The Power of Putting On The Brakes
I know it when I feel it.
It usually begins with this odd ringing noise in my head.
If it continues, it might build into this energy in my body that makes me feel like I might combust at any moment!
When I get this feeling now, I recognize that I am entering the territory of overwhelm; a territory that many with ADHD visit with some regularity.
In the past, I might have spent a fair amount of time trying to get something done or, alternatively, trying to decide what that something should be. Usually, I just ended up wasting time. And the pressure just kept building – I could not think coherently.
It took me a long time. But I have figured out that the best thing to do when I’m in this zone is to stop and step away.
Stop the Spin
Sometimes the best course of action is really to do nothing. This may seem counterintuitive when you have too much on your plate already.
Last Friday, all I could think about was everything I had to do. I started to go into “spin cycle” until I recognized what was going on.
Then I decided to go to the gym for an hour; riding the bike and watching a game show (can’t remember the name) did the trick.
I came back and the “spin cycle” was done. I was able to think more clearly and creatively, which helped me to come up with a workable plan of action.
Sometimes, it is important to completely disengage from what you are doing.
What do you do when you are on spin?
Be In The Present
Should I have sent the email earlier? What did he mean when he said that? What if he does not call? What if the movers do not come? What if the neighbors are loud, and I can’t work?
Occupying the past and future is another form of spin that robes us of our ability to be present.
Sometimes I just have too many thoughts; I have not reached the point where I am ready to combust. But I do need to bring myself back to the present moment in order to attend.
For these times, I take a minute to meditate, if only for a minute. I quiet my mind, and remind myself to focus on the present moment .
You can think of it as sitting quietly, if the thought of meditating makes you want to run for the hills.
I often do this when I am transitioning between client calls or other tasks. Here is what I do:
1. sit upright in my chair
2. relax my body
3. close my eyes
4. breathe deeply in and out
5. repeat a word, like shalom (peace in Hebrew)
This helps me to be present for my clients or to attend to my task at hand.
What do you do when you need to quiet your mind and your body?
See Alternative More Clearly
Working harder isn’t always the answer. As an adult with ADHD, your head can be a busy place.
Sometimes you need to stop and clear out the clutter in order to work more efficiently and effectively.
Need Help?
If you need help creating a strategy to help you to be more present in your work and personal life, check out my Coaching Services.
If you would like to talk about your specific needs, and how I may be able to support you, request a complimentary Strategy Session.
I look forward to hearing from you!
