Our ADHD brains have their own internal versions of foot tapping, struggling to sit still, and making noises.
Internal hyperactivity can include...
Racing thoughts
Ruminating or hyperfixations
Repeating thoughts
Intrusive thoughts
ADHD brains are wired for high speed thoughts. This sets the canvas for a mess of negativity to make an appearance if we aren't mindful of the headspace we are in!
The ability to hyperfixate with ADHD is great when we focus in on something productive or that we enjoy, allowing us to dive deeply into a topic or activity.
Not so great when this is applied to our negative thoughts! We can easily get trapped in thought loops because of this.
Intrusive thoughts are often distressing and make it challenging to maintain focus and our emotional equilibrium.
All of this mind activity can cause us to feel overwhelmed, emotionally fatigued, or stuck in a shame spiral.
This internal hyperactivity often comes naturally coupled with anxiety, which can lead to being misdiagnosed or for ADHD to go undiagnosed.
As adults, we often internalize our hyperactive symptoms to mask them from others. Which can lead to them manifesting... Well, internally.
If you're an ADHDer that struggles with internal hyperactivity, consider the following...
VISUALIZATIONS TO ESCAPE THOUGHT SPIRALS
Tornado of Thoughts: Visualize a tornado with all of your spiraling thoughts. Imagine taking a seat and just watching it. Eventually it either slows down or the unwanted thought disappears amongst new thoughts.
Bad Memory Polaroid: When upsetting moments resurface, imagine it as a polaroid and DESTROY IT!! It will reappear. Keep destroying it until your brain gets bored and moves on.
Send Out Clouds: Blow out your troubling thought as a cloud into your hands. Then extend your arms up and toss it into the sky with a final exhale.
Shine Bright Like a Diamond: Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and imagine a bright light glowing from your core. Let the light gradually grow with each breath to reach your head and toes.
BRAIN DUMP Let out all of your thoughts and feelings into paper, a word doc, or a video or audio recording. BONUS: Paste it into ChatGPT and ask it to “Analyze this article” to get insights on feelings you may not have recognized. It might say something like "The author was feeling betrayed when ________".
FULL ATTENTION DISTRACTIONS
Phone call with someone that makes you laugh
Video games (Especially puzzles)
Try following a dance routine
Look up music videos for your favorite songs
Move your body in ways that feel good
Walk in nature
If this blog resonated with you, I think you'll get a lot of value out of my # 1 Best Selling book/workbook: 'Activate your ADHD Potential'
I believe in you,
Coach Brooke
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