I’m an ADHD life and productivity coach so I thrive on digging deep and talking about the real stuff. I often ask friends, clients, colleagues, “How are you doing?” and I mean the question. It’s not small talk. I really want to know.
And lately, I’ve noticed that people are struggling. Alot. Maybe it’s still post-pandemic adjustments. Or perhaps the impending election. Could even just be a seasonal change thing. Switching from carefree summer to serious fall can be exhausting. Or like me, people are dealing with family issues and various other life challenges.
When you have ADHD, this ‘struggling’ means more than just a bad day or two. It means we stop those habits that keep our brains functioning. Forget to eat healthy ADHD foods and pass on the water. We stay up too late doom-scrolling. We forget appointments and don’t complete daily tasks. We procrastinate and end up waaaay behind at work. Then we end up feeling bad about it all and we end up STRUGGLING.
One bad day or two echoes for weeks and we find ourselves depressed, unmotivated and having no idea how to turn it all around.
Confession? I’ve been struggling, too.
At my best, over the past few months, I’ve gotten up and made it through the day. Clicking off to-dos. Pasting on a smile and showing up with just enough energy so no one knows that inside my Give a &*^% Button was broken. Not a good look for a person who makes a living with compassion and empathy.
Why am I telling you this?
Because if you’re feeling this way, I don’t want you to suffer alone thinking you’re the only one feeling down, unmotivated, and exhausted.
Life can be hard. It’s okay. In fact, it’s okay to not be okay. Let yourself feel. Give yourself grace and turn off the thoughts in your head that you shouldn’t be feeling this way. (Remember…No Shoulding On Yourself is ADHD Success Rule #1).
Here’s what to do instead:
Doubled down on the things that boost your spirits and you know are good for your ADHD. Exercise, good music. Protein and water. Meditation. Sleep. Connecting with supportive people and nature.
Ask for help!! I’m eternally grateful for Amazing Meg, my assistant, for taking things off my plate lately so I could focus on my family situation.
Step away from the things that bring you down. News. Social media. Unnecessary Zoom calls. Negativity.
On days when your brain is firing and you have the energy, rock your to do list. When the fog and overwhelm sets in, give yourself grace to do only what you can and then stop and focus on those things that boost your spirit.
And remember: you’re okay even when you’re not.
And I’d love to hear from you – please post below…how are you doing?
NOTE: If you are feeling depressed and struggling, please reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional for help. While it’s okay to not be okay, it’s even more okay to get help.
For more reading to help you and your ADHD:
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