Lifestyle factors

As with many conditions, there are general lifestyle factors that can modify the expression of ADHD and it is important to improve and optimise general wellbeing through healthy diet, regular exercise, sleep hygiene, reducing alcohol and substance use, and reducing caffeine intake. The NHS Live Well website provides useful information.

We recommend maximising education and non-medication strategies. These include but are not exhaustive of:

1. Exercise. Regular exercise can help with managing the symptoms of ADHD. Provided there are no medical reasons that prevent you exercising, exercising vigorously and regularly helps work off excess physical and emotional energy in a positive way while soothing and calming the body. This may also improve general wellbeing including sleep, mood and blood pressure. For more information please see the NHS Live Well pages on Fitness.

2. Diet. Eating a healthy and balanced diet, which limits processed foods, sugar and caffeine improves our physical health and evens out our energy levels and mood swings. For more advice please see the NHS Live Well pages on weight management

3. Sleep. Getting plenty of sleep helps with focus, productivity and mood. To support this, create a consistent bedtime routine, which includes turning off screens at least one hour before bed and getting between 7-9 hours of sleep every night. For more information, see the NHS Live Well pages on Sleep.

4. Organisation. Practice better time management by setting deadlines for everything (even small tasks), using timers and alarms, taking regular breaks and writing down important dates, appointments or occasions. Attitude magazine have some useful ideas on their website for Getting Things Done.