcase them at the Virtual AD/HD Conference!

Find out more at http://www.ADHDconference.com/sponsorship.shtml