So you have ADHD (diagnosed or not) and you want help to live well with ADHD or are supporting somebody and want to help them to thrive. What helps and what hinders?
Habit forming
It’s true that we often turn to habits that work against us because they satisfy our need for quick hits, relief, escape. What habits can we train ourselves to do that might actually help us?
The importance of support
Connection can get us into a happier place by feeling less alone or different. There are so many routes open to us and being communal creatures we seek togetherness to feel safe.
Managing dopamine
We seek novelty, it fires us up and gets us quickly into hyperfocus if we’re not careful (a mixed blessing this one!) What’s the difference between disposal quick hits and sustainable and more satisfying dopamine flow?
Self-deprecation/self-esteem as a Brit!
We can really be up against it when it comes to liking ourselves, especially when growing up in a culture that seems to prize stoicism and looking like we don’t need help. But what can this mean for us? (apologies if you don’t identify with the cultural norms described here!)
Listen to your body
It’s so easy to get lost in our own heads, after all it’s always buzzing and distracting us. Problem with this is that it can block a really important way of us understanding how we’re doing, listening to our body which deliberately works to protect us and tell us when we need help.
What is the ADHD Tax and how can I live better knowing how it impacts me?
The ADHD tax is something many of us talk about when we realise the extra time and financial expense we incur due to having different wiring in our brains. Look at the list via the link and add to it if you like. Consider where you can change.
Being Good Enough
Are you a perfectionist? Does that mean you take longer over your work? How does that work for you? Exhausting I know. What is good enough? Are you good enough? A lot of our early signalling from adults was that we were different/disruptive/odd/quiet/lazy etc but I promise you, you are good enough!
Want to get more active?
It’s a cliche but the basic foundations for us to thrive are no different for neurodivergent people to anyone else. Sleeps, diet and exercise are a must or else everything else is compromised. Fancy joining a group of ADHDers wanting to become more active?
ADHD – A reason not an excuse!
It’s easy to blame ADHD for the things we’ve struggled with. This may be true but with awareness comes responsibility. It’s healthy to understand why you do what you do but not to render yourself helpless to it. It’s a reason, not an excuse.