Inspiration, Intention, Action 5/25 - The ADHD Project Newsletter
Inspiration
Remember that ADHD is not a weakness: Too often, people with ADHD are made to feel like they are "less than" or that their condition is a weakness. But that couldn't be further from the truth. ADHD is just one part of who you are, and it comes with its own unique strengths and challenges. By embracing your ADHD and learning how to work with it, you can achieve great things and live a fulfilling life. Here are a few ways we can use our brains to our advantage:
- Be a problem solver: ADHD can make it difficult to follow traditional paths and routines, but it also allows for creative problem solving. Use your unique perspective to find new and innovative solutions to problems, both in your personal and professional life.
- Be adaptable: ADHD can make it difficult to stick to a strict routine, but it also allows for flexibility and adaptability. Embrace your ability to adapt to changing situations and be open to trying new things. This can lead to new opportunities and experiences that you may not have otherwise considered.
- Use your hyperfocus to your advantage: While ADHD can make it difficult to focus on certain tasks, many people with the condition also experience periods of hyperfocus, where they become completely absorbed in a task that they find interesting or engaging. By identifying the activities that trigger your hyperfocus, you can use this to your advantage to accomplish tasks more efficiently and effectively.
Intention
Reducing Stress: Intention setting is a great way to reduce stress and improve your focus when you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It can help you feel more in control, calm, and at peace throughout the day. Through intention setting, you can visualize where you want to be and practice positive affirmations as a means of calming yourself down. By taking the time to set intentions each day, it can help you manage your ADHD symptoms and bring more calm into your life. Here are a few ways you can focus on reducing stress with your daily intentions:
- Intentional Breathing: When you set your daily intention, take some time to practice intentional breathing. Find a quiet space where you won't be interrupted, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. As you breathe, visualize yourself embodying your chosen intention. Imagine feeling peaceful and relaxed, and allow yourself to release any tension or stress you may be holding in your body. This can help you release physical tension and reduce stress levels.
- Mindful Breaks: Another way to use daily intention setting to reduce stress is by taking mindful breaks throughout the day. Set an intention to take a few minutes every hour or so to pause and focus on your breath. This can help you stay present in the moment and reduce feelings of overwhelm or stress.
- Gratitude Practice: Setting an intention to practice gratitude each day can also be a powerful tool for reducing stress. Take a few minutes each morning to reflect on what you're grateful for in your life. This can help shift your focus away from the things that are causing you stress and anxiety and cultivate a more positive outlook. Research has shown that regular gratitude practice can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, making it a valuable tool for those with ADHD who are prone to these challenges. By setting a daily intention to practice gratitude, you can reduce stress and promote a greater sense of well-being.
Action
Create a structured routine: People with ADHD often struggle with organization and time management, which can make it difficult to stay on top of tasks and responsibilities. Creating a structured routine can help to provide a sense of predictability and control, and can make it easier to stay focused and productive throughout the day. Try to establish regular routines for things like waking up, exercising, meal times, and bedtime by planning them in advance and setting reminders to complete them. The ADHD Project Planner has built-in habit tracking to help you remember what you're planning for and the habits you wish to build every day. Tracking a habit or routine helps us reinforce it and visualize it in a way that we normally couldn't!
