For the ADHD adult, attention difficulties change lifestyles in many ways—at work, in relationships, and during the day-to-day goal to succeed. If you are an adult with ADHD, you know how it feels to deal with grownup challenges like paying bills, keeping a family together, and getting to work on time.

However, as you recognize the symptoms of adult ADHD, you can work on coping strategies that can help you keep your life in order. Some adult ADHD coping strategies include the following:

• Establish routines because they are very important. Figure out what you have to do on a daily basis and do it the same way, at the same time, every day. Create a routine for going to bed, waking up, getting ready for work, etc. Routines are very helpful in handling ADHD in the workplace, too.
• Ask your spouse, boss, and others to repeat and/or write down instructions if you don’t understand them.
• Learn how to keep lists so that you stay on track. Write down what you need to do today, what you should buy at the store, when your appointments are, who you need to call, etc. If possible, keep all your lists in the same booklet or planner and have it with you constantly.
• Use post-it notes to remind yourself of things you need to do.
• Have a quiet area at work and at home to get things done. Avoid distractions like TV, games, computers, etc.
• Use a watch or timer with an alarm that will get you back on task.
• Eat a healthy diet, follow an exercise plan you enjoy, and get plenty of sleep.

While it appears that adults don’t “grow out” of ADHD, adults with ADHD are typically less hyperactive and more mature than children with ADHD, plus adults tend to be more receptive to behavior therapy for ADHD. Therefore, you as an ADHD adult can have a happy, successful life, especially if you stick to the coping skills that promote balance and harmony.