Stress Management = ADD Management

Have you ever noticed that when  you're stressed out, it's more difficult to get to your appointments on time? And you tend to forget more  things? Like where you put the keys...while you're already running late  for that appointment?

And that during times like these, it seems like every traffic light you approach turns red and you're more likely to accidentally spill your drink all over yourself, right before you walk into that appointment? 

The more  stressed out you are, the harder it becomes to manage your ADD. The more stressed out you are, the more your ADD affects you in negative ways. And the more your ADD affects you in negative ways, the more stressed out you become.

What a vicious  cycle! And we all get caught up in it...until we learn that stress management = ADD management.

Whenever you feel your ADD  starting to get out of control, try shifting your focus to stress  reduction. Take a walk. Go work out. Talk to a spouse or  friend and process your feelings and frustrations. 

Do whatever it is that you do to  get your stress levels down. You'll find that once you feel calm, centered, and in control, you'll be much better equipped to manage your ADD challenges.

This topic is a key section in my book, Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD, and it's also one of the first topics we cover in the Odd One Out Coaching Program.

I firmly believe that learning to manage ADD requires learning how to manage your stress. If you haven't already noticed the connection, then I encourage you to start building your awareness in this area. I think you'll find that this one tool will make a huge difference in your ability to manage your ADD and move forward in life!

Comments

[Amanda Swanson]

Hey my most insperational Jen. This is Amanda from North Pole Alaska. I haven't really been reading much of your sights lately, however this post came at the perfect time for me, as it always does. I know you meet lots of people, and handle alot of people problems, i just wanted to let you know that you really help me so much! You where a big part of my life and my ADD discovery, and I thank you for all your hard work you did on me! Some of it stuck I promise!
Thanks for the reminder that stress up = ADD stuff up! I needed that!

[Elizabeth Stanfill]

Great advice. I think you could apply this to any disorder.