I should preface this blog post by stating that I have never been diagnosed with ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, the neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. I’m actually a pretty vocal skeptic that ADHD affects as many people as TikTok users seem to think. (Controversial take, I know.)
But over the years I’ve noticed that I will often get hit with waves of overwhelm and stress and then – BAM – my thinking and actions are the poster child of an adult with ADHD. The disorder is characterized by symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty with attention, focus, and organization. The biggest symptom of ADHD that I identify with when life gets stressful, is the significant impact of ADHD on daily life… some of the smallest tasks can become a challenge, such as combing your hair daily.
I got my first solid nudge of “you’re not alone in this” when I confided on an online forum that I sometimes have trouble finding the motivation and drive to do mundane things like brushing my hair or teeth or showering when I go through what I had been viewing as stress, overwhelm, or depression. It was pointed out to me that this is fairly common in those with ADHD.
When I took to Reddit and trolled the forums, I was shocked at how much these voices sounded like my own. Not all the time (I am chronically cycling through being on the top of my game, and then just chugging along in what can only be described as ADHD periods), so again, I’m not saying I have ADHD, because I go though full cycles of weeks and months where I feel like I don’t identify, but DAMN, when I get hit with waves of it (whatever IT is) I identify hard.
Studies have shown that individuals with ADHD have difficulty with executive functioning, which includes planning, organizing, and completing tasks.
These difficulties can make it challenging to manage daily routines, such as grooming, that require a high level of attention and organization.
While life isn’t overly stressful right now, the trigger that has me spiraling into this ADHD zone right now is my damn Byte aligners. I’m on week 2 of my 14 week treatment plan, and the discomfort and lisp and change in diet (I can only comfortably eat soft foods) has me going deep into self-preservation mode, and basic tasks are a CHORE, yo.
According the interwebs: When someone with ADHD attempts to complete a task that requires sustained attention, they may find themselves easily distracted and unable to focus on the task at hand. This challenge can lead to frustration, which can further exacerbate the problem, making it even more challenging to complete the task. (ME RIGHT NOW.)
Additionally, individuals with ADHD may experience what is known as “hyperfocus.” Hyperfocus is a state of intense concentration where someone becomes completely absorbed in a task, to the point where they ignore everything else around them. While this may seem like a positive trait, it can be problematic when it comes to completing everyday tasks such as grooming. The individual may become so absorbed in the task that they lose track of time or forget about other essential tasks. (ME. ME. ME. OMG, WHYYYY.)
More from the interwebs: Despite these challenges, it is important to recognize that individuals with ADHD are accomplishing a great deal when they can complete small tasks such as combing their hair daily. These tasks may seem insignificant, but for someone with ADHD, they may require a great deal of effort and focus. Every small accomplishment should be celebrated and recognized as a significant achievement. (PREACH!)
So let’s work on a change of focus, yeah? Because as we know, it’s all about perspective.
LET’S CHOOSE TO CELEBRATE THE SMALL VICTORIES WHEN LIFE IS HARD.
Let’s celebrate that we took a deep breath, walked to our bathroom, took out the hairbrush, and BRUSHED OUR DAMN HAIR. Because sometimes, even when we stayed on task for everything else that day, remembering to do the small things – like brushing our hair – is a huge victory. And it deserves to be celebrated, not on it’s own merits, but by the effort, focus and will we exerted to make it happen.
Be kind to yourself, compassionate, and show yourself love, giving credit where credit is due. If you brushed your hair today, GOOD JOB. YOU ARE AMAZING! Much love to everyone who resonates with this message as much as I do right now!
So, if you struggle with completing daily tasks due to ADHD, or just being overwhelmed with life / pain / discomfort / stress, know that you are not alone. It is essential to be patient with yourself and recognize that even the smallest accomplishments require effort and focus. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, and remember that every step counts towards achieving your goals.
