Understanding the Lies We Tell Ourselves About Self-Care
As someone with ADHD, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that you’re too busy for self-care. The pressures of work, friendships, and personal goals can often push self-care to the back burner. However, the reality is that self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. When the demands of life increase, especially with the arrival of a child, the need for self-care becomes even more critical. It’s not about finding time; it’s about making time, no matter how small the window.
ADHD and Self-Care: Unlearning Lies and Embracing Truths
Navigating self-care with ADHD can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you become a parent. The journey of a new mom with ADHD reveals the critical importance of self-care, not just for personal well-being but for the health and happiness of the entire family. While ADHD presents unique challenges, it’s important to remember that while it’s not your fault, taking care of yourself is your responsibility.
Balancing Self-Care with Caring for Others
Many of us with ADHD grow up with the belief that we must take care of everyone else before ourselves. This can be particularly challenging as a new parent, where the needs of the baby seem endless. Yet, it’s possible to care for yourself while caring for your child. Simple strategies like setting up snacks and water within reach during contact naps can make a significant difference. It’s about recognizing that your needs are just as important as those of the people you care for.
Author Quote
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Self-care can be social even if it is technically more work. I find that I’m more likely to do it if it involves somebody else.
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The Power of Social Self-Care
The notion that self-care must be a solitary activity is another myth that needs debunking. For individuals with ADHD, social self-care can be incredibly effective. Engaging in activities like yoga classes or cooking lessons with others can increase the likelihood of following through with self-care routines. This approach, known as body doubling, leverages the presence of others to help us stay on task and motivated.
Key Takeaways:
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Prioritize Routine Self-Care: For adults with ADHD, especially in high-demand situations like parenthood, it's crucial to integrate self-care into daily routines. The transcript emphasizes the need to recharge regularly, even when time is limited, by scheduling essential self-care activities like massages or time alone into everyday life to prevent burnout.
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Practice Self-Care Simultaneously with Other Responsibilities: The narrative debunks the myth that self-care can only happen after all other duties are fulfilled. It suggests that adults with ADHD can and should find ways to care for themselves while managing other tasks, such as setting up a comfortable environment for contact naps with a baby, or keeping snacks and hydration accessible during work.
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Utilize Social Self-Care: The concept of body doubling, where the presence of others aids in completing tasks, can be applied to self-care for adults with ADHD. Engaging in self-care activities socially, like attending a yoga class or having a self-care party, can increase the likelihood of following through with these practices, making them more enjoyable and effective.
Recognizing and Embracing Unique Self-Care Needs
It’s easy to feel like our self-care needs are abnormal if they differ from what we see in others. However, self-care is deeply personal and varies from one person to another. Whether it’s needing more alone time, a different sleep environment, or unconventional methods like using an aerial swing, what matters is what works for you. Embracing a Growth Mindset means being open to trying new approaches and understanding that your needs are valid.
Author Quote
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If my brain and body are different from somebody else’s brain and body, it follows naturally that my brain and body might need things that are different from what somebody else’s brain and body needs.
”Overcoming ADHD Challenges for a Better Life
One of the specific challenges highlighted in the transcript is the struggle to practice self-care amidst the chaos of new parenthood. For an adult with ADHD, this can feel overwhelming, but it’s your responsibility to find ways to manage it. By incorporating Emotional Intelligence and recognizing your emotional needs, you can develop strategies that not only help you but also contribute to a better life for your child. Whether it’s scheduling regular massages or setting up a pre-work checklist, these small acts of self-care can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being.
Discover effective self-care strategies tailored for adults with ADHD by downloading the Focus Foundations eBook today.