Author name: admin

Ah, procrastination. The magical ability to find yourself alphabetizing your spice rack instead of starting that “big, important thing.” (I mean, who doesn’t need perfectly organized cumin in a crisis?) Here’s the thing: procrastination isn’t about being lazy. For people with ADHD, it often stems from task initiation struggles, thanks to how our brains process motivation. Why ADHD Brains Procrastinate The ADHD brain craves dopamine—that feel-good chemical that makes things fun, exciting, or rewarding. Tasks that don’t immediately spark joy (hello, tax forms!) don’t produce enough dopamine, so your brain tries to protect you by doing something easier or more enjoyable. But there’s hope! Over the years, I’ve worked with countless individuals who’ve turned procrastination into progress using a few tailored strategies. 3 ADHD-Specific Tricks to Tackle Procrastination Why These Strategies Stick Unlike neurotypical brains, ADHD brains need a little extra creativity to overcome procrastination. These tips aren’t about brute force—they’re about hacking your brain to work with you, not against you. So next time you find yourself avoiding a task (or suddenly obsessed with organizing your sock drawer), try one of these. Your brain might surprise you! Amy Harper

Ever feel like time just vanishes? One minute, it’s morning, and suddenly, the day’s gone. This isn’t about being careless—it’s a common experience for those of us with ADHD, known as time blindness. Why Does This Happen? ADHD affects our internal clocks, making it tough to gauge time accurately. Research indicates that individuals with ADHD often struggle with time perception, leading to challenges in estimating how long tasks will take*. Strategies to Navigate Time Blindness How I Used These Tips Let me tell you a quick story. A few years ago, I was constantly late to meetings. No matter how hard I tried, I’d underestimate how long it would take to wrap up what I was doing, gather my things, and head out the door. It was exhausting and left me feeling like I was constantly disappointing people—and myself. That’s when I started using visual timers. I bought a Time Timer, the kind that shows time ticking away as a red section slowly disappears. I set it for 10 minutes before I needed to leave. When I saw the red shrinking, it clicked: I needed to start wrapping up, not keep working. Adding buffer time made a huge difference, too. I now plan for 15 minutes of “transition time” between tasks, like finishing one project and heading into a meeting. It felt weird at first, but over time, I realized it was giving my brain the space it needed to shift gears. These changes didn’t just help me stay on time—they helped me feel less stressed and more in control of my day. If time has been slipping through your fingers, give these tips a try. Remember, you’re not working against your brain—you’re learning how to work with it. Amy Harper ​*​https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/4/3098?

Burnout. It’s that overwhelming sense of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion. And for those of us with ADHD, it can hit like a freight train—fast and hard. Why ADHD and Burnout Go Hand-in-Hand Managing ADHD takes constant effort. You’re juggling forgetfulness, distractions, impulsivity, and emotional intensity—all while trying to “keep up” in a world that doesn’t run on ADHD time. Over time, that mental load leads to burnout. Research indicates that individuals with ADHD often experience emotional challenges. For instance, a study published in Frontiers in Psychology discusses emotional fluctuations in adults with ADHD, suggesting a link between ADHD and emotional dysregulation*. When burnout hits, it doesn’t just feel like fatigue. It can look like this: ADHD-Friendly Self-Care Strategies for Burnout A Note to Remember If you’re feeling burnt out, you’re not failing—you’re human. ADHD brains work overtime, and it’s okay to slow down, set boundaries, and recharge. Start with one small step today. Amy Harper ​www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.571101/full

Navigating relationships can be challenging, and when ADHD is part of the equation, it introduces unique dynamics that affect friendships, family bonds, and romantic partnerships. Understanding these impacts is the first step toward building stronger, more harmonious connections. ADHD and Its Effects on Relationships ADHD symptoms—such as inattention, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation—can influence interactions in various ways: These challenges can strain relationships, but with awareness and proactive strategies, it’s possible to foster understanding and cooperation. Strategies for Navigating Conflicts Additional Resources For more insights and strategies on managing ADHD in relationships, consider exploring the following articles: Remember, every relationship has its challenges, and ADHD doesn’t define your ability to maintain meaningful connections. With empathy, communication, and the right strategies, you can navigate conflicts and strengthen your relationships. Warm regards, Amy Harper