PrintMore ADHD Focus Tips
5. Ask for a friendly reminder
Confide in a friend who sits near you in class or in business meetings. Ask him or her to tap you lightly on the shoulder if you appear to be zoning out.
— Khris, teen contributor to A Bird's-Eye View of Life with ADD and ADHD
6. Get regular exercise
It's the best way to promote long-term focus. Exercise sends more oxygen to the brain, and stimulates the release of nutrients, hormones, neurotransmitters, and other agents that optimize brain function.
— Edward Hallowell, M.D., and John Ratey, M.D., coauthors of Delivered from Distraction
7. Know your limits
When you simply can't listen any more and find yourself drifting, be frank. Tell the person you're talking to, "I'm sorry. Can we stop for a minute? My meds are gone and I can't pay attention."
— Alex Zeigler, coauthor of A Bird's-Eye View of Life with ADD and ADHD
8. Set a goal
If you have a goal that's aligned with who you are and what you're excited about, you'll move mountains to stay on task and get the job done.
— Michael Sandler, Success at School columnist for ADDitude
This article appears in the June/July 2005 issue of ADDitude.
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To share strategies for focusing at home and work, visit the ADD Adults support group on ADDConnect.
