How I Overcame A.D.D. With A Strict Routine
Created by Drew | : Boost Brain Power
Though most would agree that there is no cure for A.D.D. [attention-deficit disorder] or A.D.H.D. [attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder], I have been able to reduce mine so significantly that I consider it cured. It no longer bothers me, I no longer consider myself a person with A.D.D. I can now easily focus, and accomplish things. The progress that I’ve seen in my personal development has been huge.
It hasn’t been easy, believe me, it’s tough to stay dedicated and focused on a regimen, when A.D.D. keeps me unfocused. I really have felt a huge shift in perception and my entire state of consciousness has improved for the better. So do you want to try to cure your A.D.D. or help someone work towards reducing their symptoms? Then continue reading this article!
First of all, I want to get a few things straight. I am not anti-medication at all. I think that everyone is different and some cases of A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. are more significant than others. What I do think is that anyone that can commit to improving their mental condition on a daily basis, will be able to significantly lower or cure their A.D.D. I consider my case of A.D.D. to be average: it didn’t affect me to the point where I couldn’t get anything done, but it was definitely an impairment in life.
The method that I’m about to describe requires discipline and constant motivation. In no way has it been easy to cure my A.D.D. and unfocused thinking. In fact, it has taken around 10 months to reach the point that I’m at! If you want to change yourself for the better, it does take hard work and dedication.
The fact is, the hard work and dedication that I’ve put in has paid off immensely. Though it was extremely difficult to get into a strict daily regimen, it has improved every aspect of me. Within this article, you will find out: my personality before my regimen / experiment, my personality after 10 months (today), and why I consider my A.D.D. cured!
How did I feel before the 10 month daily regimen?
Lack of focus – Before my 10 month commitment, I really could not maintain a specific focus. I would try something new one week, then switch to a different activity the following week. Lack of focus is the primary symptom of A.D.D.
Negative thoughts – I was thinking about myself and the world in a negative light. It gets really tough to improve your situation in life when all you are able to do is think negatively. Negative thoughts lead to frustration, anger, and hate. I am so glad I was able to get out of this state.
Low self-esteem - Low self-esteem and negative thinking goes hand-in-hand. I don’t know which one came first, but am glad I was able to eliminate both! Low-self esteem lead me to become depressed.
Depressing emotions - Depressing emotions make perfect sense for a person with A.D.D. to have because most people with A.D.D. are in the “theta brainwave” state. Theta waves are linked to: creativity, spirituality, emotions, and depression.
Rapid thoughts - When you get uncontrollable rapid thoughts in your mind, it is really tough to know what you want, let alone make good decisions. Rapid thoughts around others made it extremely difficult for me to stay focused and perform well in school and work.
Zoned-out - I usually felt “zoned-out” or “blankness” in my mind at times throughout the day. This zoned-out feeling made it difficult for me to even think. It seemed as though I just “acted” and “reacted” instead of thinking through my decisions.
What were the 5 steps that cured my A.D.D.?
Listen, I’ve got commitments such as work and school like everyone else. I forced myself and my friends encouraged me to stay disciplined. If you are serious about doing this routine, then by all means: go all out and do it! If you think it will cure you in a few days, you are only fooling yourself.
To be honest, most people will commit to this as most people commit to New Years Resolutions: start a new healthy habit for a few weeks, then revert right back to the old ways. With this plan, you’ve really got to be dedicated and disciplined: 2 things that are extremely difficult for an A.D.D.’er. I don’t know which of these things were most effective, but they all have research behind them that backs their claim.
Step 1 – Daily meditation
Daily mediation seems really easy, that is, until you actually do it! I committed myself to observing thoughts in my mind for 20 minutes everyday immediately upon wake-up. I chose to do a type of meditation that involves me observing my thoughts. I chose to focus on the picture of a baseball for some reason.
Every day, I’d wake up, sit down, and focus on observing my thoughts. I didn’t react to any of the thoughts, just accepted them and let my mind flow. All that really matters when meditating is knowing what you’re doing and not reacting to your thoughts. For more information about the positive changes associated with meditation, check out my article discussing the benefits of meditation and my other article about meditation improving concentration.
Step 2 – Aerobic exercise
After doing a little bit of research about the benefits of aerobic exercise and finding that it increases brain power, improves blood flow, and can even increase I.Q., I decided that it is a must-add to my daily A.D.D. regimen. Everyday after the meditation, I ran for at least 1 mile. I kept it short and sweet at first: just 1 mile.
It was very easy, and seemed to be a very effective tactic in the process. Committing everyday to aerobic exercise is extremely difficult, but once you get past the first 2 months, it really seems to be a habit on autopilot. Now, I try to run at least 1 mile daily, sometimes I run over 1 mile.
Step 3 – Fish oil & multivitamin
I had read about fish oil and was experiencing some benefits prior to adding it to my regimen. I decided that I’d continue taking fish oil, but up the dosage to 3 capsules of 1200 mg — one at each meal. Therefore, I was getting over 3 grams daily of fish oil. For those of you that don’t know, fish oil has been linked to improved concentration, focus, and has great brain boosting potential.
I figured since I’m taking fish oil, I should also have some sort of multivitamin in the mix. I had read that A.D.D. brains are usually deficient in certain levels of vitamins. I figured that just taking 1 daily multivitamin couldn’t hurt, so I added that to the mix. Overall, I think the fish oil did a lot more than the multivitamin, but whose to say that they both didn’t help!?
Step 4 – Brainwave entrainment
Brainwave entrainment is definitely a touchy subject. It should not be done if you are pregnant epileptic or under 18 without doctor approval. It has been proven to be very safe, but there are certain regulations that you should follow before engaging in brainwave entrainment. I actually did a lot of experimentation, because I had read that everyone’s brain is different.
What was really effective for me was doing some 40 Hz gamma entrainment and some beta SMR (12 – 15 Hz). 40 Hz has been linked to increased intelligence, improved thinking skills, and a number of positive changes. I have also read in the book “Getting Started With Neurofeedback,” that most people with A.D.D. had relatively high amounts of theta activity and virtually ZERO beta SMR (12 – 15 Hz).
I stuck with gamma daily for 30 minutes while I was listening to music. A really cool program called “mind stereo” allowed me to get the effect of brainwave entrainment without hearing annoying tones and only hearing my music. It has been proven to work and I could definitely feel a change after doing this! After doing 40 Hz for a few weeks, I decided to try some beta SMR.
The beta SMR made me calm, quiet, and helped with clearer thinking. I personally have had good experiences with both. I still experiment with the software programs to change my brainwaves on a weekly basis now. For the first three months, I was doing them daily! Looking back at my progress, brainwave entrainment was definitely a key to my success!
Step 5 – Waking up at the same time everyday
Yes, I always tried to get a good amount of sleep. The best tactic though, for reducing my A.D.D. symptoms was waking up at the same time everyday! I tried Steve Pavlina’s technique to become an early riser. I always used to sleep in and be running late for work and school. It was important for me to wake up earlier each day, eat a good breakfast, and take my time in the morning.
Waking up early and at the same time, greatly helped me stay more organized, and really did help out a lot by improving my alertness! As soon as I’d awaken each morning, I’d go right into 20 minutes of meditation and from the meditation into an aerobic workout if I had time. If I wasn’t able to do my aerobic workout in the morning, I’d fit it in after work or school.
How do I feel today after 10 months of disciplined commitment?
Improved focus – I can now focus extremely well in any area of life.
Increased awareness – I am now much more aware of myself and my actions as well as others.
Increased self-esteem – I feel better about myself and am not as fearful of new situations.
Clear thinking – I now notice that I can focus on each individual thought in my mind, rather than having to deal with extreme racing thoughts or pure “blankness.”
Better memory – I don’t know what caused this, but I never used to remember things in my long-term memory much. Now, I can recall events that happened long-ago and relate them to the present.
Positive thinking – No I don’t think positively all the time, but I’m human. Everyone gets mad or upset from time-to-time. The great thing is, I am not constantly thinking negative thoughts about myself and others! I feel good about myself and am able to make a conscious effort to stay positive.
Can everyone cure their A.D.D. with these 5 daily steps?
I could elaborate on each item in my regimen and claim that they will cure your A.D.D., but I don’t know you, how severe your A.D.D. is, or what you’re capable of! And to be completely honest, I don’t think everyone can cure their A.D.D. Some people will never be committed enough to a specific set of rules to live by.
Some friends that I know have A.D.D. and take medications as needed. I let them know about what worked for me. Most of them tried it for a few days and couldn’t continue. Though most did say that while they were doing the regimen, they did notice slight improvements in focus…
Basically, the experience is different for everyone. If you want something new to try to help your A.D.D., I highly recommend trying my daily commitment and evaluating your personal change. Not only is this a great routine to have for people with A.D.D., it’s a great routine for anyone to try to improve their mind and their life!
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This is great! I personally have problem with focus as I have a very hyperactive brain and just like you I have rapid thoughts. Been told I have A.D.D and I too try reflection, I think I have to be more rigorous. Thank you and I’ll give your tips a try.
Hey Jorge, I’m glad you found this helpful. I can distinguish a huge difference in my current state of awareness from that when I had A.D.D. The toughest part is forcing yourself to stay disciplined even when you’ve got ADD thoughts…
I’m putting this article among my favorites because I think it impotant enough to come back to from time to time. The tips apply to any/everyone.
Hey arlene, I’m glad you like it and put this article in your favorites. These tips definitely have potential to help anyone :)
I thought it was a great article. Im really not sure if i have add or what but i have no focus what so ever. Im usually talking to someone and i can tell when i just zone cause i don’t understand what they are saying anymore. Or when im reading ill start and after im done with what ever i read i have no clue what went on in the story. I read the words but just didn’t take in the information. And almost the whole day there is this blankness. Ill be on the bus or in the classroom or anywhere really and its like im not thinking of anything at all. Someone will ask me my opinion on something and ill say oh yeah thats cool or thats good but its like i cant even think of what i feel. It feels like im just drifting through this life. Like you said i feel like everything i do is routine. Theres no thought to my decisions. I just seem to act or react. Im almost always depressed, not so much for a reason, just like every things dull and i want to think like everyone else. I also have a super negative self image. Even though ive been told im not ugly and no one thinks i am, I do. I could pick 500 things i hate about my self. I always compare myself to everyone else no matter what. And when i am praised or complemented i cant handle it. I am horrible at accepting complements or even gifts. It just gets really frustrating and when this all happens i always seclude myself and like to be alone. Ive done so much to try to fix it. It feels horrible when it happens. Ive made so many plans to fix whatever it is. Ive searched the internet for blankness and thoughtlessness and i havnt gotten anywhere. Ive made over 10 plans but they never do anything. Its not like i just sit around and mope because im like this, i want to fix it and it makes me feel terrible that im missing out on life. Im in my senior year in high school and im going to college next year. I don’t think i can make it through college like this and just want someones input. I want to experience life, and for the last 17 years of my life it just seems like im drifting in a fog.
I’ve read Mike’s story and felt that i had to contribute a little something to curing his plight. It is the practice of bringing the mind back to the present moment. Each moment is a unit. Your hands are doing something, your body,your senses, etc. Each time you find yourself going into the future or past, come back to some slight detail of the moment.
(I’m sorry, my computer did something to interrupt the thought). When you start this discipline, you realize it is a discipline and requires practice. Do it. The mind can’t think of two things at the same time. A ‘now’ awareness replaces worry, because worry is always a thought about the future or past.
If ‘Mike’ is reading this, I promise you your problems will solve themselves in your favor.
Bringing the mind back to ‘now’ is the key to focussing and a cure for “zoning” or “blanking” out.
@ Mike – I definitely think you can get yourself out of this mental state. When you have the fog, it’s extremely difficult to start making change – as you incorporate healthier habits and positive change into your life on a daily basis, change will occur. The longer you continue a regimen like mine, the easier it is to reap and feel the benefits ;)
I have a few suggestions for you to try:
- Find a great psychotherapist and talk things out — you’d be amazed what a great therapist can do for your mental health
- Talk to your parents about your problem (or another trustworthy adult) — they should be understanding and at least someone to talk to!
- Try my regimen. I know it takes lots of discipline, but maybe incorporate just one of my 5 daily steps, then build up to 2, then 3, 4, and finally 5. Once you have the routine down, things get extremely EASY.
- Use positive self-talk & positive incantations.
- Consider doing neurofeedback / brainwave entrainment if you cannot afford neurofeedback.
- Force yourself to be with other people
Best of luck & I hope you can work things out :)
Let me know if you’ve got any more questions / concerns.
Hi Drew
Really interesting story. I am experiencing some of the same problems and according to a qEEG display to much theta and not enough beta. Have you tried to discover the ’cause’ or do you think that’s useless? I am testing myself for food intolerances, I read that especially gluten sensitivity is linked to ADD.
kind regards
Hi, I am an ADHD sufferer and suffer from exactly the same problems described! I have also been doing the same stuff as you described and am feeling very good results! But I was just wondering if you could tell me more about the brain wave training you have experimented with? I have been listening to Gamma session’s (with very good results) and also 15-18hz but not so much in the SMR brainwave category, I find this makes me a bit too relaxed. Well I have listened to a help for depression Brainwave track that en trains at 14hz, which i like a lot. But lately I have been having problems getting to sleep and getting migraines (due to the 15-18hz training?). Just looking for some more feedback on your brain wave training really if you have experimented much more and gotten good results? thankyou!
Hey drew, I dont know if you’re even replying to these anymore but I thought I’d just give some input. First of all, your regimen is very good and it is similar to what I’m doing for myself. Also the tips you gave for mike like forcing yourself to socialize to avoid locking yourself away in your room and get lost in video games or aimlessly browsing the internet just to get away from everything and everyone… Mike it’s really doing you more harm than good. In the words of Chad Kroeger, “what’s worth the prize is always worth the fight” (I always hang on to that phrase when I’m having a tough time getting focused because there is a better life waiting for me when I get my ass in gear haha). I still get very anxious in social situations when I’ve lost focus of the moment because I seem to just drift off and can’t really give input into whatever conversation is going on because I don’t really understand myself or the situation everyone is experiencing. I’d be lost somewhere in the middle of what people thought of me not saying anything and a zillion random thoughts and scenarios or just plain blankness.
Ok so I just thought I’d share my interesting experience momentarily having complete clear thought on here if that’s cool, just so people know what they are actually shooting for rather than aiming in the dark, and I have no idea how you did it drew lol. You’ll have to tell me sometime. Ok, so, I was on vacation with my cousin, a close friend who Im very comfortable with ( think this was key, considering I could say what I wanted without fear for judgement). One day, for some reason I decided I wanted a real conversation, I had read online about all the symptoms I had for ADD and knew I had it and I just said screw this, I am focusing on this and all I literally focused on was the conversation and really digging for things to say.. not IMPULSE talking like I know we all do (the yeahs, wow thats cool, or that sucks, those..), real relevant words. I carried it on for quite some time and really stuck my neck out and backed up what I was trying to say, it was pretty fun. I suggest you all try this by the way. And then, I dont know how, but then my eyes opened and literally every aspect of my life and my surroundings was revealed to me in crystal clear thought and I actually had opinions on things because of past experiences etc. There were decisions to be made and I was conscious of everything, every moment, every movement of my body and reason why I was moving it as well (I stopped twitching and touching my face and biting my nails, I think these all stem from the anxiety portion of ADD). It only lasted a short while but for that brief episode I had direction and purpose in my life and was genuinely happy to be alive. Since then that is what I have been trying to replicate, not for a brief moment but for the rest of my life.
I’m not going to lie, it was a gift and a curse. It is hard as hell to get there and the fact that I know where I could be is really frustrating because I jsut saw perfection and I feel like I have drifted through the first 19 years of my life in a fog, and I had so much potential just lying underneath it all, unable to be focused in anything but confusion.
Anyways I hope you enjoyed and can relate.
Your friend in the struggle – Kevin
I suspect that this article may change my life. The advice you’ve laid out here makes so much sense and I’m going to try out every bit of it. I’m even considering getting the David Paradise XL+ or similar device to really give brainwave entrainment a shot. It appears to be backed by legitimate research, although obviously there are a few quacks out there trying to ride the wave.
I wanted to share something that has helped my productivity tremendously just over the past few days. Here it is: As I’m trying to focus on something, such as reading or completing some task, I often come up with thoughts about unassociated topics that I want to act on immediately or search terms that I want to Google. I keep a notebook nearby specifically for writing these thoughts down to act on at a later time. I try not to leave what I’m doing impulsively. Now I feel like I’m not missing anything and I can do research on my interests all at once, in a systematic way.
Hi i just turned 20, last month and my brain has seen to have DIED in my opinion. When i was little i was diagnosed with adhd and was taking ritalin but at age 8 or so… My mom took me off of it because it was making me mental crazy. Anyways fast forward to when i’m 16 i drop out of hs, to take care of alzheimers grandma! R.I.P. I moved away from my friends… And all of a sudden my brain goes numb! All i do is stay in my room locked up, living like a loser. I have anxiety,depression,paranoia, and among a few other things. I am now 20 and back in my hometown, feeling uncertain and terrifed of the world, my old friends want to hang out but im ashamed and scared. I am unaware of my surroundings and embarassed by my sheninagans! What should i do… I feel utterly petrified and dumb. At that time of growing up i thought my adhd, was cured guess not! I am terribly bad at my street smarts, can these methods help me become normal, i feel so far and alienated from the world.