Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic mental health condition that primarily affects kids and often carries on into their adulthood. Doctors diagnose ADHD through medical examinations and an evaluation of the patient’s family history, among other ways. Lifestyle changes and stimulant medications are the best ways to treat the condition, so here are some lifestyle options for managing ADHD.

• Regular exercise
  Every day, dedicating one hour to working out is one of the best lifestyle options for ADHD, and one can also work out intermittently if they feel tired. Even doctors advocate 30-minute workout sessions twice daily, and these are as effective as an uninterrupted one-hour exercise regime. Physical activities promote mental development and wellness, reduce stress, strengthen learning abilities, and can even reverse the symptoms of ADHD among adults. The exercises should be systematically structured so that ADHD patients can start with light workouts and move on to moderate and vigorous activities.
• Meditation and therapy
  Meditation and yoga can help calm the mind and are beneficial for ADHD patients as these techniques improve concentration. Mindful meditation allows a person to observe their moment-to-moment thought process actively, and it trains the wandering mind to remain calm and composed so that the patient can focus on a specific subject. Meditation and yoga can help control emotions and reduce the chances of impulsive behavior, and research claims that regular mediation can thicken the prefrontal cortex of the brain (an area concerned with focus and planning) and also increase the dopamine levels in the brain.
• Adequate sleep
  Sleeping adequately is also one of the crucial lifestyle options for managing ADHD. Sound sleep helps in resting the brain and enhancing one’s attention span the next day. Parents of children with ADHD can limit kids’ screen time and establish a sleep routine. Also, melatonin supplements can help older teens rest sufficiently, and going to bed and waking up early can also establish a healthy circadian rhythm. Many children claim that a warm bath before bedtime also helps them sleep well.  
• Suitable dietary changes
  Increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients like zinc, iron, and vitamin D can help improve the symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults. One can include fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, herring, and sardines to one’s diet to up their omega-3 fatty acid intake. Besides, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans are excellent vegetarian sources of omega-3s. Also, one should try to consume fresh produce instead of opting for processed foods for optimal nutritional benefits.

Although these lifestyle options for ADHD patients can help them manage the condition, they are not an alternative to consulting a doctor. One must consult a doctor for guidance on how to cope with ADHD.