Experiencing ADDvantages

Adults with ADD: Do Your Batteries Need Recharging?

Before diving into this week's topic, I want to take a few minutes to offer big thanks to all the blog and newsletter readers who offered their support and shared their own stories after my last newsletter. (If you missed that newsletter, you can read it here: A Personal Note from Jen)

I'm always amazed and very grateful when I open up in a very personal way (more so than usual) and I get an outpouring of positive responses in return. Every now and then I write a newsletter in which my personality really shines through (curse words and all), and I worry just a little about pissing people off. Yet, those are the newsletters that get the most positive responses. I think it's a sign that I need to be a little more conversational in my communications, and a little less polished!

Getting back to the topic, one of the reasons I wrote that personal note was to tell you about the inspiration behind The Holistic Health Virtual Conference, which took place last week. The event was a great success, and I'm really excited to be exploring a whole new element in the overlap between ADD and holistic health and wellness. I'll be writing a lot more about this topic (and my own journey) on my blog at http://ExperiencingADDvantages.com.

At the Holistic Health Virtual Conference, I presented a talk on "Stress Management for Better Health," and I'd like to share some of that information with you today, specifically as it applies to ADD management.

Have you ever been walking or exercising with an iPod (or walkman, or radio) and the batteries run out on you? What do you do? Well, if you’re like me, the first thing you do is play with the device in the hopes of getting it to magically work again!

"Hmmm…" you think. "What if I jiggle this thing around a little? Or shut it off and then turn it back on?" It usually works, but only for a few minutes. When the batteries are out of juice, there's really nothing you can do about it. The battery needs to recharge, and that takes time.  

Did you know that this can happen to you, too? You can run out of juice and just stop working!

Adults with ADD have a low tolerance for frustration. We also have a difficult time regulating our energy levels. So if you have a rough day at work, come home to find a sink full of dishes when you left it clean, and discover that your brand new shirt somehow managed to get badly stained, you’re likely to find yourself feeling drained.

Just like an iPod that hasn't been charged in a while, you stop working. You reach a point where you know that you just can’t handle anything else. You feel like your batteries have run out of juice.

And just like an iPod that's run out of juice, you might be tempted to play with the batteries to jolt them back to life. You might have another cup of coffee or grab a sugary snack. And this might work, for a little while. But just like an iPod, when your battery is dry, you need to recharge.

This is the perfect time to slow down and step back from stress. In fact, it's essential. Take a recharging break. That might mean taking a walk, stretching, going for a drive, picking up a book, or whatever it is you do when you need to unwind.

Of course, there will always be things on your to-do list. The important question is, would you rather tackle your to-do's fully charged, or running on empty? And which way do you think is more effective?

Remember this. And remember that a little recharging time can go a long way in lowering your stress levels and managing your ADD.

How do you recharge when you run out of juice? Please share your thoughts in the comments field.

A Personal Note from Jen

I have a confession to make. I’ve had a number of health issues in the last couple of years, and I’ve been keeping quiet about them. But all that’s changing.

Now before you start worrying about me, let me just come right out and tell you that my health concerns are not life-threatening. I don’t have cancer, I don’t need an organ transplant, and I’m not in the hospital! Nonetheless, I’ve been miserable. And I have a hunch that many of you will be able to relate.

And before you read too far, I just want to warn you that this note is me unbridled. I’m holding nothing back. You may encounter a swear word or two, and I hope that doesn’t offend you.

So here's the deal: I’ve felt awful for the last 3 years. I’ve been overly fatigued, gained weight that I couldn’t lose, and suffered with hormonal mood swings. And every so often, a new symptom would pop up and add itself to the mix, despite my best efforts to stay healthy. Things just got worse and worse.

Then, about a year ago, we unexpectedly lost our beloved dog Punky to cancer. Now I know that many people think that dogs are just pets, but my Punky meant the world to me. When she died, I felt like my internal motor burned out and grinded to a halt. And my health only got worse from there. There is no other way to describe to you how I’ve felt in the last year other than to say that I’ve felt like shit!  

I’ve been to countless doctors and health professionals in the last 3 years, including a number of internal medicine doctors, gynecologists, psychiatrists, an endocrinologist, a dermatologist, a psychotherapist, and a dietitian. (And I’m sure there are a few I’m forgetting.)

To each doctor, I explained my symptoms, and recounted my efforts to address them. Good nutrition, lots of rest (even though I have a lot of trouble sleeping), and plenty of exercise. I would stress that despite my best efforts, I just haven’t felt like myself in years.

Now, I saw a few well-meaning doctors, and I saw a few idiots (and I mean idiots!) My favorite was the endocrinologist who reviewed my daily food intake, decided that I was lying to him and that I must be eating more than I said, and insisted that an appetite suppressant was the key to all my problems. I still want to scream when I think about that jerk!

And even the doctors I liked weren’t very helpful. Each one disagreed with the others, and each doctor thought that treating my symptoms was the answer. No one listened—or rather, no one understood—when I told them that I wanted to find the cause of all these symptoms!

I’ve since learned that most doctors today aren’t trained to treat the whole person, they’re trained to treat symptoms. It’s a band-aid approach.

I was tired of the band-aids. I wanted to get to the root of my problems so that I could feel like myself again and get on with my life!

Now before things get too gloomy, there is some good news in this story. First, I may have finally found the cause of my health concerns! I was just about to give up on doctors completely when I found one who was able to look at the big picture and locate the source of my problems. It’s a little premature to say that I’ve been cured, but I’ve embarked on a new course and it seems to be making a big difference. When the time is right, I promise that I will share all the details.

Second, I’ve learned that I just can’t be so reliant on doctors and other professionals when it comes to my health. If I didn’t listen to my instincts and take action on my own, I’d probably be more miserable now than ever before. I know now that while having a good doctor on my side is important, I’m the one who really holds the power. I know I have a long road to healing ahead of me, but I’m ready for it! And I’ll be talking a lot more about this stuff on my blog in the coming months.

Third, and maybe most importantly, I’ve been inspired by my own health crisis to reach out to people who are facing the same challenge.

You know that I coach adults with ADD. But what you probably don’t know is that about 95% of those clients are dealing with health concerns over and above ADD. Obesity and inability to lose weight, fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue, migraines, insomnia, infertility, depression, and debilitating anxiety are just a few of the conditions that readily come to mind. So I know for a fact that I’m not the only one who’s been going through life—working, raising a family, trying to be happy—all the while feeling like shit!

It’s all of this—my own health concerns, my clients’ struggles, and my new knowledge—that led me to put together the Holistic Health Virtual Conference.

In the last year, I’ve become just as passionate about holistic health and wellness as I am about ADD. I’ve seen too many people suffering with not just their ADD, but a cascade of other health problems. I also have a sneaking suspicion that it’s all related, and the connections between general health and ADD are ones that I will definitely be exploring in the coming months.

For now, I’ve gone out of my way (and perhaps worked a little harder than I should have in my current state) to put together a stellar online event that introduces holistic health to people who are struggling to figure out the causes of their illnesses and move on with their lives.

The Holistic Health Virtual Conference speakers are experts on their topics who aren’t afraid to buck the establishment. They understand that health is about more than band-aids. They understand that health and wellness means paying attention to the whole person, and not just the person’s symptoms.

And even more importantly, each and every one of the Holistic Health Virtual Conference speakers is “in the trenches,” working to educate the public and make a positive difference in the lives of their patients and clients.
Just take a look at the Holistic Health Virtual Conference presenters, and you’ll see what I mean:

• Dr. Charles Parker (one of my favorite presenters from the Virtual AD/HD Conference) will talk to us about causes of and treatments for psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and ADD in the context of your overall health

• Shane Ellison will share his experience as a former big pharma chemist, and offer natural alternatives for curing and preventing cancer

• Dr. Steven Hotze will share some comprehensive and really powerful information on hormonal imbalances in men and women—from thyroid disorders to estrogen dominance 

• Ann Louise Gittleman will be teaching us detox strategies for weight loss and improved health

• Dr. Rodger Murphree will be educating us about the medical myths of heart disease

• Nancy Desjardins will be telling us how to live better by beating sugar and food cravings

• Dr. Michael Holick is one of the world’s leading authorities on Vitamin D, and he’ll be sharing some surprising benefits of Vitamin D when it comes to treating autoimmune diseases and chronic illnesses

• Kelley Herring will educate us on the hidden dangers in our food that can lead to infertility, birth defects, and cancer

• Dr. Daniel Amen (a favorite in the ADD community) is our Keynote Speaker and he’ll discuss the connection between our brains and bodies when it comes to losing weight

• And I’ll be addressing the topic of stress management, which I think is one of the most important wellness factors no matter who you are or what health concerns you’re dealing with

These are the people and the information that I wish someone put in front of me 3 years ago! But if you know me, then you know I’m not a complainer. I’d rather make a difference and help others in the way I wish someone could have helped me.

If you can relate to my story and you can’t seem to get your own health on track, then you’re one of the people who I had in mind when I put this event together.

Please take a look at http://www.HolisticHealthConference.com to find out more and register to join us.

Remember, this is an online event, so you don’t need to travel, and you don’t even need to attend the live sessions because downloads will be available to everyone who registers. And, of course, there will be ample opportunity to connect with others who are also struggling with health concerns and learning how to take charge of their own health.

I’ve made the whole process as easy as possible to ensure that the people who need this information are able to take advantage of it. If this sounds like you, then please do join us next week!

http://www.HolisticHealthConference.com

 Here's to health--yours and mine!

P.S. I’d love your feedback on all this. Please share your thoughts in the comments field.

Self-care for Adults with ADD: Put on Your Oxygen Mask

Happy New Year! January is a time of renewal for many of us. We like to make a fresh start and think we can take on the world! But many of us forget a very important element in ADD management, and life in general: we forget about the importance of self-care.

Take a moment to think about what happens when you get on an airplane. Before the plane takes off, the flight attendants outline safety procedures and inform you that, should the oxygen masks drop down, you must put yours on before you help anyone else. Why? Because you can't be of help to anyone if you're not breathing! This is an excellent metaphor for self-care.

Many adults with ADD (and parents of ADD kids) skimp on their own self-care. It's not easy to balance the many demands of family, career, health, friends, and personal interests. Add ADD to that mix and you can get some very overwhelmed and overworked people who sacrifice their own self-care in order to take care of everyone else -- and everything else -- around them!

I'm here to tell you to never feel guilty for putting on your oxygen mask and practicing self-care! When you take care of yourself, you function at a higher level. When you function at a higher level, you find yourself less overwhelmed and more prepared to deal with your ADD challenges, as well as the stresses of everyday life.

And when you are able to better manage and balance all the aspects of your life, there is much more ‘quality you' available to the people around you.

There are a number of things you can do to improve your self-care. Here are a couple that I think are particularly important:

1. The Basics

Are you getting the sleep, nutrients, and exercise that your body requires? Too little sleep can make you sluggish, but too much sleep can make you groggy. Excess sugar and caffeine can make you moody and speedy. And too little or too much exercise may leave you feeling tired.

It's not easy for anyone (with or without ADD) to balance proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise at all times, but the more you more you pay attention to healthy habits, the better you'll feel.

2. Medical Care

Some people choose to take ADD medication, and some people don't. This aspect of self-care isn't about medication. It's about your doctors -- from your general practitioner to your dentist!

Do you like your doctors? Do you feel at ease with them? Do you feel comfortable asking questions? In order to practice good self-care, you must have some great doctors on your side. This doesn't always come easy. It can take some time to find a doctor with whom you are comfortable, but it's worth the effort.

3. Mental Care

Here's a sure-fire way to reduce stress and set yourself up for success: take time out. Schedule in "down time" every single day to help keep your batteries charged. Retreat from the chaos of daily life and allow yourself time to relax. Even if you spend only five minutes a day meditating, walking, or just sitting quietly, it will allow you to slow your thoughts and will help you get centered.

Then, when you feel centered, take it a step further and express yourself! Journal, paint, sing, talk to your plants, or do whatever it is that allows you to express your feelings and emotions. Finding healthy ways of self-expression will help free your mind and allow you to spend more energy focusing on the other aspects of self-care.

Self-care is one of those things that you can always improve on. And the good news is that small steps will make a big difference! So the next time you find yourself cutting corners on your self-care to focus on the needs of others, remember that you can't be much help to anyone until you put on your oxygen mask!

How do you put your oxygen mask on? What elements of self-care could you afford to improve on? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Adults with ADD: My Top 3 Tips for Self-Care When the Holiday Pressure is On

Did you survive Thanksgiving? How about Black Friday? Do you already feel like you need a holiday away from all the holidays? :-)

I hate to say it, but this time of year can be quite a challenge for adults with ADD. Chances are your social calendar is filling up fast, and your list of holiday-related obligations is getting longer and longer.

And as you know, adults with ADD can get very easily overwhelmed, frustrated, and stressed out during the times when a lot is required of us.

So before things to get too crazy, take some time to slow down and get centered. Remember, you can't take care of your responsibilities--or the people around you--when you're running on empty.

So with this in mind, here are my top 3 tips for practicing excellent self-care when the pressure is on:

1. Wind down every night to destress and sleep well.

When the stress picks up, it's more important than ever to allow recharging time. Sleep is extremely important, and winding down before bed helps ensure restful sleep. Think of yourself as a cell phone. If you don't get charged, you won't work the next day!

2. Eat well.

Don't underestimate the power of food to make or break your mood and energy levels. If you use sugar and caffeine to keep you going, instead of nutritious whole foods, you're sure to crash. And crash hard!

3. Say "no."

You're the only one who knows what you can comfortably handle, and what's too much pressure, time, energy, or stress. If you push yourself too much (or allow yourself to be pushed to much) then you'll burn out and be no good to anyone!

These tips apply whether you're preparing for the holidays, traveling, or busy at work. Remember them!

How do you take care of yourself when the pressure is on? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Adults with ADD: Top 5 Ways to Have a Happy Thanksgiving

Well, the holiday season is officially upon us! And for some adults with ADD, this is the most stressful time of year.

I'm sure you're very busy this week, so here are a few quick and practical tips for managing your ADD this Thanksgiving (or any holiday.)

1. Know Your Own ADD and Plan Ahead to Deal with It

You know yourself better than anyone, so ask yourself "How does my ADD affect me on the holidays?" Make a list of all the things that tend to stress you out, and make a plan to deal with them.

Here are a few examples:

• Do you tend to say impulsive things that you later regret? Plan to take a deep breath before answering ANY questions so that you can think about your words before you speak them.
• Do hyper kids or too many people overwhelm you? Plan to excuse yourself and take a brief walk when things start feeling chaotic.
• Does a family member really make you mad when s/he starts nagging or becomes critical? Plan a simple response that won't fuel the fire, like "I'm sorry you feel that way. I'd rather talk about a great book I'm reading right now."
• Do you get antsy after a long day? Plan to end the day early, so that you don't reach the point of irritability.

2. Don't Expect Perfection

Accept that the day won't be perfect. Nothing is! Whether you're hosting the holiday, staying with family, or visiting a restaurant, realize that something is bound to go wrong. That's life. Don't hold it against yourself, or the people around you. Whatever it is, do your best to move on and let it go.

3. Ask For and Accept Help

Whatever your role is this holiday, you don't have to do it all on your own. If you're hosting the holiday, ask for help in the kitchen. This is perfectly acceptable, and most people are happy to help out where they can. If you're offered help, accept it with gratitude!

4. Remember That People Do The Best They Can

Long days with family members often end in frustration and hurt feelings. Try to remember that people do the best they can with the skills and tools they have. Hurtful comments probably aren't meant to be hurtful. Don't hold it against friends and family members who may not have the necessary skills to express themselves effectively.

5. Smile!

Set the tone for those around you by being positive, smiling often, and enjoying yourself!

Thanksgiving is only a few days away. Take some time to prepare yourself NOW so that you don't get overwhelmed later!

How do you handle Thanksgiving stress? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Adults with ADD: Are You Feeling Blah?

Sometimes, there are weeks in which many of my clients seem to be dealing with a similar challenge. For the past week, that challenge can best be described as "The Blahs."

It's not that things are falling apart, but stress and overwhelm are kicking in for what seems like no particular reason. More than anything, people are feeling tired, bored, and just kinda "blah." Since this is a recurring theme in my coaching, and I have to admit I've felt it a bit myself, too, I can only conclude one thing: this inexplicable blah feeling is a result of season changes.

While not all of us suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (depression often brought on by winter), adults with ADD are more neurologically sensitive than most. So small changes in our environment can have big effects on our mood.

Since the start of Daylight Savings Time this past weekend, the days are already much shorter and, for many of us, the temperatures have dropped significantly. The loss of daylight hours alone is enough to make an ADDer feel sluggish, tired, and moody. In other words: blah.

Slowing down in fall and winter is actually quite normal and natural, just as it's natural to feel more energy in the spring and summer. Rather than beating yourself up over feeling "blah," why not give yourself permission to slow down a bit? If you don't feel up to going out as much, or taking on too many projects, don't push yourself. If you find yourself getting tired earlier in the evening, get some extra sleep.

Humans, like all animals, are programmed to take our cues from nature. So when the sun goes down early, the animals begin to hibernate, and many of the plants around us go dormant, it's natural for us to want to slow down, too. Of course, if at any point you find yourself wanting to sleep all the time or feel extreme sadness or hopelessness, then you may be depressed and it's important to talk to your doctor. For most of us, however, the seasonal blahs will visit us every year around this time.

Instead of pushing yourself to be productive and beating yourself up because you're not getting as much done as you were a month ago, try putting your energy into cooking nourishing meals, enjoying good books, and catching up on the movies you want to see. I'm willing to bet that when you take the pressure off, those seasonal blahs will begin to fade.

How do you manage the seasonal blahs? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Do You Know the ONE ADD Management Strategy that Works for Everyone?

It's true! No matter who you are, there is one very important thing that you can do to effectively manage your ADD. I bet you'll know it when you hear it, too! But before we do that...

I want to make sure you know that you can still save $50 on registration for the Virtual AD/HD Conference! Rates increase on Monday, September 28, so now is the time to register!

Visit http://www.ADHDconference.com.

More on the conference in the next post, but first let's jump back to that one ADD management strategy that works for everyone. Can you guess what it is?

The one ADD management strategy that is guaranteed to make your ADD more manageable is...[drum roll, please]...self-care! Yes, it works for everyone. And small steps lead to really big improvements in this arena.

When I say "self-care," I'm talking about the three basic things that every person (ADD or not) needs to focus on in order to stay healthy and feel good: nutrition, exercise, and sleep.

Let's take a look at why each of these are so important for adults with ADD.

1. Nutrition

If you pay close attention to what you eat, you’ll find that the foods you consume have a big affect on your ability to manage your ADD. When you consume excess sugar (or caffeine, or simple carbohydrates), your energy spikes, and then you crash.

To manage the crash, you reach for more sugar, which once again makes your energy spike and crash. It's not uncommon for an ADDer to get stuck in this kind of cycle all day long. When that happens, you just don't feel good! You deprive yourself of the energy you need to focus on your day.

2. Exercise.

It can be hard to create an exercise routine when you feel like you're constantly running behind on life. But making exercise a priority can make a big positive impact on your ADD.

There are many benefits of exercise. And practically speaking, exercise directly helps combat many ADD challenges. It increases energy and focus, and helps you sleep better. It decreases your stress and tension levels. It gives you the opportunity to stop thinking so much, and move your body. You feel more balanced and in control. Many experts agree that exercise can be just as powerful as medication!

3. Proper Sleep

Studies show that people (without ADD) who are deprived of sleep become stressed out, have trouble concentrating, and difficulty managing tasks. Sounds like ADD, right? Now imagine how bad it is when you already have these challenges to begin with!

If you have trouble getting a good night's sleep, you may not be able to fix the problem immediately. But one thing you can do right away is make a decision to make sleep a priority! That might mean cutting out excess stimulation at night, going to bed earlier, or even making an appointment with your doctor.

When you focus on self-care, you feel better, and you lay a foundation for good ADD management.

The Bottom Line: The more you eat nutritiously, get proper sleep, and make time for exercise, the better you will feel. The better you feel, the easier it is to manage your ADD.

How does good self-care positively impact your ADD? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Adults with ADD: It's Time To Get Serious About Boundaries

Adults with ADD very often have trouble creating boundaries.

September, in particular, can be a difficult time as the world picks up its pace. It's back to school for the students. More projects suddenly appear at work. Retailers are beginning to drop hints about the holiday season. And any minute now your phone will start ringing as people begin asking you to help out with various causes and functions.

There's a lot going on, and you can get overwhelmed just thinking about it!

Without the appropriate boundaries, adults with ADD fall victim to the overwhelm-burnout cycle. You get completely overwhelmed trying to accomplish everything that you're "supposed to," and then you burn out from all the mental and physical stress.

Here are 3 simple strategies that you can use to set boundaries and take care of yourself.

1. Put yourself first.
You're no use to anyone—family, friends, or coworkers—when you're stressed out and overwhelmed. Make sure you get what you need to function at your best before committing to helping anyone else.

2. Set your own hours.
Decide when you're willing to help out or do things for other people. This includes spouses and kids! If you want a night off to relax, you're entitled to it.

3. Just say "No."
Never be afraid to turn down the requests that people make of you. You don't need an excuse to decline, either. If you truly want to do something and you have the time for it, then great. But you don't need to say "yes" just because you were asked.

Remember, good boundaries help protect adults with ADD from succumbing to overwhelm.

What have you done to create good boundaries? Share your thoughts in the comments!

6 Ways to Slow Down the Adult ADD Brain

Do you subscribe to ADDitude Magazine? If so, then check out my article on "Overwhelmed No More" in the current issue!

Today I'd like to talk about one way to tackle overwhelm, slowing down.

If you have adult ADD, then you know that slowing down is a hard thing to do. There are so many tasks to accomplish in a day, and so little time to get them done!

So your mind goes into high speed, thinking about what you want to accomplish and how you'll manage to do it, and worrying about the fact that getting it all done on any given day seems impossible. As a result, you spend a lot of time stressing out, and very little time enjoying life.

While slowing down is a difficult skill to master, it's essential for good ADD management. Slowing down your speedy brain helps you get into a calm and centered place. Once there, you're in a much better position to manage your stress and get things done.

Here are 6 proven ways to slow down the adult ADD brain:

1. Leave Work

Although sometimes it's necessary to work late, don't do it unless you absolutely have to! You'll work more efficiently during the day when the time you have to accomplish your tasks is limited. And take weekends off (or at least 2 days a week)! You deserve it.

2. Plan a Fun Night Out with Others

Nothing is more fun than a night out with people you like. This could be coworkers, friends, family, or members of a group you belong to. Give yourself something to look forward to every week, and enjoy yourself!

3. Make a Weekly Commitment (Like Taking a Class or Participating in a Group)

Find a reason to get out of the house and out of the office every week! Take a class, preferably learning something you always wanted to know how to do. Make sure you pay for the class in advance so you won't be tempted to skip it!

4. Journal

Journaling forces you to stop, reflect and process. It helps you manage stress and gain clarity. Make the decision to do it every day, even if it's just for 10 minutes! Don't worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation because no one else ever has to see what you write.

5. Practice Mindfulness Meditation

There are many different ways to meditate, and my favorite practice is mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation is simply the act of being in the present moment, whether you are working, walking, or doing the dishes! Try to keep your mind in the moment, instead of thinking about the past or worrying about the future. It's okay to begin slowly by doing 5 minutes of mindfulness meditation a day, and then building on your practice as you become more comfortable.

6. Turn off Your Computer 2 Hours Before Bed

Computers are quite stimulating, especially for ADDers. Oftentimes, you'll find yourself sitting at your computer at 3:00 in the morning totally engrossed in researching something completely random. Turn the computer off two hours before bed in order to properly wind down, and slow down, at night.

What do you do to slow down? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Adults with ADD: Are You Overcomplicating Things?

Do you ever get the feeling that you're overcomplicating things?

There are certainly many important decisions in life that need careful consideration. But people with ADD tend to get stuck "carefully considering" even the smallest decisions, like where to keep a new item that you bought, how to spend your day off, or what to order in a restaurant. I'm guilty of that one! Okay, I'm guilty of all of them! ;-)

We can easily over think the simplest of tasks, making them more complicated (and more stressful) than they need to be.

Here's a real-life example:

Donna is a former client who used to refer to herself as "The Queen on Complicated." One day, when she was sorting through the mail, she discovered a bill for routine lab work that should have been covered by her insurance.

Donna immediately became anxious. She was fairly certain that her insurance company was supposed to cover the lab work. But what if they didn't?

She knew that the best thing to do would be to call the company that sent the bill. But Donna put off calling them because she was afraid that they would tell her the lab work wasn't covered and she owed $210...

...which would lead to an uncomfortable conversation with her husband about why she didn't make sure the tests were covered before she agreed to them...

...which would lead to a problem paying the bill on time, because her credit card bill was already a little too high this month...

...which would lead to cutting out some other things, like the benefit dinner for breast cancer research (a cause that is near and dear to Donna) that she was really looking forward to...

But--and here's the important part--the situations she was anticipating were really just nervous guesses and assumptions. 

Rather than looking at the task as simply one step (making a phone call) she saw it as an overwhelming process because she was afraid that the ultimate outcome would be less than desirable.

When Donna finally stopped agonizing and made the phone call, she found out that the lab was simply missing some of her insurance information and just needed her social security number to process the claim.

All that stress for nothing! Donna spent days over thinking and overcomplicating the situation. Can you relate?

It doesn't have to be so hard!

Solutions to problems like Donna's are really just a series of steps and decisions. Step one is to make the phone call and get the facts.

Over thinking these types of situations always leads to overwhelm, procrastination, and stress. So don't do it! 

Simplify your thoughts to simplify your steps.

Do you overcomplicate the simple things? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!