Well, by now we’re gearing up to head back to school (BTS) or back to work (BTW) – including the work of that brutal job called running a household…accompanied by our ADHD and maybe even an ADHD kid or two.

Every year at this time, 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, so….here they are…

BTS/W Tip#1: Feed Your Brain Right!!
Remember that SUGAR SUCKS, CARBS KILL, and PROTEIN IS POWER.  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 crappy or crappyish, 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. 

BTS/W Tip #2: Change Your Work Venue
When your mind becomes worn from engaging in 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. 

BTS/W Tip #3: Consider Coaching
Yes, 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 my favorite ADHD coaches.

BTS/W Tip #4: Don’t Make Things Worse!
Don’t make your ADHD worse than it needs to be!!! There’s a bunch of stuff we’re doing every day that make school/work tougher. Ain’t NO need fa dat!!! Get my free eBook, “5 Things We’re Doing Every Day that Make Our ADHD Worse” at the top of this page.)

BTS/W Tip #5: Keep It Clean
Keep your workspace visually clean. Clutter is not only a reminder of your many un-done to-do’s, it also affects your ability to focus on the task at hand. Keep a basket or box nearby to store miscellany. See if you can make the surface of your desk entirely visible. While not one of the easiest ADHD alternative treatments, 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 — too many ideas thrown at you at once. So I tend to limit lists to fewer. And in fact, my reco is to bite off just ONE of these — just the one that resonated with you most — and make it happen.

Wishing you a relaxing balance of summer and a crushingly good  return to school…or work…or just back to the house…

-APB