Tip of The Week
Feeling overwhelmed? Me too.
I tried turning off the news and avoiding social media. I tried and failed. It’s almost impossible.
If you know anything about addiction it’s not enough to say, “I’m not going to do that any more.” You also have to be prepared with a Go-To Option. Or several. Something you enjoy.
Reading a Favorite Book to Lower Stress
Several articles and some friends suggested a simple strategy: Re-read a favorite book. Or re-watch favorite movies.
I did, and found it tremendously comforting.
I reread one of my favorite Sci-Fi novels, The Day of the Triffids, and savored the experience. Surprisingly, the book, about a huge natural disaster, was an engrossing and relaxing read. I suppose that’s because I know how it turns out. Comfort food for the brain.
So, if you need a break from all that’s going on in the world, reconnect with touchstones from your past. Just for an evening. Or one day. Or five. (And don’t feel like you’re being a bad citizen, or irresponsible. You can catch up on current events in 10 minutes, if and when you decide to reconnect.)
It’s not just people with ADHD who benefit from making what doctors call “Adaptive” versus “Mal-adaptive” choices. Focusing on what one finds upsetting, disempowering, or unhealthy drains you. White-knuckling it is exhausting.
With ADHD it’s drawing on an already limited resource: Willpower. Whereas replacing negative input with positive activities you enjoy? Easier and healthier in the short-term and the long-run. What books do you love? Do you have stories you’ve read over and over? What movies or sitcoms never lose their appeal for you?
PS: Here are My Top 10 Books About ADHD
See Also:
Time Management: I’m Always Late – Video (with Dr. Anthony Rostain)
The Interesting Secret to Planning and Organizing – Video (with Rick Green)
Parenting Kids When You Are Stressed – Blog (By Elaine Taylor-Klaus)
7 Holiday Stress Busters – Blog (By Rick Green)
