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How to Focus with ADHD
For me, having ADHD means dealing with lots of thoughts and constant mental chatter. In this episode, I share my personal journey with ADHD and explain one simple method that’s helped me regain focus and mental clarity.
ADHD Isn’t Real
Growing up, I heard people dismiss ADHD as a “fake thing” or a result of bad parenting, so I never really thought to identify with it. It was only recently, in my therapy sessions, that I realized just how much ADHD sounds like my brain and how it affects my thinking and productivity. Recognizing this has allowed me to stop fighting it and learn to work with it.
One Thing That Really Helps Me
On days when I can’t focus, I feel unproductive and bad about myself. But recently I’ve noticed that one simple act of journaling can make all the difference. I know journaling is a boring answer, but it’s really worked for me. Others call it brain dumping, and this is how to do it. Before I start working for the day, if I notice my brain is hyperactive, overwhelmed with thoughts, I get out a journal and write them down. Every thought bouncing around in my head, I just write it down.
This helps me filter what actually needed my attention. Just seeing all my thoughts on paper and out of my head really helps to refocus what needs my attention first. This process also calms my mind and allows me to work more efficiently because I’m not trying to manage all those thoughts anymore. It’s like I don’t have to attend to them, because I just gave them each a second to be heard.
Working With, Not Against, My Brain
Identifying as someone with ADHD has helped me manage my mental restlessness because I can stop shaming myself. I now see ADHD as a different way of thinking. It’s not something that’s wrong, just different. And with journaling, I can better work with my brain and turn what used to feel chaotic into clarity.
Want to be kinder to yourself and quiet your inner critic?
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