ADHD Adults Need Downtime ADHD adults need downtime if they want to be productive. But this may seem counterintuitive to you, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed with everything you need to do. So, stay with me, as I make the case that downtime will help you not only feel better but do your best work.
What Does It Mean to Be Productive?
Productivity is when you are doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time so you can channel your time, energy, and effort into making the highest possible contribution toward the goals and activities that matter to you.
- Downtime is one of the activities that will help you accomplish what you decide is essential.
What Does Downtime Look Like for ADHD Adults?
True downtime is doing a whole lot of nothing.
- To avoid either of these scenarios, try: “mindless” walks light cleaning listening to music pulling weeds taking a bath w/music walking meditation sleep!!
It Will Take Practice and Feel Uncomfortable, At First
You’ve developed a habit of being busy and having a fast-paced life. It will take some time and practice to unlearn this way of operating.
- Try practicing for a short time, maybe 15 minutes a day. I think you’ll be amazed at the results over time.
Why Is It So Hard for ADHD Adults to Stop Being Busy?
You may not take the time to do the upfront thinking necessary to decide where you want to go big and what activities will help you do that.
- Another reason you are so busy is you have a hard time saying “no.”
- Vanessa Bohns, associate professor of Organizational Behavior at Cornell University, explains why this may be:
- We don’t want to reject people
- Managing the impressions other people have of us
- But, when you can’t deliver, you obviously end up letting down people
Downtime Is a Key Part of Managing Your ADHD
Your brain can only work so hard before it conks out. Rest helps to replenish its stores of attention and motivation, encourage productivity and creativity, and is essential to both achieve our highest levels of performance and simply form stable memories in everyday life.
- It’s a fundamental part of good self-care.
