Focused and Balanced: ADHD Strategies That Work w/ Skye Waterson
Dec 16, 2024
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In this discussion, Skye Waterson, an ADHD coach and academic, shares insights from her upcoming book, "Focused, Balanced Days with ADHD." She highlights personalized strategies for managing executive function challenges and reducing burnout. Skye emphasizes the importance of effective organizational tools, the balance between stimulation and focus, and the unique difficulties individuals with ADHD face during relaxation. She also critiques current ADHD research, urging for a flexible approach to enhance well-being and productivity.
Skye emphasizes that effective strategies for managing ADHD should focus on creating simple organizational tools and systems that prioritize consistency and flexibility.
The discussion highlights the importance of understanding and adapting to the unique challenges of executive functioning while celebrating small wins to maintain motivation.
Deep dives
The Journey of Writing Focused Balanced Days with ADHD
An ADHD coach is currently writing a book titled Focused Balanced Days with ADHD, which aims to synthesize years of personal experience and research in a structured format. The book is published in sections on Substack, allowing readers to accompany the author through the writing process. It explores how individuals can transition from feeling overwhelmed to achieving focus and consistency in their daily lives. Each section incorporates research-backed strategies, with a particular focus on executive functioning and creating a supportive system for managing ADHD symptoms.
Understand Executive Functioning
Executive functioning refers to the cognitive processes that help manage thoughts, actions, and emotions, yet a clear definition remains elusive within both the ADHD and broader mental health communities. The conversation highlights the lack of consensus around what constitutes executive functioning, drawing attention to its correlation with working memory and impulse control. This complexity is often compounded by the ongoing debates among researchers and practitioners. Despite the definitional challenges, individuals with ADHD can develop effective strategies tailored to their unique cognitive profiles, emphasizing trust in their own experiences.
Building ADHD Strategies Through Tailored Approaches
Launching into new roles can often complicate an individual’s journey with ADHD, as many mistake constant shifts in interest for a lack of passion. Effective strategies begin by assessing whether one can perform current tasks satisfactorily before intentionally moving to different roles. The conversation underscores the importance of acknowledging personal achievement and learning from past experiences, even when those experiences feel like failures. By employing structured routines and focusing on incremental progress, individuals can avoid the overwhelming leap into new pursuits without the necessary foundations.
Dopamine and Consistency in Daily Activities
The topic of dopamine takes center stage regarding maintaining consistency in tasks, as individuals with ADHD often struggle with motivation when the expected rewards are unclear. Strategies discussed include incorporating enjoyable activities into daily routines to maintain elevated dopamine levels, ultimately fostering higher productivity and mental well-being. Emphasizing small wins can help combat the discouragement that arises from perceived failures, promoting a culture of celebration for progress, however minor. The discussion also encourages individuals to adapt their environments to include sensory stimulation, recognizing that personal strategies contribute significantly to managing ADHD effectively.
This week we’ve got Skye Waterson of Unconventional Organization back on the show to talk about the book she’s working on, Focused, Balanced Days with ADHD. Skye is an academic and ADHD coach with over seven years of experience in adult education. She has studied various fields, including Psychology, Sociology, and Public Health, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Population Health. Skye also hosts "The ADHD Skills Lab" podcast, where she discusses research-backed tips and advice to help individuals navigate life with ADHD.
Today, as I mentioned, we’re going to be getting into her serialized book that she’s releasing chapter by chapter as she works through them on Substack. Our discussion today focuses on what’s already been released, regarding Skye’s ADHD story and executive function but we also get into a whole host of other things from systems and calendars to burnout.
Avoid overcomplicating your organizational tools, and try to rely more on basic principles, such as having a capture space, a prioritization system, and a scheduling system.
Aim for 80% consistency with your systems and give yourself grace to bounce back after setbacks. No one will ever follow any system perfectly, so work on choosing tools and systems that can adapt to missed days without derailing your progress entirely.
Don’t forget to prioritize at least a little fun in your planning. Building dopamine into your day through enjoyable activities can help you stay consistent and avoid burnout.
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