12.14.22

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12.14.22 - Indecisiveness

    An obstacle I'm continually facing, especially when it comes to picking what to eat when it's not just me, is "indecisiveness."  I put that word in quotations because, in reality, I'm not usually an indecisive person, but it manifests as such because my brain is straining to go through all of the options available and trying to determine what others are wanting, also known as people-pleasing.  

    I stumbled across this fantastic flowchart that was posted by @adhdbrainhealth on Instagram, and I find it to be so true for me personally and extremely helpful in finding solutions to overcome moments of indecisiveness. 

    Are you labeled as an "indecisive" person?  Do you have any other insights or helpful tricks to overcome it?

12.13.22 - Masking and Overworking

     One main reason why I was able to fly under the radar with my ADHD for so long is because of my ability to compensate for or "mask" my symptoms, usually by overworking myself.  Because it has "worked" for me for so many years, it's a difficult habit to break in order to create a better balance in my life and address what's actually happening with me.

    My oldest sister tagged me in an Instagram post made by @humanity_hive, which often posts about ADHD symptoms, coping skills, things to look out for/change, and more, and the description in the post touches on this very subject:

    Sound like you?  Killin yourself so that nobody can say anything negative about you?  Overworking to hide "flaws?"  Doing more than others to "make up for your ADHD?"  If I do the most and work the hardest then I'm safe?  (Essentially avoiding any possibility of shame or criticism)

    Is it worth it?  When you step back to evaluate all you're trying to do by masking, how is it affecting you?

    That hit home for me and caused a lot of reflection.  How do I continue to "mask," even now?  What can I do differently?  What are some things I can let go of the ideal of perfection and just enjoy doing?  

    What does all of that look like for you?

    Let's let go of our masking tactics, and until we're able to fully do that, hang in there.  You've got this.

12.13.22 - Brain Chemistry

     Today I had another routine appointment with my ADHD doctor, Dr. Navorro.  We discussed what was going well and how I was improving, along with what wasn't going so well, one of them being nutrition (and with Christmas coming up, I feared it would just get worse). 

    Dr. Navorro explained to me that an ADHD brain's chemistry is affected more by the person's diet than other brains, making nutrition even more vital to not only physical but mental and emotional health as well.  She gave me the task of cutting out most carbs, sugar, and processed foods in order to get myself to a healthier state. 

    In addition, Dr. Navorro encouraged me to continue working on cutting back on screen time, the goal being on the phone one hour or less per day (not including phone calls) and doing all I can to stay off of social media, checking that once a day or less. 

    A friend of mine told me that this all sounded difficult, and to a degree it is, but I told him that it actually feels freeing.  I have already seen amazing results, have made more time for hobbies, been more motivated, feel happier, etc.  It's so worth it, you guys.

    Have any of you tried cutting back on screen time or switched to a healthier diet?  I'd love to hear all about it, so comment below!

As always, hang in there.  You got this! 

12.7.22 - ProcrastiNATION

     I thought it would be funny to emphasize "nation" in "procrastination" because procrastination isn't just a habit for ADHDers, no, it's a state of being, a way of life, something you're born into and try and figuratively move out of, like your childhood home, but the housing market is too out of control and sometimes it has its perks, like free food from your parents' fridge.

    Yep, procrastination definitely has a way of sprinkling you with just enough ridiculously minute rewards to keep you hooked.  But, of course, these habits always lead to unnecessary anxiety that could have been easily prevented if you'd just done the thing to begin with and not been so lazy, right?  Hmm, not exactly.  Things aren't so cut and dry for the neurodivergent. 

    I follow a nurse on Instagram @theneurodivergentnurse who has ADHD and shares truths, encouragement, and other helpful information.  One quote she shared that I love and really needed to hear is this:

ADHD Reminder

You are not lazy 

or unmotivated.

You've been living your 

life in survival mode for 

years.

You are exhausted.

    What a powerful statement that I'm sure many of us, neurodivergent or not, need to hear and hear often.  

    I'm grateful for people like this nurse who take the time to educate and uplift others.  Do you have a favorite influencer or person who makes posts that inspire and help you?

    With that, continue to push forward, hang in there, and remember you're going to be okay.