So many parents of my Math Astronauts come to me and ask, “How can I get my child to focus?” Whether or not they’re taking medication or have been diagnosed with ADHD, many kids struggle to stay focused on homework and during class.

This episode shares holistic tips to stay focused at school and home. I share these ways on how to stay focused on homework with my students and parents, and they’ve worked for me, too!

*I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. Please consult with your doctor.

Why Holistic vs. Medication?

I have nothing against medication. If that works for your child, that’s great. I tried ADHD medication in college and it didn’t work for me. I couldn’t sleep. I was losing too much weight too quickly. I was struggling to interact with people. The medication was fixing one problem (ADHD), but it was causing a myriad of others. 

I chose to go the holistic route to manage my ADHD. There are times when my ADHD gets out of control, but I know how to reign it back in. I understand my triggers and the holistic ways to calm myself down. It’s been life changing for me and I highly recommend using holistic methods to manage ADHD. 

10 Holistic Tips to Stay Focused

Honestly, these tips are great for anyone who struggles to stay focused, even all the parents out there! As someone with ADHD, these tips to stay focused have worked for me, and I hope they work for you, too.

1. Listen to Mozart

Studies show that listening to Mozart improves test-taking skills, relaxation, and focus. He was autistic and an absolute genius at tying in his music with the things going on in his mind. A study on the Mozart Effect shows cognitive functions were temporarily enhanced, making studying and staying focused easier for kids. Put it on in the background while they’re studying, or even 10-15 minutes before your child starts studying. It will get them in the right mindset to finish their homework.

Here is one of my favorite playlists to listen to.

2. Use Earplugs When Studying

Sometimes turning off that one sensor allows your child to focus in on another, AKA visuals. It blocks out the noise and distractions in the environment. This worked well for my sister when she was taking her teaching certificate exam. She used earplugs while studying and taking the exam. After two previously failed exams, she finally passed on the third try!

3. Get Snug

I love feeling safe and secure when I sit down to study. I use a blanket or shawl to wrap around myself for compression. With ADHD, I’m always bouncing around everywhere but doing this helps ground me. It’s a physical thing that forces me to stay still when I’m naturally inclined to get up and do something else in the middle of studying.

4. Workout

Exercise is the best form of medicine. There are so many benefits of working out:

• Reduces anxiety
• Reduces stress
• Gets excess energy out
• Improves concentration

The students I’ve worked with who have really struggled with school, studying, and tutoring didn’t have a form of physical activity in their routines. Implementing this tip gave them huge breakthroughs. It doesn’t matter what type of physical activity it is; just get your body moving for at least 30 minutes a day.

5. Eat Clean

Studies show that when you eat cleaner foods, your brain receptors can respond better. It reduces brain fog because you’re fueling your body with clean energy. When I eat a clean diet, I stay satiated, which helps me stay still and focused throughout the day. Highly processed and sugary foods make it difficult to stay focused. Here’s more information on how nutrition affects your mental state.

6. Diffuse Essential Oils

Wondering how to stay focused on homework with all the distractions at home? Try essential oils! Clean, therapeutic-grade essential oils can make a big difference in your concentration. Aromatherapy improves focus, reduces stress, enhances memory, improves sleep, and boosts energy, all important for a study session. 

The best essential oils for staying focused:

• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Lemon
• Lavender
• Frankincense
• Eucalyptus

It’s important to diffuse high-quality essential oils; they are free from synthetic additives or contaminants. Low-quality and cheap oils may be diluted, less effective, or harmful from the added chemicals. Young Living is my favorite clean brand of essential oils.

7. Light a Candle

There’s something about a candle that provides a sense of calm to the environment. The flickering light and soft smell allow your child to stay present. The ritual of lighting a candle can also establish a consistent study routine, helping your child associate the candle with focus time.

8. Have Snacks on Stand-By

You don’t want to go long periods of time without eating while studying. Clean snacks allow you to stay relaxed. It’s a form of comfort, which is crucial while studying. Plus, you aren’t worried about your stomach growling in a quiet library 😆 

9. Drink Matcha Tea

Matcha tea has so many benefits to staying focused while studying. It has two components to it: caffeine and L-theanine. The caffeine gives you energy for long periods of studying, while the L-theanine promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Combined, it’s the perfect drink for long study sessions. 

Coffee does not work for me. It makes me too jittery to focus. With Matcha, I get the benefits of caffeine while staying calm and grounded.

10. Tie Your Hair Up

For my students with long hair, tie it up to get it out of your face. I always call my students out who are playing with their hair and dilly-dallying while studying! Kids are less likely to be distracted by their appearance or constantly pushing their hair out of their faces. Tying hair back with a hair tie, headband, or hair wrap is a simple solution.

These tips to stay focused have helped me manage my ADHD holistically. Honestly, I use these tips while I’m tutoring my students! ADHD never stops so I need to remind myself to stay focused all the time. I switch up the methods I use but these are the ones I go back to all the time.

I have openings for new Math Astronauts! I work with students struggling with math and studying. We create solid study routines that work for your child. It’s always my goal for my students to no longer need me because they can do it on their own. It all starts with an assessment. Contact me today to get started!

If you liked this episode, check out…

Episode 4: How I Manage My ADHD Without Medication

Episode 21: A Tailored Daily Routine at Home for ADHD Adults to Boost Focus

Episode 25: What is ADHD Impulsivity?

Episode 27: How to Deal with ADHD as a Parent