8 major areas of life that cause stress in adults with ADHD
Oct 19, 2024
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Discover the eight major stressors in the lives of adults with ADHD. Learn why setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is crucial for mental well-being. Explore the impact of perfectionism and how striving for 'good enough' can alleviate pressure. The importance of self-care, focusing on one task at a time, and nurturing relationships is highlighted. Additionally, the negative effects of social media comparisons are examined, urging listeners to cultivate presence and mindfulness.
Overcommitment significantly drains energy for adults with ADHD, emphasizing the importance of learning to say no to manage stress effectively.
Neglecting self-care negatively impacts physical and mental health, highlighting the necessity of prioritizing personal well-being amidst busy schedules.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Overcommitment
Overcommitment often becomes a significant issue for adults with ADHD, particularly those navigating demanding careers or family responsibilities. Saying yes to too many commitments can drain energy and complicate time management, leading to feelings of stress and burnout. The struggle with overcommitment is exacerbated by the fear of disappointing others or the misconception that a commitment was manageable when it was accepted. To mitigate this, it's crucial to develop the skill of saying no and to assess potential consequences carefully, particularly in professional settings.
The Importance of Self-Care
Neglecting self-care is a common challenge among adults with ADHD, who often prioritize work or deadlines over their own well-being. Skipping meals, forgoing sleep, and avoiding exercise can seriously affect physical and mental health over time. Introducing simple self-care practices, such as taking short walks or planning meal prep in advance, can significantly enhance overall happiness and energy levels. A mindset shift is needed; recognizing that taking 30 minutes for oneself is not a luxury, but a necessity that ultimately contributes to greater productivity and satisfaction.
The Impact of Multitasking and Boundaries
Multitasking is often perceived as a skill, but it can hinder productivity and increase stress levels for those with ADHD. Frequent task-switching diverts focus, leading to a sense of frustration and diminished results. Setting clear boundaries, especially between work and personal life, is essential for reducing stress and maintaining a healthy work environment. Establishing when to be interrupted and managing external expectations can create a more productive atmosphere and help to reclaim personal time.
There are many areas of our lives, especially in adults with ADHD, that can cause stress and even make us unhappy in general.
Most busy adults with ADHD have demanding careers, family responsibilities and other areas of life that take time and energy. And at times, it becomes difficult to manage, we get tired and even exhausted, and many of us feel like we're getting nowhere in life.
Throw in some uncertainty in life in some of the habits we need to work on such as time management, and other common areas that are challenging for adults with ADHD and we begin to live in stressful situations.
Dave discusses 8 areas of life that can cause that stress in adults with ADHD. These topics come up over and over again and when you hear them, it's probably nothing new but we just need to be reminded that these are some areas of life as a busy adult with ADHD that we need to consistently work on.
**Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave’s calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min
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