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ADHD and the Environment

Written by: Jacqueline Sinfield

Article Overview: People with ADHD are usually so focused on getting through the day and staying on top of life, that they barely have time to think beyond their to-do list, let alone the planet. Time is often one of the biggest reasons people say they don’t do things they know to be green. However, it is possible to have ADHD, do things for the environment and even help your ADHD, all at the same time.

ADHD and the Environment

People with ADHD are usually so focused on getting through the day and staying on top of life, that they barely have time to think beyond their to-do list, let alone the planet. Time is often one of the biggest reasons people say they don't do things they know to be green. However, it is possible to have ADHD, do things for the environment and even help your ADHD, all at the same time. Here are five environmentally friendly ideas:

1. Take shorter showers. Taking shorter showers is a win-win situation. Not only does it help the environment by saving on the energy used to heat the water, it also helps you to get out the door faster in the morning, which can be an ongoing battle for people with ADHD.To make this fun, time yourself today to see how long your normal shower length is, and gradually reduce that time to four minutes.

2. Eat less animal protein. There are many reasons why eating meat taxes the environment's resources and die hard environmentalists would suggest becoming vegan. You don't need to become vegan, however be mindful of how much meat you eat. Most westerns eat much more protein than their body actually needs.You can help the environment by choosing organic and locally produced meat. This helps the environment and is better for you. I recommend that adults with ADHD have a source of healthy protein (lean meat, eggs, etc.) with every meal as it helps your ADHD brain function at its peak.

3. Grow your own veggies. One of the reasons growing your own vegetables is good for the environment is that it decreases the amount of emissions that would have been used to ship them hundreds of miles. And gardening is great with ADHD as research has shown that being outside in nature decreases the negative effects of ADHD. It also is a great way to distress and give you a sense of achievement.Last year a client gave me a big bag of tomatoes she had grown herself. I can honestly say I have never tasted anything so good. Growing your own veggies is also good because you know there are no pesticides on them. If you're not sure how to start, do a quick search on the Internet and no matter what size your garden, you will be able to grow something.

4. Recycle. Recycling helps the environment as it reduces pollution, saves energy (less is used by using recycled products than new materials) and preserves natural resources. Adults with ADHD have many great intentions about recycling, however then the time is tight, company is coming over, the carefully saved containers end up getting thrown into the trash along with the other waste.Recycling becomes a habit. Take it day by day. You might feel like that one Coca Cola can won't make a difference, but the little steps and actions quickly add up and make a big difference.

5. Buy products with the smallest amount of packaging. There are lots of examples of how to do this, however, this week I honed in on fresh produce. A quick quiz: Does it take longer to choose courgettes (zucchini) that are pre-wrapped in packs of three OR select three that are displayed individually? Answer: It's four seconds faster to pick the pre-packed option - I timed myself! However, when there are 86,400 seconds in a day, its four seconds well spent. Other ways to save on packaging include looking for products that are sold in bigger quantities or that come in concentrated form.

These five ideas are a great way to get started being green. Good luck and let me know how you get along!

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Article Tags: adhd, adults, animal protein, brain function, die hard, eating meat, eggs, emissions, environmentalists, four minutes, fun time, hundreds of miles, lean meat, showers, staying on top, strong one, tomatoes, vegetables



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Different Types of Funding - Finance for business can be obtained through a number of different sources. Let's review some of those channels to help you decide what's right for your business needs: Grants There are over 930 different EU and UK grants and loans available from over 100 issuing bodies. This is the cheapest form of finance and an important part of the funding package that companies and individuals need. We can help you find your way through this maze. Technology Micro Projects: 50% of eligible costs up to £20,000 Research project: For a technical and feasibility study of an innovative idea for new technology 60% of costs up to a grant of £75,000. Development project: For development up to pre production 35% of costs up to a grant of £200,000 Developing an innovative idea: valuable for small companies and individuals at the start of a technical project: 75% of costs of hiring a mentor and consultants. 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