Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) can get very
easily overwhelmed, frustrated, and stressed out during the
times when a lot is required of us. And when we're in that
state, we tend to skimp on self-care. We think that we
should go, go, go and do, do, do—without taking care
of ourselves first.
Last year we moved to a very small town. The nearest
grocery store is 15 minutes away. My bank is 20 minutes
away. And the farm where I like to get organic meat is in
the opposite direction, in the middle of nowhere, about 45
minutes away.
If I leave my house on only a quarter tank of gas and want
to go to all three places, I won't make it. My car gets
fairly good mileage, but I won't get to where I want to go
unless I stop and refuel.
Pretend, for a moment, that you are a car. How much gas is
in your tank right now?
In the same way that a car can't drive without gas, you
can't give to those around you when your tank is empty. And
in the same way that a car drives best on a full tank of
gas, you have a lot more to give when your tank is full on
self-care.
This means that you make sure your needs are being met
before you meet everyone else's needs—that includes
your spouse or partner, your boss, your parents, your
siblings and yes, even your kids to some degree. Otherwise,
you burn out. And then you're no help to anyone.
If a car can't drive a couple of hours on a quarter tank of
gas, how can you go all day, all week, all month, without
filling your tank?
So here's some fuel for thought...my top 3 tips for
practicing excellent self-care when the pressure is on:
1. Wind down every night to de-stress and sleep well.
When the stress picks up, it's more important than ever to
allow recharging time. Sleep is extremely important, and
winding down before bed helps ensure restful sleep. Think
of yourself as a cell phone. If you don't get charged, you
won't work the next day!
2. Eat well.
Don't underestimate the power of food to make or break your
mood and energy levels. If you use sugar and caffeine to
keep you going, instead of nutritious whole foods, you're
sure to crash. And crash hard!
3. Say "no."
You're the only one who knows what you can comfortably
handle, and what's too much pressure, time, energy, or
stress. If you push yourself too much (or allow yourself to
be pushed too much) then you'll burn out and be no good to
anyone!
These tips apply whether you're traveling, busy at work, or
preparing for the holidays. Remember them!
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Jennifer Koretsky is the Founder of the ADD Management
Group, Inc. and the author of the new book Odd One Out: The
Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD. Jennifer and her team work
with ADD adults who are overwhelmed with everyday life in
order to help them simplify, focus, and succeed. For free
resources and information on adult ADD, visit
http://www.ADDmanagement.com .
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