ADHD Strategies for Everyone

[@SomersetScytheSchool]

“2 ‘reallys’ short of a real commitment” - I love that!

[@DorchesterMom]

I walk two miles twice a week with my neighborhood friend - instant energy/motivation boost. I come home and feel like I’ve already crushed my day ❤️ I also take vyvanse so I remember to set my alarm to meet her on time, which also works for me. And reminders on my phone. (Sooooo many reminders. )

[@RickHasADHD]

Reminders are great. Especially if you can establish a daily routine. Harder for folks who have a job or a situation where every day is different. Thinking of stay-at-home parents with young kids.

[@motomuto3313]

When I saw my Dr about my ADHD, I told him I didn't want to be on the heavy meds. He put me on a nonaddictive medication and exercise. When I see most of my Doctors in a 10 mile radius I cycle there. I feel great. The noise is down to a manageable level, and sometimes enjoyable. After taking my meds I've never been happier.

[@RickHasADHD]

That's so great. Whenever I get serious about exercising my ADHD symptoms fade while my energy, and my mood improve. Yet all to often I still find myself thinking, "I'm tired now. I'll start tomorrow." Luckily it's autumn here and there are a lot of leaves to rake and a lot to do to the veggie garden and the property to get ready for winter.

[@stellamcqueen4809]

Stimulant medications for ADHD are only addictive if you *abuse* them, such as crushing and snorting them which causes a sudden high. Taking them as prescribed does not cause addiction. If we were addicted we would have no trouble remembering to take them.

[@AThirstyPhilosopher]

I’m so grateful for you, Rick. Thank you for choosing to share your wisdom in this way. 💜

[@RickHasADHD]

I'm blushing. I suppose it is wisdom. If wisdom means 'drawn from personal experience.'

[@adizzzleV3]

I just found your channel and ive never hit subscribe so fast. Rick is the man

[@solenemb5546]

The part where exercising turns off the intern mess hits hard here. It's definitely what I've always felt without being able to really qualify that feeling. Thanks!

[@RickHasADHD]

You're welcome!

[@JaneNewAuthor]

I had to do 2 weeks quarantine during covid. I literally went crazy because I couldn't get out and walk, which I'm used to doing daily, and developed quite severe anxiety. Took me a few years to recover. Through it now, mainly, but a dreadful experience.

[@trenchrock]

Its funny because I grew up dancing competitively and sprinting (track & field) I absolutely loved it BUT if I do any kind of exercise I don't like I feel sick to my stomach. I get the dopamine from doing activities I enjoy. For example: If I go for a long walk on a nature trail: ✨🌻🍄Dopamine🌿🌸✨ If I go for a long distance run: No dopamine. Plus...I feel annoyed and like I'm gonna 🤢 I talked to one of my ADHD friends and she said the same thing. Make sure you find something that you enjoy because that will probably give you more of a benefit than doing an exercise you hate, just because "exercise is good for you."

[@RickHasADHD]

Yes, everyone is different. There's no one exercise that works for everyone. Walking in nature is awesome. There's all kinds of evidence that nature helps with ADHD, Depression, and pretty much every mental health issue.

[@rosella1919]

I’ve tried gyms for years and barely last six months, going about five times. I’m now doing ballet which I absolutely love. I like to be instructed as I’ve no motivation to exercise on my own.

[@legiontheatregroup]

Rick, I love this channel. My experience has been that excercise is ALMOST as good as medication, but similar to what you said, the level of exercise I needed to achieve that state was almost unsustainable. I was hiking 12-14 miles a day. That lasted about 6 months, but the difference was remarkable. So many of the things you describe match my own experience - I was only first diagnosed in my 50s; after that, my whole life finally started to make sense.

[@RickHasADHD]

I"m so glad to hear that things are starting to make sense. I recall the first year or so where I made one connection after another, sudden insights into myself, why and where I struggled, why and where I succeeded, and the hidden drivers behind so many of my decisions.

[@justineolive6569]

That's why I like running it's the only time my brain is quiet

[@RickHasADHD]

Yes, my wife and my daughter both got into running. I cheer them on.

[@BushyHairedStranger]

Appropriately applied Pharmacology is as healthy & as good for treating ADD/ADHD as all the non pharmacological techniques combined. Using medications is NOT WRONG , BAD or EVIL.

[@RickHasADHD]

It's funny how many people loudly declare, "I would NEVER take a medication or stimulant to help them focus and function," as they sip their third coffee and fifth cigarette of the day.

[@BushyHairedStranger]

@ Prexactly!

[@ASalad]

Not only are they comparably healthy and effective, but together the benefits are even greater. People with good behavioral patterns and medications tend to do far better than those doing only one or the other.

[@LisaHaddrell]

I cant even type properly but when you talked about the gibberish and chatter that you have I connected with you. I look at people when they are talking to me and I count in twos about their facial features.

[@RickHasADHD]

Does it help you remember faces of people you meet? I'm terrible at that.

[@ThePatchworkQuill]

This is such a helpful video and you articulate so many of the things about ADHD that I struggle to put into words. The helicopter analogy is so spot on!

[@martgryfny]

I just found your channel and I feel like I found my reflection in you, ADD + that unhinged humour on every corner :D EDIT: when it comes to exercise, I figured out that exercising 25 minutes DAILY is much easier to put into weekly plan than 60 minutes 3 times a week. And it promotes BDNF, as much as circadian rhythm. If you need dopamine boost, cold shower is also great, cheap, and doesn't take much time. Hard to convince yourself to cold water, but it REALLY works.

[@kevinjpluck]

I had that zen moment running that one time - just floating along with the brain shut down. It was nice. It was 20 years ago. I still run though, it's fun. Brain just kinda ticks away in the background tolerating my daft activity.

[@RickHasADHD]

Brilliant stuff. My daughter is a runner and when she goes without a run for three or four days she can really feel the difference in her mood.

[@JaneNewAuthor]

I get that feeling sometimes when I meditate. Rare. But worth waiting for.

[@Helmut_Kohl]

This Focus-ding hit me every time I stopped listening to you and going somewhere with my thaugts. Lol

[@RickHasADHD]

It's like a Tibetan Prayer Bell, bringing you back to the present moment.

[@xenon5066]

I'm watching this video after 11pm, full knowing I should have put my phone down 2 hours ago and went to bed...

[@AmberGarrett-py6ry]

And LOL. I wear my car keys around my neck. too. You mentioned Thyroid problems and ADHD in another video, never heard this before. I have both.

[@JaneNewAuthor]

I've learned so much from you in just a few videos. Today I bought a whiteboard. My great long To Do list has been split into Tasks and Projects. Made a difference already. I'm also Aspie, so the organising side of me is drinking champagne (mentally) right now!

[@hungryghost96]

I want to be like you when I grow up

[@barbarainc]

Awe Rick I'd love to bring some food. Lol. Thanks for the mindfulness meditation reminder. Need that. 🎉

[@RickHasADHD]

You're welcome! I've got a number of videos about mindfulness that I'll be posting once we have the time and $ to dedicate to them.

[@Gealamusic]

Thank you for your videos :)

[@RickHasADHD]

You're welcome. You should really thank my Patrons because without their support I wouldn't be able to make new videos. The good news is that each week a few more folks become Patrons and I'm able to do more. Which I love!

[@sourdface]

I keep losing FOCUS because i keep breaking out in fits of laughter 😂

[@RickHasADHD]

Then my work here is done!

[@lissalaliberte65]

My prescriber wrote for atomoxitine, a non-stimulant. So far, it helps, when I remember to take both doses. Ugh.

[@RickHasADHD]

Ah yes. I had to put my pill container on the bathroom counter, and put up a post it on the mirror, until it became a habit.

[@smokesletsgo2374]

I remember you from Adventures with Bill but what you do now is more important IMO

[@jeepstergal4043]

Listening and reading the comments.... probably not the best idea, but....

[@itsGuy]

I even have trouble paying attention to videos talking about helping me with adhd... lol... I am screwed.

[@RickHasADHD]

Yeah, I get that. I have the same problem with videos about topics that interest me: Science, Military History, Psychology, Home Renovation, even model railroading. Knowing my ADHD will have me tuning out I watch the same videos two or three times. Not in a row, but over time, as a kind of refresher. I'll hear whole sections that I missed before. So, in a way, I'm watching it for the first time! Or at least that part of it.

[@itsGuy]

@RickHasADHD thank you for responding! I will definitely try that out, KZbin has been auto playing videos I have already "watched" lol.. maybe it knows how to deal with me lol

[@MaleficentHipster]

Exercise as good as meds???? I WISH.

[@RickHasADHD]

Yeah, one of those things that doesn't hold true for everyone. And it also depends on the "dosage" of exercise. Overdo it and your body will not be happy.

[@BushyHairedStranger]

@@RickHasADHD Us ADHD folks often have severe low back injuries & our knees & elbows are destroyed by age 40…if not sooner.

[@tracierendell4422]

You seriously rock

[@signebach3948]

I recently forgot about a mandatory assignment, that I had gotten like four notifications on and it had two tries a week apart. Whoopsie, so now I probably can't take the regular exam and will have to do the retake. I just forgot everything about that course for two weeks because it wasn't on my schedule. I'm 25 with no diagnosis because I am afraid of doctors.

[@RickHasADHD]

What is it that you're afraid of? Did something bad happen? Maybe I've lucky but I've almost always had great doctors. They're not infallible but they know a whole lot more than I do. My ADHD specialist was hugely helpful in diagnosing me and then helping me navigate the first few years as I suddenly found myself living in a very different world.

[@annettefournier9655]

The only time my brain was quiet and i was relaxed but focused is when i did classical dance and then when i worked with horses and trained in dressage. 11 years one and 35 years the other. Joint and back injuries had my stop. Took up cycling for the non impact and though i enjoyed it, it didn't quiet me or aid in sleep or focus. Usually I had a song stuck in my head on an infinite loop to keep a steady rhythm. Most often the one from The Wizard of Oz where the witch is riding a bike😂

[@Henk136]

Is it possible to add "audio track" to your videos? (don't know what you have to do for that.) I have English youtubers who have that option. Then I hear their info in Dutch. (and people where in the world can hear you their language.) I know your videos are sooo good, but I have to read the auto translate and that made it Much less attractive. For example I don't get it to the second minute and go back to other thing or video. 😢

[@danecory1236]

What do you think of Russell Barkley? I’m terrified of meds (past drug abuse, laundry list of ineffective anti depressants etc.) and he basically says in his books and lectures you HAVE to be medicated and it’s the most effective treatment by light years than any of the things you mention. I felt hopeless after reading his books thinking I’ll never be okay unless I’m medicated. Yet, my whole life has been a complete disaster. Maybe I should consider it…

[@raymoonlight3396]

7:32 I actually tried meditation and it kinda worked for me for a little bit and then it fell off. I think for that hyperactivity in me, I need the repeated movements, but also I try to combine the breath work in it so that it becomes sorta like an active yoga flow meditation types. And I feel this is easier to actually show up to and keep up with instead of sitting still with myself xD maybe this is my flavor of mindful meditation, maybe mindful meditation means something else xD idk. Thought I'd drop it here if this helps anyone else too. Thank you for your videos! 😊

[@RickHasADHD]

That will be helpful to people. The thought that pops to mind is that there is no single tool, app, practice, or medication that will turn things around. They have to work together.

[@PaulElmont-fd1xc]

Could you recommend a resource on mindfulness meditation?

[@RickHasADHD]

Just go to KZbin and do a search for Guided Mindful Meditation. We're working on a number of videos about it but this might be a place to start. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaqvZ518jMuSftk

[@PaulElmont-fd1xc]

@RickHasADHD Thank you!

[@amandabeaty1492]

Whenever I hear someone talk about ADHD the mention sleep, diet and exercise. They say exercise helps you feel better and I don't find that. Sometimes it makes me feel worse. Why?!

[@elinek5470]

I have the same, but it depends on the things I do. When I go for a hike or do yoga, I do feel better and stress relieve. But when I workout in the gym, the next few days I feel like shit bc I notice every disbalance in chemicals in my body or discomfort and it makes me cranky af 😅 maybe I exercise too hard then.. could that be it?

[@trenchrock]

Same! And heavy exercise makes me feel sick

[@RickHasADHD]

Yes, it might be. One challenge many ADHD folks have to deal with is the tendency to overdo things. When we find something we like, something new, something that challenges us, we keep doing it to get the dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline. Living a balanced, sensible, steady-as-she goes life? I wish.

[@RickHasADHD]

Yeah. Light exercise can be just as helpful. Apparently a brisk walk can be as restorative as running. With less wear and tear on the joints.

[@amandabeaty1492]

@@RickHasADHD I like swimming but I live in Edmonton. It's fine in July but really a lot of work in the middle of January when you have to make sure your hair is dry else it'll freeze by the time you get to your car.

[@nnylasoR]

✨First!✨ Much love to you!! 🧡🧡🧡

[@RickHasADHD]

Thank you!

[@GettingBetterBuddhist]

Ah, exercise, my old friend. I currently have an undiagnosed heart issue that they're still trying to figure out that has me short of breath and very tired a lot of the time (I've had heart problems since before open heart surgery in '16). And my current psychiatrist won't put me on a stimulant med because of the heart thing though from what I understand there's no connection and I've been on them before with no issues. So my ADHD is pretty much running the show now. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[@RickHasADHD]

Mindful Meditation. It's awesome. You can do it as many times as you like in a day. 30 seconds. Or 30 minutes. You can't overdose. You can do it anywhere. At any time. Eyes open of closed. When you're alone or with people.

[@woweyn]

Lance Armstrong catching strays 🤣

[@lcirocco]

Tiramisu?

[@thinkingloud1988]

My brain works in a zig zag manner..sometimes it can be unpredictable

[@RickHasADHD]

Only sometimes? That's my base line!

[@LeeAnneGuerin]

I'll send a banana caramel cream pie 🍌 It's coming from Australia so I hope it'll still be ok 😁😅

[@RickHasADHD]

It arrived. Unfortunately it's turned into a new life form. It said, "G'day mate. Got any vegamite?"

[@LeeAnneGuerin]

@ I’m impressed by your Dinky Di accent mate 👍🏼 True Blue 🇦🇺 😁 Thank you for your fun & informative channel, it makes this journey of discovery joyful, for a recently became aware over 50s member of this awesome asd adhd family 😎

[@Rosaedora]

exercise might be as good as meds but I can't exercise without my meds

[@RickHasADHD]

Yeah, medication can be the foundation that allows you to tap into all of the other strategies and practices.