At first glance, it would seem highly unlikely that positive thinking and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) have anything to do with one another. But those suffering with ADD often develop negative thinking patterns because they become frustrated by their challenges and frequent feelings of being overwhelmed. This negative outlook then makes it even harder for them to manage those challenges and move forward.



Practicing positive thinking allows people with ADD to focus on their strengths and accomplishments, and thus increase their happiness and motivation. The following ten tips provide practical suggestions on how to initiate more positive thinking patterns:

1. Take Good Care of Yourself

It's much easier to be positive when you are eating healthily, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest.

2. Remind Yourself of the Things You Are Grateful For

Stresses and challenges do not seem quite so bad when you remind yourself of the positive things happening in your life. Taking a moment to stop and appreciate the good things will make a huge difference.

3. Look for the Proof Instead of Making Assumptions

A fear of not being liked or accepted by others sometimes leads us to assume that we know what others are thinking, and yet our fears are usually not reality. If you have a fear that a friend or family member's bad mood is due to something you did, speak up and ask them. You shouldn't waste time worrying that you did or said something wrong unless you have proof that there is something to worry about.

4. Refrain from Using Absolutes

Thinking and speaking in absolutes like 'always' and 'never' makes the situation seem worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering. This makes them feel negative and then they feel negative towards you.

5. Detach From Negative Thoughts

If you notice yourself having a negative thought, try to detach yourself from it and don't follow it.

6. Squash the "ANTs" (Automatic Negative Thoughts)

These are the bad thoughts that are usually reactionary, like "My Manager wants to see me in his office? It must be bad!? When you notice you are having these thoughts, realize that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!

7. Practice Loving, Touching & Squeezing (Your Friends and Family)

You don't have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant pick-me-up.

8. Increase Your Social Activity

By increasing social activity, you decrease any loneliness you feel. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way!

9. Volunteer for an Organization, or Help another Person

Everyone feels good after helping another person. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive in return.

10. Interrupt Your Patterns

If you find yourself ruminating, a great way to stop it is to interrupt the pattern and force yourself to do something completely different. Rumination is never productive, because it's not rational or solution-oriented; it's just excessive worry. You could try changing your physical environment - go for a walk or sit outside. You could also call a close friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music.

Sometimes it takes a bit of courage to admit that we're turning into workaholics, becoming a loner, or tell ourselves that we're not doing our best. But by admitting these things, we have the power to change for the better, to take control. Do not underestimate the effects of positive thinking.