Posts

Living Healthier with ADHD: Embracing Change and Finding Balance

Living Healthier with ADHD: A Journey It's only just sinking in how tough it can be to live a healthier life. Not drinking alcohol, being hyper-aware of my feelings, and managing my days—it’s a lot. Holidays are a Whole Different Experience Now In the past, holidays meant drinking every afternoon or evening—whether at the pub or at home. That routine gave me structure. Now, without alcohol, I notice things I didn’t before, like how emotionally challenging holidays can be.  Facing My Feelings I’m now super aware of what affects my mood: too much phone time, not enough activity, etc. Some days, I miss when life felt easier. Looking back, I realize I was self-medicating with alcohol. I wouldn’t call myself an alcoholic, but I could see myself heading down that path. Giving up alcohol for the past two and a half years has been amazing, though.  It has made me more in touch with my emotions, even when they feel raw. ADHD Diagnosis: A Game-Changer Since my ADHD diagnosis, so...

Finding Focus: How an ADHD Diagnosis Can Change Your Life

I've been thinking about what led me to seek an ADHD diagnosis. While I don't remember a specific incident, I gradually became more aware of ADHD symptoms and realized how many I had! One of my dreams was to get a degree. I didn't go to university at 18 like many of my friends because I didn't get the grades. In 2016, at 46, I started studying part-time with the Open University. My degree changed three times before I settled on an Open degree with Honours. I was working full-time and studying part-time. I wasn't confident I'd complete it, but I did well in my studies, putting immense pressure on myself to get high marks while procrastinating and feeling frustrated. In 2021, I stopped working to focus on my degree. My plan was to complete the last two modules in one year while looking after our new puppy and settling into our new house. This is when things fell apart. Without the structure of work, I struggled to find motivation to study, even though I wanted to ...

Unlocking Rest: Seven Types of Rest to Recharge and Thrive with ADHD

I recently chatted with a friend who also has ADHD about my anxiety around struggling to relax and my desire to find ways to unwind over Christmas.  My friend kindly shared a YouTube video, which I found helpful.  Here is the link for anyone who wants to check it out:  https://youtu.be/erwj2_5MlBk?si=WU20d57-tUT9iQQ3 For one, I never considered there were different types of rest!  My main takeaway from watching the video was that resting really isn't sitting on the sofa for hours, scrolling on social media, which I know drains me and I end up feeling guilty.  Rest for me could be walking the dog, after sitting at my desk for hours, or journaling or meditating after spending a lot of time with others.   The different types of rest we need are: Physical rest ~ for me this actually means being active, to counteract the time I spend sitting at my desk.  For others who are very active, physical rest may actually mean having a nap during the day....

Unlocking Potential: How ADHD Life Coaching Empowers Adoptees.

  Living with ADHD can be challenging, and for adoptees, these challenges can be compounded by unique emotional and psychological factors.  ADHD life coaching offers a supportive and transformative approach to managing these difficulties, providing adoptees with the tools they need to navigate their lives more effectively.  In this blog post, we'll explore the specific challenges that adoptees with ADHD often face and how ADHD Life Coaching can be a powerful ally in overcoming these obstacles. Understanding ADHD in Adoptees Adoptees with ADHD often encounter a complex interplay of issues stemming from both their neurological condition and their adoption experiences.  ADHD symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity can be intensified by feelings of loss, identity struggles, and attachment issues common in adoptees.  ADHD Life Coaching can help by providing a safe space to explore these overlapping challenges, offering strategies tailored to ...

Transforming Lives: How Acknowledgement Enhances ADHD Life Coaching

  In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the significance of acknowledging ourselves and those around us. When it comes to ADHD life coaching, this acknowledgement becomes even more crucial. Both coaches and clients navigate unique challenges, and recognising these efforts can lead to profound growth and empowerment. This blog post delves into why acknowledgement is vital in the ADHD coaching relationship and how it can transform the coaching experience for both parties involved. Understanding ADHD and Its Challenges  ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affects millions of individuals worldwide. It presents a variety of challenges, including difficulties in maintaining attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. For those with ADHD, everyday tasks can seem overwhelming, and the struggle to stay organised or focused can hinder personal and professional growth. As a life coach, understanding these challenges is the first step in providing effective support....

Navigating Life with ADHD: Insights from My Two-Year Journey

 Two years ago, my life took a pivotal turn when I was diagnosed with ADHD.  What began as a struggle with anxiety and an inability to find structure in my daily life gradually led to a deeper understanding of my own mind.  This journey has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons.  From completing my degree with first-class honours to embarking on a new career path as an ADHD life coach, I have discovered a newfound sense of happiness and purpose.  In this blog post, I will share my experiences over the past two years, highlighting the transformative impact of my ADHD diagnosis and the path it has paved for my future. The Struggle Before Diagnosis Before my ADHD diagnosis, life often felt like an uphill battle.  I experienced anxiety and depression, and I often found myself overwhelmed by the demands of daily life.  Leaving work to focus on my studies only heightened my struggle to create structure and routine.  My challenges...

Calm the Chaos: Effective Strategies to Quiet an ADHD Mind

Introduction: Living with an ADHD brain can often feel like being in a constant state of mental motion, even when your body is at rest. This mental restlessness can be particularly challenging during times when relaxation is expected, such as on a holiday. Understanding the reasons for your busy brain and discovering effective strategies to manage it can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life. In this blog post, we will explore the nature of an ADHD brain, delve into the reasons behind its busyness, and provide practical methods to help you find mental calmness amid the chaos. Understanding the ADHD Brain Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While many associate ADHD with physical restlessness, the mental restlessness it causes can be equally disruptive. The ADHD brain is wired to seek constant stimulation, making it difficult to switch off or relax. This can resu...