Being ADD/ADHD and dealing with stress
Here are a couple of ways I deal with stress.
Tips, tricks, and reassurances!
What I find myself stressing over most often is The Future™.
It's terrifying, ever looming, and a constant stressor in the back of my mind. I can't ever completely stop the panic from ever coming back, or residing in the depths of my subconscious. What I CAN do, however, is live in the moment and try my best to take control of the panic before it takes control of me.
Stop spiraling. This is probably the hardest step, so don't beat yourself up if it's difficult. It's difficult for everyone.
Breathe in deep breaths, relax tense muscles. The best way to relax tense muscles is to tighten them up as much as you can, hold for five seconds, and then relax them all while letting out a deep breath. My favorite breathing pattern is: In for 4, hold for 4, out for 7, hold for 2, and repeat. I also like to close my eyes and focus on my heart beating with my breaths.
Slowly process why you're stressed, or identify the problem. By this point, I'm relaxed enough to think properly without feeling uncomfortable butterflies in my stomach, so I grab my phone, or a book and a pencil, and I write out key stressors that are making me feel overwhelmed. Once I've identified them, I can start working through them.
Write a list. Maybe you're stressed about the future, write a short and easy plan for what to do next (don't plan too far ahead, or anything unrealistic. Start small and easy). Or maybe you have too much on your plate and you feel like you can't finish it all. Write a list of the things you have to do and cross the items off one at a time.
Play some calm music, or anything that calms you down. I like Disney piano medleys.
Everyone gets stressed, so don't stress it, haha! Even if you get stressed over things that people call insignificant and unimportant, if it's important enough to you that it is making you stressed, then it's important enough to do something about. I hope that these might help you better deal with your stress!
Reminder: I'm not a psychologist, or certified anything. These are only my personal experiences dealing with stress, and what works for me. These are in no way guaranteed to work for everyone! That being said, have a lovely day/afternoon/night and I'll catch you on the flip side!
