145: Is Your ADHD Brain Constantly Battling Between Underwhelm & Overwhelm?
May 3, 2023
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Exploring the concept of being 'whelmed' in relation to ADHD brains, practical tips for finding balance between underwhelm and overwhelm, managing overwhelming tasks by breaking them down, and the importance of seeking accountability and support.
Finding a manageable level of 'whelm' helps individuals with ADHD to overcome underwhelm and overwhelm.
Breaking overwhelming tasks into smaller steps and seeking support or accountability can prevent paralysis and facilitate progress.
Deep dives
Finding Balance Between Overwhelm and Underwhelm
The podcast episode discusses the concept of finding the perfect balance between overwhelm and underwhelm. It highlights how individuals with ADHD often struggle with feeling overwhelmed and underwhelmed when it comes to taking action. The host introduces the idea of being 'whelmed' - a state where there is enough stimulus to keep ADHD brains engaged. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing when a task underwhelms you and suggests pairing it with something enjoyable, like listening to a podcast or music, to create 'whelm'. It also offers practical advice on how to tackle overwhelming tasks by breaking them down into smaller steps and seeking help or accountability from others.
Addressing Underwhelming Tasks
The podcast encourages listeners to reflect on tasks that underwhelm them and lead to procrastination. It suggests identifying specific tasks that lack excitement or interest, such as cleaning the kitchen, and finding ways to make them more engaging. Examples include listening to a captivating podcast or music while doing the task, competing against a timer, or measuring progress through before-and-after pictures. The episode emphasizes the importance of creating enough 'whelm' to overcome the underwhelming nature of certain tasks and to motivate action.
Dealing with Overwhelming Tasks
The episode addresses the challenge of dealing with overwhelming tasks that often lead to paralysis and avoidance. It advises individuals to recognize when they are feeling overwhelmed and to divide the task into smaller steps. The podcast suggests focusing on one step at a time, reaching out for guidance or assistance, and acknowledging that the perceived complexity may be exaggerated. It emphasizes the importance of reducing the overwhelm by taking incremental actions and seeking support or accountability from friends, online communities, or groups. Overall, the episode emphasizes the value of finding a manageable level of 'whelm' to facilitate progress and avoid being stuck.