SimplyWellbeing Newsletter
Edition 1 - Oct 2009
Welcome to the Simplywellbeing Newsletter
 Well it has finally arrived, the somewhat overdue first SimplyWellbeing Newsletter. But I have an explanation (not excuse) you see, I'm ADHD and I tend to procrastinate and be a little perfectionist too! My intention is to send out a brief but informative Newsletter on ADD each month, but don't hold me to it. If you don't already know me, hello, I am Andrew Lewis, one of the very few ADHD Coaches in the UK - and I think the only one in London at the moment. My site about ADHD: Workshops, Coaching and other Helpful Information is called: Simplywellbeing.
You will be on the list for this newsletter because you either (1) Subscribed on my website, (2) I am your coach, (3) You attended the first Support Group, or (4) I had your email and thought you might be interested! My apologies if you did not wish to receive this Newsletter, to stop receiving anything from me simply click on the Unsubscribe link below and that will be the end of it, no more annoying mails going on about inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity! However if you like it then please use the Forward link below to send to a friend.
Events: West London Adult ADHD Support Group, 18th October 2009
 A reminder for those that came to the Inaugural West London ADHD Support Group meeting and an invitation to those who didn't - please come to the second meeting this Sunday 18th October at 10:30am at Chiswick W4. The group meets in an informal, pleasant setting, next to the River Thames. Each month there will be a talk on a particular topic related to ADHD with plenty of time to discuss and share on this topic and then some open discussion time to relate the highs and lows of ADD with fellow attendees. We have a break for brunch with coffee, tea and fresh fruit juices and share some tear-able brioche, and other breakfast goodies - a great chance to meet some other interesting ADDers! This Sunday I will be giving a talk on the "Seven Steps to Mental Wellbeing", how what we eat and do can influence out somewhat delicate ADHD Wellbeing with suggestions on how to help our ADHD minds work more effectively. Drop me a line if you want to come at workshops@simplywellbeing.com or check out the website for more information click here.
Book Review: ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life by Judith Kolberg & Kathleen Nadeau
One of my favourite books on ADHD, written by Judith Kolberg, a professional organizer and Kathleen Nadeau, a psychologist and author of several ADHD books. At first glance it might appear to be a simple "post-its and transparent boxes" guide to organisation, infact there are great techniques to help with organisation for home and work, but this book is very much more.
In "ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life" there are some of the clearest insights into the ADHD mind I have read, which puts this book firmly into Edward Hallowell territory - really compassionate and helpful perspectives on how our ADD minds differ from the norm and great insights to help overcome some of our challenges. Many ADD books on organizing strategies spend pages defining the problem and then offer only brief and obvious advice i.e. "ADD people need structure." This book gives practical advice on how to simplify and structure your life, not only to maintain order but to reach your goals without becoming overwhelmed. It suggests implementing maintenance strategies first before building the strength to tackle the chaos. An easy read that highlights many ADHD traits that other books fail to mention and a must-have for your ADHD bookshelf. See here for reviews on other books on organising for ADHD.
Media: Great Documentary "ADD and Loving It!?"
 If you have forty minutes to spare do yourself a big favour and watch this superb film " ADD and Loving It!". It is still online here at Global TV , though not sure for how long, so watch it now! It was shown on Canadian TV on 25th September 2009 and stars comedian and actor Patrick McKenna and is written, produced and directed by fellow comedian, Rick Green. A warm, funny and optimistic documentary about adult Attention Deficit Disorder. Patrick explores and explains ADHD from his journey to diagnosis, following his long term suspicions, to confirm he has ADD. With loving humour he and his wife Janis discuss their challenges and struggles. Patrick is direct in showing that ADD is real, genetic, can destroy lives, and that adults with ADD have a higher rate of accidents, addictions, suicide, bankruptcy, divorce, illegal drug use and financial problems. Patrick brings a smile to your face as he explores the three characteristics of ADD – inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
This film would be a perfect aid for anyone suspecting they may have ADD or to explain to a partner or parent what it is like to have ADHD. Some of the best ADHD experts are interviewed including Stephen Kurtz, Kate Kelly, Edward Hallowell, Annick Vincent and Margaret Weiss. No film has come anywhere near as close to capturing the humour, essence and truth of ADD as this documentary does. Watch is as soon as you can. The film's website is TotallyADD.
ADHD Tip: Make Changes Rewarding and Repeatable
 Have you have tried to change your behaviour: to arrive places early, to get to bed on time or to start the day with a to-do list planning session, and found it never works? With ADHD our future time-sense is impacted. It is difficult to value the future benefit of doing something over the immediate reward of doing something we find interesting or stimulating now. So forcing ourselves to get up because we know its better for us long-term, probably won't work very well. If we reward the act of getting up by having a special breakfast, taking 20 minutes to enjoy reading the paper or having a Caramel Macchiato or Skinny Latte in the coffee shop before work - we may learn to establish a new and pleasurable habit. And habits are key, though we ADDers like to be original, different and unconstrained, habits help us negotiate through life without having to plan or remember what we are meant to be doing! So make your changes rewarding and repeatable.
As an ADHD Coach, I work with my clients to find strategies and systems that work for them, sometimes unusual or even odd, but tailored to how their ADHD mind works. Click here for more on ADHD Coaching. |
