In this discussion, Kelly Smith, a yoga and meditation teacher with ADHD and host of "Mindful in Minutes," shares her journey in meditation. She highlights how short sessions can dramatically enhance focus and reduce impulsivity for those with ADHD. Kelly dispels myths about meditation, emphasizing that even a few minutes can be effective. She introduces beneficial practices like yoga nidra and offers practical tips for integrating meditation into busy lives. Expect a blend of personal experiences and actionable advice, all aimed at making meditation accessible.
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Meditation and ADHD
Meditation is highly beneficial for ADHD brains, improving focus, emotional regulation, and impulsivity.
It's a misconception that people with ADHD can't meditate; it's actually one of the best things they can do for their brains.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Starting Meditation
Start with short, guided meditations (5-8 minutes) to experience benefits without feeling overwhelmed.
Focus on a single point, like breath or a body scan, and gently redirect your mind when it wanders.
question_answer ANECDOTE
William's Meditation Experience
William Kerb found guided meditations helpful but struggled with longer sessions and group settings.
He found body scans effective but experienced meta-awareness during group meditations, hindering his focus.
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In '10% Happier,' Dan Harris shares his personal journey of discovering the benefits of meditation. Initially a skeptic, Harris, a news anchor, found himself on a path of self-discovery after a nationally televised panic attack. He delves into the world of spirituality and self-help, encountering various figures including brain scientists, CEOs, and spiritual leaders. The book explores how meditation can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being without compromising one's ambition or edge. Harris emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in making one more resilient and better equipped to handle life's challenges, though it does not eliminate problems entirely[2][4][5].
Hey Team!
In this episode, I'm sitting down with Kelly Smith, a yoga and meditation teacher who has ADHD herself and has guided over 23 million meditations through her incredibly popular podcast, Mindful In Minutes. Kelly walks us through why meditation is especially beneficial for the ADHD brain, what to realistically expect from starting a meditation practice, and how even just a few minutes a day can sharpen your focus, reduce impulsivity, and make executive functioning a bit less exhausting.
We explore practical advice on how to start meditating, even when you’re convinced it’s not your thing, and break down the misconceptions that keep a lot of us with ADHD from ever even giving meditation a try. Kelly shares her insights on the best meditation styles for ADHD brains and introduces us to practices like yoga nidra that go beyond the mat and offer deep restorative rest—something I’m pretty sure we all could use more of.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/217
Start small and aim for just 5-8 minutes of meditation daily. Research shows even short practices can significantly benefit the ADHD brain. Choose a simple focus, like your breath or a body scan, to help redirect your wandering mind.
Remember, meditation isn't about silencing thoughts. Accept that distractions will happen, and when you notice them, just gently try to bring your attention back to the practice itself.
Try performing regular mindful check-ins by simply pausing, taking a breath, and asking yourself honestly, "How am I doing right now?”
Hacking Your ADHD 
