Well, by now we’re all likely back at school and certainly back at work – including the work of that brutal job called running a household…accompanied by our teen or adult ADHD and maybe even an ADHD kid or two. Every September we post a fresh batch of Back-to-School/Work ADD alternative treatment tips (i.e., things that don’t require a doctor visit!), and here we are, two-thirds into the official month of BTS/W. So….here they are…

BTS/W Tip#1: Remember that SUGAR SUCKS, CARBS KILL and to FEED YOUR BRAIN RIGHT!! Diet is the foundation of your brain’s day (which is why Feed Your Brain is Way ONE in the Crusher curriculum); if you’re eating crap, it’ll be a longer, crappier day at the office or on campus. Skip the sugary cereal, the useless muffin and the disgraceful donut. Go for a protein-based breakfast (and lunch, and snacks) and you’ll immediately feel the difference in your mental fuel tank. Here’s a free snippet from Video I/Way 1, with a little more on ADD diet.

BTS/W Tip #2: When your mind becomes worn engaging study or a tough task, execute a VENUE CHANGE — pick up and move somewhere else. To another room or  even just another chair. Or to the back porch or a coffee shop. The movement gets blood back to your brain…the brief break rests your brain muscles…and the new environment gives you a psychological fresh start. Of all the ADD alternative treatments I use, the power of this simple change-up has surprised me the most. And if you’ve got a spare two minutes before you sit back down, do a Power Pose.

BTS/W Tip #3: Consider getting a coach. Even if you only do a handful of sessions, you can make huge strides with a great coach’s counsel. And increasingly there are opportunities for GROUP coaching, making it very affordable. Here’s a list of some of the top ADHD coaches.

BTS/W Tip #4: Don’t make your ADHD worse than it needs to be!!! There’s a bunch of stuff you’re probably doing every day that will make school/work tougher. Ain’t NO need fa dat!!! Get the free eBook, “5 Things You’re Doing Every Day that Make Your ADHD Worse” at ADDCrusher.com ASAP!

BTS/W Tip #5: Keep your workspace visually clean. Clutter is not only a reminder of your many un-done to-do’s, it affects your ability to focus on the task at hand. Keep a basket or box nearby to store miscellany. Make the surface of your desk like a clear blue sky. While not one of the easiest ADD alternative treatments to execute, once the clearing is complete, you’ll be quite relieved and more eager and able to focus.

I’m not a big proponent of Top 10 Lists of anything, including ADD alternative treatment tips – because they tend to get read but not put into action, since you’re getting too many ideas thrown at you at once. This is why I limit lists to fewer. And in fact, my suggestion is to bite off just ONE of these and make it happen — just pick the one that resonated with you most. Then come back for more.

Wishing you a crushingly good return to school…or work…or the messy house…

-Alan

P.S.: For a limited time we’ve turned on last year’s Back-to-School coupon code — BTS15 — so take advantage of it to save 15% on any risk-free purchases of our acclaimed videos that were selected as a CHADD Innovative Program. Get crushing and use code BTS15 here before we shut it off!

P.P.S.  If you haven’t yet heard of www.CrusherTV.com, I hope you’ll check it out. Each Monday night at 10pm we “air” another episode chock full of useful productivity tips and “brain hacks”, and our Guest Experts provide more great ideas. Tons of other benefits for members, including free group coaching sessions. Hope to “see” you there! ab