CBD helped me for a while, tons of digital timers, to-do lists, and calendar appointments, but what really changed things for me was meds. What is your reason for wanting to avoid meds?
I am on the lowest possible dose of the only non-stimulant ADHD medication (Stratera a.k.a. Atomoxetine). All it did was tame the brain squirrels but I am still me.
Very true. I should emphasize the context that everyone's brain chemistry is different and I would not gatekeep medication for someone who needed it first. I was mostly trying to emphasize that meds without coping strategies can be problematic as well.
I, like another responder, always only diagnosed in adulthood and frankly I am happy that I did not get medicated until later. This allowed me to develop coping strategies that I still have to use but they are made easier thanks to the medication. One of the problems that ADHDers have is they think the meds solve everything, but it only works when you have the added coping mechanisms.
For what it's worth we have been doing the same for 2 out of our three kids, but one of them is so severely ADHD that we are considering getting him medication.
Also, if you are worried about stimulants, there is a non-stimulant ADHD medication called Atomoxetine (former brand name Stratera). That's what I'm on and, as an adult, I'm on the 10mg dose (the lowest they make). They started me on 40mg and I felt like a zero emotion robot and almost didn't go further.
Try out things that have stimulant effects: caffeine, exercise, horror movies. Your brain is wired for crisis and you can handle things well when in crisis...the problem is it you chase that, you have a high risk of burnout if you don't plan down time.