Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is horribly named. Having ADHD doesn’t mean you lack attention, but rather it means you have trouble regulating your attention. And it’s much more than just attention. It has to do with attention, sure. But it also affects your ability to perceive time, and your brains executive functions, which impact your ability to regulate you emotions and organize yourself. And some people with ADHD aren’t hyperactive at all!
In fact, ADHD is commonly broken into three subtypes. Only two of which include hyperactivity:
Predominantly Hyperactive Type: Impulsivity, skipping over important steps, excessing talking, seemingly boundless energy, difficulty controlling emotions, risk-taking
Predominantly Inattentive Type: Easily distracted, difficulty starting tasks, lack of focus, misplacing things, forgetfulness, lack of attention to detail
Combined Type: A mixture of those mentioned above
S.H.R.E.D. Your ADHD
Sleep
Getting enough sleep helps us approach our day with a clear head and a better handle on our ADHD. And a relaxing bedtime routine is an important tool in helping us fall asleep.
Habits
Good habits let us off-load the mental effort of regular tasks. Including everything from personal hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits to productivity routines and ADHD friendly systems.
Relationships
Strong, supportive relationships with friends and family help ground and support us. They help us navigate the challenging waters of ADHD whether we suffer from it or love someone who does.
Exercise
Cardio is king for clearing the cobwebs of ADHD. Deep breathing from exercise oxygenates the brain and blows away the fog. So, get your heart pumping and the sweat flowing.
Diet
Everyone knows food matters. But it’s especially true for those of us with ADHD. A healthy diet of complex carbs and protein helps us manage our emotions, maintain our focus, and burst with energy!
Everyone fails. Some, like those with executive function challenges, fail more than others.
Each failure brings negative emotions – guilt, disappointment. These smaller emotions become stronger feelings of anxiety, shame and even loneliness if one is repeatedly rejected because of their errors. Each time these negative emotions are experienced, another brick is placed into that person’s Wall of Awful.
The Wall of Awful is the emotional barrier that prevents us from initiating tasks and taking the risks necessary to make reach our goals. It is the emotional consequence of having ADHD and it must be understood to be overcome.
Get the free e-book “5 Ways to Overcome The Wall of Awful”