Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks

Episode 37: Deborah Charnes

Oct 21, 2023

Certified yoga therapist Deborah Charnes shares her journey with neurodiversity, ADHD challenges, and how she uses yoga and breathwork. From corporate PR to author and therapist, she discusses her morning routine, travel experiences, and holistic self-care practices. Topics include coping mechanisms, ethical concerns in boxing, dietary changes, and the importance of breaks for productivity.

52:35

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Episode guests

Deborah Charnes

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Quick takeaways

Deborah's self-discovery journey sheds light on early indicators of neurodivergence, fostering understanding of attention deficits and hyperactivity in personal experiences.

Embracing holistic approaches, Deborah advocates for breathwork and Ayurvedic practices to boost energy levels naturally, advocating for self-generated vitality over external stimulants.

Through personalized morning rituals and Sabbath-style digital detox, Deborah emphasizes the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and sensory engagement for improved productivity and mental well-being.

Deep dives

Understanding Neurodiversity and Self-Diagnosis

Deborah shares her journey realizing her neurodiversity without a formal diagnosis, describing attention deficits and hyperactivity balanced with moments of zoning out. She highlights struggles with focus during driving and recounts a challenging study session requiring medical intervention to stay awake, showcasing early signs of neurodivergence.

Introduction

2min

Exploring Neurodiversity, Coping Mechanisms, and Sleep Patterns

17min

Exploring the Ethical Dilemma of Boxing Promotion and Brain Injuries

3min

Exploring Travel Experiences and Holistic Self-Care Practices

20min

Importance of breaks for productivity and overcoming a carb addiction

2min

Dietary Changes, Ayurvedic Lifestyle, and Evening Relaxation

3min

Holistic Self-care Practices in the Bath

4min

Encouraging Wellness and Changing Habits Gradually

2min

Welcome to episode #37 We’re thrilled to be joined by Deborah Charnes today. Deborah is a certified yoga therapist and author of “From the Boxing Ring to the Ashram: Wisdom for Mind, Body and Spirit”. Before dedicating herself to writing and therapy she worked high-pressured jobs as a PR and marketing strategist for multi-nationals. Welcome to the show Deborah!

Questions

Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?
1. From a young age realized she was different
2. Self-diagnosis with ADHD
  1. Inattention and hyperactivity
  2. Falls asleep in movies in cinemas (dark lights)
  3. Driving alone can be a problem
  4. Deals with attention issues through yoga and breathwork
    1. Agni - digestive practices
What "work" projects are you concentrating on?
1. Previously worked in corporate PR/marketing
2. Then built her own consultancy representing businesses that have a positive impact
3. Now yoga therapist (3 years of training)
  1. 1 on 1
  2. Retreats and workshops
  3. Author “From the boxing ring to the ashram”
How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
1. Traveling (just worked in Costa Rica for 5 weeks, have worked in India, Nicaragua)
What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?
1. Wakes up at 4.30 am
2. 1hr of yin and restorative yoga + Jappa
3. Prana Yama in bed
4. Lemon ginger tea (fresh ginger and lemon)
5. 24 Sun salutations
6. Breakfast
  1. Cacao and adaptogens
What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?
1. Ten-minute breathing breaks for boosting energy and empathy
2. Sabbath (digital disconnect once per week)
COMMERCIAL BREAK
What is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?
1. Carbs
How do you switch off at night?
1. Meal timing (light dinner)
2. Avoid bright lights (candles/salt lamps)
3. Long bath (Epsom salts)
4. Meditation
What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?
1. “24/6” by Tiffany Shlain
2. Malla beads for jappa
Where can people connect with you or find your work?
1. Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/LinkedIn: Deborah Charnes
2. Facebook group: The Namaste Council
3. Facebook group: The Write Council
Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?
1. Everyone can improve their health and happiness