Q: Country songs deal with themes like loss, heartbreak, betrayal, family, and faith. More often than not, they also tell a story. Decide what classic country themes you want to engage with and how you want to tell a story about those themes. For example, if you just broke up with your significant other, you could write about that. One of the best ways to come up with song ideas is to think of titles and extrapolate from there. Listen for catchy phrases on TV, in movies, in books, and in real life and write them down in a notebook or on your phone to keep track. If you're writing a song about breaking up with your significant other, the title could be "My Heart Left with You." The hook is the part of your song that sticks in your head because it's catchy. If your title is memorable, it can easily serve as the hook of your song. Play around with your title and different melodies to see what you come up with. Try to come up with lyrics or a melody that you can't forget. If you can't forget it, neither will your audience. The most memorable melodies have what is called a "money note," a note that stands out because it's exceptionally high, low, or long. If your song is called "My Heart Left with You," the hook could be "But my heart left with you," and you could drag out the note on "you."
A: Decide what themes you'll deal with in your song. Think of a title for your song. Come up with a hook based on your title.

Q: For most people with ADHD, medication is an important part of treatment. There are two categories of ADHD medication: stimulants (such as methylphenidate and amphetamine) and non-stimulants (such as guanfacine and atomoxetine). Using stimulants to treat ADHD may not seem like it makes much sense. The parts of the brain they stimulate, however, are responsible for impulse control and focus. Stimulants like Ritalin, Concerta, and Adderall can help regulate neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. Non-stimulant anti-depression medications often used to treat ADHD regulate the same neurotransmitters. However, they do so via a different chemical process. Doctors may prescribe them if stimulants don't work or have harsh side-effects. Deciding on the right medication can be challenging. Different people respond differently to different medications. The effectiveness of some medications can also change during growth spurts, hormonal fluctuations, diet and weight changes, and with the passage of time. The best way to choose the right medication is through conversation with your doctor. Remember that if something doesn't seem to be working, you can talk to your doctor about trying a different option. Some medications are available in extended-release varieties. They release active ingredients gradually over the course of the day. This eliminates the need to take additional doses at school or work. Some foods can reduce the effects of the hormonal deficiencies that are typically part of ADHD. Here are some suggestions Complex carbohydrates can increase serotonin levels. This can mean improved mood, sleep, and appetite. Try to eat foods like whole grains, green vegetables, starchy vegetables, and beans. These foods release energy gradually. Avoid simple carbs like sugars, honey, jelly, candy, soda, etc. These can produces a short-term serotonin spike, but do more harm than good over the long run. A diet rich in protein can improve focus. Try to include several proteins over the course of the day to keep dopamine levels high. Good sources of protein include meat, fish, nuts, legumes and beans. Take zinc. Zinc promotes lower levels of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Eat seafood, poultry, fortified cereals and other foods with a high zinc content, and/or take zinc supplements. Eating certain spices may also help. Saffron may counter depression, while cinnamon can help with attention and focus. Other foods can sometimes make the condition worse. For example: Avoid "bad fats" such as trans fats and those found in fried foods, burgers, and pizza. Choose foods high in omega-3 fatty acids instead. Good sources include salmon, walnuts, and avocados. These may help lower hyperactivity and improve organizational skills. Avoid food with dyes and food coloring. Some studies suggest there may be link between food dyes and ADHD symptoms. Red dye in particular may be a problem. Reduce intake of wheat and dairy, sugar, processed foods, and additives. These foods may have a negative impact on ADHD symptoms. A good therapist can help you and/or your loved ones manage the challenges of ADHD. Therapy often begins by analyzing the family structure. The therapist will often suggest changes to create environment that works with the brain functions of a person with ADHD. Therapy also provides a safe place for family members to vent their frustrations in a healthy way. It is a venue work out issues with professional guidance. Experts often recommend that preschoolers with ADHD receive behavioral therapy. This approach teaches people how to change behavior and control impulses. Adults with ADHD generally benefit from psychotherapy. This helps them accept who they are while seeking improvements to their situation. People with ADHD benefit greatly from learning more about their condition. Therapy helps them understand that they are not alone in their struggles. Exercise stimulates production of many of the same neurotransmitters as ADHD medication. Serious workouts are a great way to regulate your brain chemistry, but even a few 30 minute walks each week can make a big difference. Specifically, exercise stimulates production of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. All these can help boost attention and focus.
A: Get a prescription for the right medication. Eat a diet that counteracts ADHD. Avoid foods that exacerbate ADHD. Get therapy for ADHD. Get plenty of exercise.

Q: If your class has assigned seats, this may not be an option. But if you get to choose your seat each time you go to class, try picking one near the front. With your teacher that close to you, you might find it a little easier to pay attention. This might not be the most pleasant solution, but it can be really effective. If your class has assigned seating, ask your teacher after class about moving. Be upfront and tell them you want to move because you're having trouble staying focused. Fidgeting and squeezing a ball might not sound very motivating right now, but give it a try! It actually helps a lot of people, because it gives them something to do with their hands while they sit in class. You can just squeeze it whenever you feel like it, or make it into a game. For instance, you could squeeze the ball every time your Algebra teacher says "equation." It's not the most thrilling game, but it will keep you tuned into the lecture! Some schools don't allow fidget spinners so find out your school's policy on them before bringing one in. Other great fidget devices include kneaded erasers and fidget boxes. The latter consists of a small cube, filled with buttons, switches, and scrolls. As soon as you start drifting off, make yourself do something small, like grab a new pen from your bag, do some neck rolls, or cross your other leg. These little actions may not seem like much, but they can help your brain reboot when you feel your concentration slipping. Even if the subject matter is boring, your notes don't have to be! Try visual notetaking, which is basically drawing images and diagrams instead of writing words. Or you could take down notes in a humorous tone, like you were telling a story to your best friend rather than jotting down boring facts. For example, say your teacher is droning on about Benjamin Franklin's exploration of electricity. Your notes could say: "So Ben got the bright idea to tie a metal key to a kite string. Then made his own son fly the kite in a thunderstorm! Poor kid was a sitting duck. He was allowed to stand in a doorway to stay dry while waiting to get zapped, so there's that." Taking entertaining notes may even help you remember the material better! It can be hard to pay attention in a boring class, but try to make yourself participate by asking and answering questions or joining in on group discussions. For example, challenge yourself to ask at least 3 questions or contribute 3 discussion statements per class. Not only will this help you focus on the lecture, but it may help you score a few extra participation points.
A:
Sit near the front of the class. Squeeze a stress ball or bring a fidget spinner. Change something up for a quick mental reboot. Take good (but entertaining) notes. Participate in class.