10 Ways I make my life easier with ADHD

This week is mental health awareness week (2/10-8/10/22) so I thought I would write a post about mental health and how it affects me. I have always had an overactive mind which means it’s always whirring away. I have always been prone to depression and anxiety, I suffered from postnatal depression after having my first child and in the last few years I have come to the realisation that I probably have ADHD and possibly autism. Knowing this has helped me realise I shouldn’t be too hard on myself and that any coping mechanisms I have and allow myself aren’t stupid or indulgent. It’s these coping mechanisms that I’d like to share with you today.

This is what works for me, not what works for everyone, so it isn’t a description of what you should do if you have ADHD and/or autism or anxiety, I’m sharing it so that you can see what helps me, and you might be able to adapt or choose some bits to help you, or it might make you feel like you’re not alone, or that you shouldn’t feel guilty for adopting strategies to help your day to day life or reduce your anxiety levels.

Meal plan

Every week my husband and I sit down together and plan the coming week’s meals. It comes from being on a strict budget after our house renovation but now it really helps me mentally so I know what we are going to have for dinner on a given day. Sometimes it goes awry and we can always swap over a day here and there as needed.

Meal prep and meal subscription boxes

If I can afford it, or there are offers available, I love a meal subscription box. They take the decision-making process away once you’ve chosen your meals for the week, then they also take the food waste problem away because you only get what you need. Lastly, they provide step-by-step recipes to follow so you can’t go wrong. You feel good making a home-cooked meal and also by eating better you’re looking after your physical health which has an impact on your mental health. If I was suddenly a single parent or on my own, I would use these all the time. My favourites are Gousto and Hello Fresh. I have a referral link for Gousto which gives you 65% off your first box and 25% off the next two boxes, which is a really good deal. Order through my link here. If you’re a key worker you can get £15 off hello fresh.

I only shower once a week

I know it sounds gross to a lot of people, and it does go up when it’s hot or if I’ve been exercising for example, but generally, I only shower once a week on a Saturday. My hair starts to get a little greasy by Friday but I don’t smell, I promise! I just can’t seem to fit it into my daily routine otherwise. The weekend isn’t bound by work or school runs so I shower on a Saturday morning. Once I’m dressed I don’t like getting undressed just to shower and I don’t like getting up any earlier than I have to just to shower. I don’t want to do it in the evening either before bed, I always seem to have something else to do or I want to unwind. Once I’m in my pyjamas I just want to go to bed.

Washing and laundry days

Similar to the showering, I do laundry on Saturday and put it away Sunday. I actually like doing laundry but I prefer to do it in bulk, and we have enough to last the week so I don’t need to do it unless absolutely necessary.

Lists

Pretty much as soon as I think of something that I need to remember I have to write it down, otherwise I forget. I have paper lists, scrap of paper lists, notebook lists and lists on my phone. Then I just need to remember to look at the list…

Ditch the guilt

As I said above, I try not to be too hard on myself. I’ve always believed I needed to achieve, continue bettering myself and earn more, do more etc., but I’ve come to the realisation that I don’t need to do that or put pressure on myself to have x amount of things done if I can’t face it that day.

Animals

I always have to have some animals in my life. I have a cat and a dog at the moment and they bring me joy and comfort. If I had my way there would be a proper menagerie at home but my husband reigns me in!

Antidepressants

I first went on antidepressants after suffering from PND, then I went off them. After my daughter died, I didn’t feel the need straight away but then I did go back on them after a while. I then increased the dose every couple of years but I’ve recently decreased back to the original dose and I seem to be the same. I think they do help.

Nature

I need to keep in touch with nature by going outside, going on walks, even just watching from inside or watching TV about nature. I feel very in touch with nature and the seasons.

Exercise

I make myself take regular walks and gentle stretching to keep my body and mind active.

These things all help me in their own way. How do you cope?

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