Hack your
ADHD
Brain on ADHD: A User’s Guide
Table of
Contents
01 Introduction
02 Understanding ADHD
03 Attention and concentration management
04 Organization and productivity
05 Emotions and ADHD
06 Lifestyle and health
07 ADHD at school and work
08 Relationships and communication
09 Useful resources
10 Relaxation techniques
11 Games for ADHD
Introduction
WHAT IS ADHD AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT DAILY LIFE?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder) is not just about being easily
distracted or hyperactive-it’s a
neurodevelopmental condition that impacts
focus, impulse control, and organization. It
affects everything from school and work to
relationships and personal habits. People
with ADHD often struggle with time
management, staying on task, and regulating
emotions. However, ADHD also comes with
strengths like creativity, high energy, and the
ability to hyperfocus on things that truly
interest them.
Introduction
MYTHS VS. REALITY
There are many misconceptions about ADHD.
Some people think it’s just an excuse for
laziness or bad behavior. Others believe it only
affects kids, or that it’s something you can
‘outgrow’. The reality is that ADHD is a lifelong
condition that affects both children and adults.
It’s not about a lack of intelligence or effort-it’s
about how the brain processes information
differently. Understanding these differences is
key to managing ADHD effectively.
Introduction
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
This book is designed to be a practical, no-BS
survival manual for ADHD. You don’t have to
read it from start to finisskip around, find what
resonates with you, and apply the strategies
that work best. Expect short chapters, bullet
points, and real-life hacks to help you stay
focused and in control. ADHD brains thrive on
action, so let’s dive in!
Understanding
ADHD
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE BRAIN?
ADHD isn’t just about being easily distracted-it’s about
how the brain processes focus, motivation, and self-
control. The key player here is dopamine, a chemical
that helps with motivation and reward. People with
ADHD naturally have lower dopamine levels, which
makes it harder to stay focused on tasks that aren’t
immediately interesting.
Another important part of the
brain is the prefrontal cortex,
which controls decision-making,
organization, and impulse
control. In ADHD brains, this area
doesn’t work as efficiently,
leading to difficulty with planning,
following through on tasks, and
resisting distractions. Think of it
like having a car with weak
brakes-it’s not that you don’t
want to stop, but it’s harder to do
so.
Understanding
ADHD
TYPES OF ADHD
ADHD isn’t the same for everyone. There are three main
types:
1. Inattentive Type-Easily distracted, forgetful,
struggles with organization, daydreams a lot.
2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type-Always on the move,
talks a lot, interrupts, acts without thinking.
3. Combined Type-A mix of both inattentive and
hyperactive symptoms (the most common type).
Each type comes with its own
challenges,but also strengths. The
key is figuring out what works best
for your brain.
Understanding
ADHD
ADHD IN KIDS VS. ADULTS
Kids with ADHD often struggle in school, have trouble
following rules, and may be seen as ‘too hyper’ or ‘not
paying attention’.
Adults with ADHD may face challenges with work, time
management, relationships, and daily responsibilities.
They might have trouble sticking to deadlines,
remembering appointments, or controlling impulsive
decisions.
ADHD doesn’t disappear with age-it just
looks different. The good news? With the
right strategies, people with ADHD can
thrive at any stage of life!