ADHD Emotional Regulation

(originally published August 3, 2016, updated December 15, 2021) As I noted in Part 1, self-talk either helps you reach your goals or gets in the way. I explored how you can develop a habit of using more positive and helpful self-talk to take effective action. I also shared how to use self-talk to develop more self-compassion and diffuse negative thoughts and feelings. In this post, Part 2, I’ll share with you how your current self-talk contributes to your procrastination and how you can turn this around. First, I’m sure you’ve had your fair share of criticism. Who hasn’t? Of course, nobody likes to be criticized. As an adult with ADHD, maybe you’ve had more than your fair share of criticism from your parents, teachers,…

(Originally published September 3, 2018, Updated October 11, 2021) ADHD and worry go together like peanut butter and jelly. In part, this can be because worry gives your ADHD brain the stimulation it craves. So, you may find yourself worrying about something one day and then the next day the worry just disappears. Was the worry just “candy” for your brain or was it something you want to address? In fact, as I noted in Part 1, For ADHD Adults Who Are Tired of Being Hooked by Their Worry,  the worry may not even be real, but a result of cognitive distortions – negative thinking traps. If you haven’t read Part 1, yet, go ahead and check it out. Figure out if something you’re worried…

(Originally published August 17, 2018, Updated September 30, 2021) When it comes to worrying there is an upside for ADHD adults. That is, it can motivate you. But, if you’re reading this article, I know you’re more interested in doing less worrying, as it comes with a cost. I get it. Worrying causes stress and takes up your time and energy. Time and energy you’d like to spend in other ways. The key to managing your worry is to use curiosity to figure out both figure out what you’re worried about and what, if anything, you want to do to address the worry. But, right now, instead of being curious, you might be trying to avoid worrying thoughts. Makes sense! Worrying is uncomfortable. But, when…

ADHD adults need downtime if they want to be productive. Really. But I also know this may seem counterintuitive to you, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed with everything you need to do. I get it. You’re wondering how you can take downtime when you’re so far behind in both your professional and personal life. You may even think you don’t deserve downtime. Not true. While everyone deserves downtime, I know it won’t be enough for me to just tell you that. So, stay with me, as I make the case that downtime will help you not only feel better but do your best work. If you’re game to entertaining the idea that this could be true, keep on reading. What Does It Mean to Be…

(originally published January 17, 2018, updated May 13, 2021) Maybe you found my blog because you want to learn how to be more productive as an ADHD adult. If so, then you’ll want to know that ADHD adults need self-compassion to reach their goals. Really. Because, without self-compassion, it will be much, much harder to be productive – do what’s meaningful and important to you. Are you in? Not yet? If not, it might be because you equate compassion with pity. And, if that’s the case, you might think self-compassion might mean you will be less productive and people will take advantage of you. To avoid this, you try not to let your guard down and continue to push yourself to prove to others you…