Children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) tend to struggle with these 7 core executive dysfunctions. These executive function skills are what we work on cultivating with you at Mind Coach NOLA. Coaching works!

Mornings have been chilly in New Orleans this week...well, by subtropical standards. And with sunrise so late, it’s still dark when my alarm goes off. Knowing that my friends will be waiting for me at the corner inspires me to get out of bed, put my running clothes on, grab the leash and go. My dog, of course, sees no challenge whatsoever in this scenario

Have you ever been possessed by an idea that you just can’t let go? Maybe, something has been nagging at you for a long time. Maybe there has been a problem, or a level of dissatisfaction in your life for months. Maybe you have just been plain old bored, feeling that your life lacks in any form of inspiration whatsoever. Then suddenly, BAM! You have an idea that will solve all that. Not only is it a solution, but it is THE BEST IDEA EVER. Why has no one ever thought of this? It is PERFECT!

There are so many things for which to be grateful this year. Call me Pollyanna, but I am addicted to my attitude of gratitude. How can you begin to list the positive things in your life? For example, I am grateful for my sun-filled home, for my son’s sense of humor, for my daughter’s sense of responsibility, for my cat’s purrs, for my dog’s unconditional love, for my good health, etc.

How do you want to feel? In many initial consults, clients begin to list all of their shortcomings, negative traits, challenges and inabilities. They often begin to list all of the major tasks they have failed to complete, or even begin. They wallow in how awful they feel, stuck in a spiral of shame and overwhelm.

To say that everyone is stressed lately is an understatement. The ADHD turbo thinking brain tends to be challenged by stress even more so because of its inability to regulate emotions. Developing the awareness and the ability to observe yourself without judgement is the first step to calming yourself down. When stress takes over, the amygdala hijacks the prefrontal cortex and your brain cannot produce rational thoughts or make wise decisions.

Since having attended Dr. John Ratey’s keynote presentation at the International ADHD Conference, I have been jazzed about exercise. It has been a lot easier to get out of bed and out the door for a run in the neighborhood or on the track. I can stay on my yoga mat longer and go deeper. I can enjoy my weekend bike rides and skate jams with even more fervor. I have seen the scientific evidence that I can improve my executive function skills and my emotional regulation just by moving my body.

If you’re looking for an ADHD coach for your child, the clearer you and your child are about your goals for coaching, the more likely it is that the effort will be a success.

And the same goes for your own personal goals with coaching, whether you’re seeking coaching for your own goals or to work on aspects of parenting a child with ADHD.

Myth: ADHD affects only childrenFACT: Anyone can have ADHD! Adult women very often go undiagnosed, as do adult men. Every year we learn more about the human brain and about ADHD. The general public does not yet realize that this condition affects all ages and sexes. Unfortunately, this includes many physicians and therapists as well.

What types of affirmations do work for Turbo thinkers? In my experience, the ones that work best are the ones that you make up yourself. Through a process of self discovery, you become reacquainted with your most authentic self.

Like individual coaching, group coaching is a collaborative process led by the creative dynamics of everyone involved.

One of my favorite ways of socializing during the pandemic has been the “walk & talk” visit. Sometimes I take my dog, and with a six foot leash, we can easily gauge a safe social distance from my friends. The walk & talk visit allows for so many opportunities

Many Turbo Thinkers struggle with both decision making and early morning brain fog. By making as many decisions as possible the night before, you reduce the chances of messing up your morning.

How do you turn around a negative belief system? Who would you be without those negative thoughts? What would be possible? No one is thinking those thoughts but you. What are the facts? What is the reality? How can you bring your thoughts back to the present moment and align your mind with your body?

How can we put ourselves in a position to give and receive comfort and coziness? How can we beam out loving energy?

Thank you, COVID-19 for providing me with the opportunity to reinvent myself. You have pushed me to get out of my comfort zone, to let go, to seek new solutions and to learn from my mistakes. You have made me the Regent of Resilience. You have thrown changes into my face, like a glass of ice water. Thanks.

The ability to keep your emotions in check does not come naturally to many Turbo Thinkers, even the adult ones! How do you pause, name your feelings, then decide how to react to a situation in a calm manner?

Life with ADHD can be hard. Whether it is your own brain, your partner’s or your child’s that ramps up at turbo speeds, the effects can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing. How do you know what is normal? How do you know what to do? How do you share your concerns without fear of ridicule and shame? Add to that a global pandemic, and insecurities overflow.

Before action, there must be thought. Turbo thinkers tend to be an impulsive bunch, so how can you pause to think before you act? How can you choose the most appropriate and effective action? Turbo thinkers tend to struggle with decision-making, so how can you reflect on what action would be most aligned to your objective?

Laughter Challenge: How often can you laugh today? Can you laugh with someone else? A smile is contagious and laughter even more so. Can you make someone else laugh and brighten their day? Even the corniest joke might just do the trick. Fake it till you make it. Raise your oxytocin levels. Raise someone else’s. It feels great!