How can I lower my stress when I have ADHD?
This article explores the difference between stress and burnout and how to engage with both. Stress occurs when there are too many pressures on your mind and body; it’s a matter of too much. Burnout reflects a deficiency; it’s a matter of not enough. You lack energy or resources because you are depleted.
ADHD often prompts you to try to change multiple things simultaneously. Instead, focus on changing one habit at a time that contributes to your stress.
Here are three action steps that you can take:
- Reduce your commitments. While this can be hard for someone with ADHD, it can open the space to find activities that are still stimulating while being less stressful.
- Set boundaries for work and responsibilities. It can be very easy to try and give your whole focus to multiple areas of your life, but this will leave you depleted. By setting boundaries you can establish a healthy and manageable work/life balance.
- Declutter your habits. Start by picking out three to five habits that increase your tension. This could be leaving visual clutter, lack of sleep, socializing, grocery shopping, etc. Try picking one that seems easiest to address and make a plan.