Summer is a time for relaxation, travel, family, friends and so much more. But, when it gets close enough to the new school year it can bring a lot of woes.Why is it overwhelming? I think the massive amounts of information that students receive from the beginning of the year are extremely overwhelming. If you look at academic information alone, you’re talking about where to find assignments, notes and class materials, when and how to turn in homework, projects, tests and papers- some of it is in digital format in varieties of platforms while other is in classic books, handouts or printed materials.

Executive Function: a set of processes that all have to do with managing oneself and one's resources in order to achieve a goal. It is an umbrella term for the neurologically-based skills involving mental control and self-regulation.

Do you have a relative or friend who just doesn’t want to “believe” in ADHD? Do you know someone who just doesn’t get it? You just want them to understand so that they can empathize with the gargantuan effort of trying to fit in, and can show a bit of compassion to the turbo thinker. Here’s a quick slide show that outlines how the ADHD brain affects everyday life.

"Slow Down to Get Ahead," by Mindful.org, is great reading on staying true to your purpose: are you living mindfully? Consciously taking steps in alignment with your purpose? If the answer is no, and you'd like to work on developing your purpose and your daily choices, get in touch with Mind Coach NOLA!

I got a kick out of this article from ADDitude Magazine, "Your Kids Don’t Need “Perfect.” They Need “Persistent” and “Patient," and I hope other parents of ADHD kids will too. My fave is the "ADHD Mom virtue" slide highlighting “creativity." ADHD moms and dads of ADHD-diagnosed kids are indeed geniuses at turning everything into a game and making it all fun!

Finally: a super short video about electronic devices that outlines how to take the “bad cop” out of your parenting so you can focus on a loving relationship with your child. Mind Coach NOLA highly recommends watching!

Final exams have been aced, graduation ceremonies are over, and summer is here! But don't waste it on your devices. Enjoy the weekend, and get in your green time! Here's more scientific proof that the greater the exposure to nature, the greater the attentiveness. So if you want to improve your ability to focus, get out in nature. 

I have a question for you: Which social media network or social media accounts have their grip on you? Which accounts draw you in? And how do you manage your time when you feel the siren song of these entities, luring your attention away from your work, your family and friends, or your downtime? (Or is browsing social media what you do in your downtime?)

"The Power of a Well-Crafted To-Do List" offers a basic structure for planning: from the overwhelming to-do list, to an actual plan that is realistic and flexible. It’s a way you can create your own success and celebrate your accomplishments daily.

It's time for another guest blog post from Mind Coach NOLA at NOLA Family Mag! This one is titled "Cheetah." Why, you ask? You'll have to read it to find out! 

Continuing on this week's theme of time and procrastination, the article "Are You Time Blind? 12 Ways To Use Every Hour Effectively," at ADDitude Magazine, is probably the best and simplest explanation on time blindness with easy techniques to try out. Rather than trying them all at one, enlist the help of a coach to help figure out what strategies will work best for you, so that you can stick with them and create life long habits.

How bad is your procrastination problem? Is it just a random occurrence with certain tasks you dislike, or is it a chronic condition? Take this test, "How Seriously Do You Procrastinate," to find out.

I'm excited to announce that I'm now guest blogging at NOLA Family Mag! For my first blog post, I tackle the misconception that having ADHD is a disability, when, in fact, it's a superpower!

Here are some handy tips for parents and teachers on helping kids set realistic goals, and how to encourage and praise effort and progress, with the end goal of ultimately achievement. My favorite is: Set a family goal that everyone can contribute to. 

It all began with a question on Saturday morning. “Mami, how fast can you run a mile?” I didn’t know. I knew I was fast, used to be fast, had been fast. Definitely past tense. I also knew that I was terrible about speed work, fartleks, and all that other stuff you’re supposed to do. I’m more of the slow and steady wins the race type. But my daughter wanted to know. She’s on the middle school track team and talks about this stuff daily. She had a growth spurt, has legs longer than mine, and wanted to race me. I was still in my running shorts and thought I could use one more mile that day, so I agreed. I had nothing scheduled except for “Mom time” anyway…

Perhaps you are new to the tribe of ADHD. Perhaps you have been reading and researching for years online. How much do you actually know? How much is true? Take this short quiz from a trusted resource to find out. The answers provide brief and direct explanations that you can use in conversations with friends, family, teachers, co-workers and anyone else you might know. Help me educate the world on ADHD.

Don't forget! On Tuesday, May 15th at 6:30 - 8 pm, and Thursday, May 17th at 8:30 - 10 am, join Mind Coach NOLA and Lolo's Youth Yoga Studio (6107 Magazine St.) for an interactive and intimate workshop, "Mindful Parenting For Modern Times."

I find Dr. Amen’s work fascinating. I find it incredible that we know so little about the brain in comparison to the rest of human anatomy, and yet it is our most vital organ. Luckily there is more and more brain research every day as the field grows in leaps in bounds…

Perhaps you've seen the famous TED talk by Carol Dweck, PhD, "The Power of Believing That You Can Improve," in which she explains her research on motivation. She found that, in general, people have two mindsets: a fixed mindset or a growth mindset…

This Saturday, May 5th, before you head to Jazz Fest, come join us at 9:00 am for an informal meet-up hosted by the NOLA chapter of CHADD.