What Is ADHD and How to Cope With It?

ADHD is a term we hear often these days. For decades, I’ve known about it. In the past, it was called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Later, the “H” for Hyperactivity was added, and the name became ADHD — Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

At its core, ADHD describes challenges with concentration, staying still, being easily distracted, or sometimes the opposite, hyper-focusing so deeply that it’s hard to shift to other activities.

I have never been formally diagnosed with ADHD, but I see myself in many of its typical behaviors.

My ADHD-like Behaviors

• Easily distracted. Multitasking feels like the norm for me. At work or in the kitchen, I often juggle multiple tasks instead of completing one at a time.
• Interrupting others. I sometimes cut into conversations because I’m afraid I’ll forget what I want to say.
• Social struggles. I miss social cues and quickly lose interest in conversations that don’t capture me.
• Feeling left out, but also resisting fitting in.
• Boredom. I get restless easily.
• Hyperfocus. When I’m passionate about something, I can lose track of time, skipping meals and even sleep.
• Racing thoughts. They can be brilliant or wildly unrealistic.
• Forgetfulness. I rely heavily on reminders to manage my daily routine. In school, I crammed before tests, only to forget everything afterward.
• Procrastination. I put off unpleasant or overwhelming tasks until the last minute, then finish them in a burst of efficiency.
• Chronic tardiness. Running late has been a constant source of guilt. Poor time management plays a role, but so does my fear of waiting. I’ll start another task rather than risk boredom.
• Messiness. My reluctance to declutter leaves my home far from tidy.

October: ADHD Awareness Month

Every October is dedicated to ADHD Awareness: a time to bust myths, share knowledge, and support those living with ADHD.

Although I continue to struggle with distraction, forgetfulness, and tardiness, I’ve also learned ways to manage and even embrace some of these traits.

How I Cope With ADHD Tendencies

• Multitasking as a strength. While it can delay finishing one task, multitasking sometimes allows me to get several things done efficiently.
• Setting reminders. From sticky notes and alarms to calendars and to-do lists, reminders are my lifeline. Checking off completed items gives me a sense of accomplishment.
• Leaning into creativity. I once had a boss who encouraged my outside-the-box ideas. Her support gave me confidence to use creativity as a strength rather than seeing it as a distraction.
• Using hyperfocus wisely. When channeled toward meaningful projects, hyperfocus helps me produce excellent work quickly. The key is steering clear of unproductive distractions like endless social media scrolling.

Ongoing Struggles

I still wrestle with being late, managing social anxiety, and keeping my home in order. Part of coping is continuing to work on these challenges, but another part is accepting myself, flaws included, and making peace with who I am.

Tips From Professionals

Along with my personal coping strategies, experts recommend:

• Prioritize sleep and nutrition. A regular sleep schedule and balanced diet support focus and energy.
• Improve social skills by practicing curiosity and active listening.
• Practice calming techniques such as deep breathing, prayer, or meditation.
• Break tasks into smaller steps. Large projects can feel overwhelming; dividing them into manageable parts helps build momentum.
• Use timers or the “Pomodoro technique.” Work in focused sprints (e.g., 25 minutes), then take a short break. This makes it easier to start and sustain attention.
• Declutter your space. A tidy environment reduces distractions and can lower stress.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity, especially outdoors, boosts mood and concentration.
• Seek support. Talking with a therapist, joining an ADHD support group, or leaning on trusted friends can make a big difference. 

Final Thought: ADHD may bring struggles, but it can also bring unique strengths: creativity, passion, and energy. Coping is not about “fixing” yourself; it’s about finding balance, building on your strengths, and learning to navigate challenges with compassion for yourself.

(Copyright © 2025 Moonlite Factory Blog)

Come visit Mitty Mau's store! Please share your comments and follow our blog!

You may also connect with us on Instagram!