For years, I struggled with my brain - motivation, focus, movement, and a buzzing sound that only went away when I was highly caffeinated. After researching and speaking with medical professionals, I was diagnosed with ADHD last week. This diagnosis has helped me better understand my brain and how to manage my symptoms. It's awesome to understand my brain a little better now, considering we only have one. I had crafted coping mechanisms and strategies to improve my focus, productivity, and motivation without knowing the underlying cause: ADHD. I've shared this information with a few people, and although most have been incredibly supportive, a weird stigma remains. To fulfill my radical transparency pledge, I wanted to share that (1) I have ADHD and (2) some strategies I've been using over the last few years to help me before knowing it was ADHD. As my understanding of my brain grows, I continue to improve my strategies. Here are the things I've been doing to help: - Being highly caffeinated removes the 'buzzing' sound from my brain, and I don't feel the rush of caffeine, so it's a win-win. - Accepting freelance work that interests me and has a big challenge element to it. - Creating a false sense of urgency when I need to get tasks done. - Standing up (and sometimes walking on a treadmill) while working. Bonus points go to my [floor mat](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ergodriven-Not-Flat-Anti-Fatigue-Calculated-Must-Have/dp/B00V3TO9EK), which allows me to move around a lot. - Approaching opportunities and tasks from unique, novel ways to keep my creative part of my brain engaged. - Putting everything in my Google Calendar. If it's not there, it absolutely will not happen. - 'Jumping on' tasks and things I need to do straight away. A long delay makes it feel impossible to start. - Creating social pressure to keep myself engaged to finish whatever needs doing. - Engaging in regular exercise, especially lifting heavy weights. - Maintaining my sobriety. Next month, it'll be ten years sober for me - a huge achievement. Maintaining my sobriety and helping others through their sober journey has helped refocus my impulsivity into healthier outlets. I hope this list has been helpful. Please reach out if you have any comments, questions, or advice - it's always appreciated! That's all for today, folks. Have a lovely rest of your day. #blog #adhd #brain