Mastering ADHD: Effective Strategies to Overcome Symptoms
Mastering ADHD: Effective Strategies to Overcome Symptoms
In this article, we'll discuss how to reset ADHD symptoms and improve your self-regulatory system (SR). People with ADHD have a shorter SR fuel tank, which means they have less willpower throughout the day. This can lead to an increased risk of losing control and becoming overwhelmed with ADHD symptoms.
We'll explore the impact of executive tasks on the SR fuel tank, as well as factors that can drain the tank such as stress, drugs, alcohol, illness, poor time management, emotional self-regulation, and lack of self-motivation. We'll also provide tips for refueling the SR fuel tank, including incorporating great rewards, positive emotions, self-encouragement, positive affirmations, small breaks between tasks, and meditation.
Key Takeaways
- People with ADHD have a shorter SR fuel tank, which can lead to an increased risk of losing control and becoming overwhelmed with symptoms.
- Factors that can drain the SR fuel tank include stress, drugs, alcohol, illness, poor time management, emotional self-regulation, and lack of self-motivation.
- To refuel the SR fuel tank, incorporate great rewards, positive emotions, self-encouragement, positive affirmations, small breaks between tasks, and meditation.
Understanding ADHD and the SR Regulatory System
People with ADHD have a shorter self-regulatory (SR) fuel tank, which is essentially their willpower. When performing executive tasks such as time management, working, and being responsible, this fuel tank gets drained quickly. This is especially true for those with ADHD. If the tank gets emptied without refilling it, it can lead to a lack of self-control and an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Children experience this when they come home from school and are made to do homework without refilling their fuel tank. Adults experience this differently when they try to go back-to-back with work or responsibilities without taking time to recharge. This can lead to increased anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed with the next task.
There are four main factors that can easily drain the SR tank. These include stress, drugs, alcohol, and illness. The more stress a person experiences, the faster their tank gets drained. Drugs, illness, and alcohol can also tap out the tank quickly.
Time management is another factor that can easily drain the tank. Going through the day with back-to-back meetings and taking lunch breaks at the desk can continuously drain the tank.
Emotional self-regulation is also important. Going through a breakup or an argument with someone can drain the fuel tank. Having no self-motivation can also lead to procrastination and feelings of weakness.
To refuel the SR tank, there are several strategies that can be employed. One strategy is to have something positive to look forward to. This can be a great reward or a positive emotion. Self-encouragement and positive affirmations are also important. Taking small breaks between tasks and getting outside during lunch can help recharge the tank. Meditation and positive self-image can also be helpful.
By being aware of the SR regulatory system and using strategies to refill the SR tank, people with ADHD can better manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
Impact of Executive Tasks on SR Fuel Tank
When it comes to ADHD symptoms, people with ADHD have a shorter SR fuel tank. The SR regulatory system is the fuel tank, which is essentially your willpower. If you empty this tank without refilling it, you increase your chances of having no self-control. This can lead to snacking on junk food, rushing your work, or even having an outburst of emotions.
Executive tasks such as working, being responsible, and time management can tap out our fuel tank faster, especially for those with ADHD. If we do not refill our tank, we can become more anxious, overwhelmed, and compulsive. For children, doing homework without allowing them to refill their fuel tank can lead to a lack of self-control. For adults, going back-to-back with work or responsibilities without taking time to recharge can lead to compulsive behavior.
There are several examples of executive tasks that can easily drain our tank. Stress, drugs, alcohol, and illness are some of the main culprits. The more stress we're under throughout our day, the more our tank gets drained. Being sick taps out the tank as well, and alcohol can be a huge problem for people with ADHD.
Time management can also drain our tank. If we have meetings all day and then take our food to our desk to do our work and eat at the same time, we drain our tank continuously. Emotional self-regulation, such as going through a breakup or an argument with someone, can also drain our tank. Having no self-motivation can lead to procrastination and planning for the future, which can also drain our tank.
To refuel our SR tank, we need to have something to look forward to, such as a great reward or positive emotion. Self-encouragement and positive affirmations are also important. Taking small breaks between tasks, such as a five-minute bathroom break or getting outside during lunchtime, can help us recharge. Meditation and positive self-image can also help us refuel our tank.
Overall, it is important to be mindful of our executive tasks and how they impact our SR fuel tank. By taking steps to refill our tank, we can better manage our ADHD symptoms and increase our self-control.
Factors Draining the SR Fuel Tank
Stress, Drugs, Alcohol and Illness
Stress, drugs, alcohol, and illness are some of the factors that can easily drain the Sr fuel tank. The more stress we experience throughout the day, the more the tank gets drained out. Similarly, the more drugs we take, the more the tank gets drained out. Being sick also taps out the tank, as does alcohol. Alcohol is a huge problem for people with ADHD, and it explains why some people with ADHD do not do well with it.
Time Management
Time management is another factor that can easily drain the Sr fuel tank. Going through the day with back-to-back meetings, taking your food to your desk to do your work and eat at the same time, and going all day without taking any breaks can continuously drain you. The goal is to find little slots that can refill your fuel tank.
Emotional Self-Regulation
Going through a breakup or an argument with someone can really drain our fuel tank. Emotional self-regulation is important to avoid draining the Sr fuel tank.
Lack of Self-Motivation
Lack of self-motivation can also drain the Sr fuel tank. When we focus on what we didn't do and think that we're weak-minded, it can easily make us have negative thoughts and drain our fuel tank.
To refuel the Sr tank, here are some ways:
- Have something to look forward to, such as great rewards and positive emotions.
- Practice self-encouragement and positive affirmations.
- Take small breaks between tasks.
- Practice meditation and positive self-image.
By incorporating these steps throughout your day, you can avoid losing control of your symptoms and becoming overwhelmed with ADHD. These steps can help both people who are going the route with medication and those who are not.
Refueling the SR Fuel Tank
Planning Rewards and Positive Emotions
To refill your SR fuel tank, it is important to plan rewards and positive emotions throughout your day. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your tasks. Think about something you can look forward to, like watching your favorite TV show or taking a relaxing bath. This can bring positive emotions and help you feel more energized.
Self-Encouragement and Positive Affirmations
Self-encouragement and positive affirmations are also important for refueling your SR fuel tank. When you feel tired or overwhelmed, remind yourself that you can get through it. Use positive self-talk to reinforce your confidence and motivation. For example, tell yourself, "I am capable of handling this task" or "I can do this."
Taking Small Breaks
Taking small breaks throughout your day can also help refill your SR fuel tank. Even just a five-minute break to walk around or stretch can help you recharge. If possible, take a longer break for lunch and get some fresh air. Try to avoid using your phone or checking emails during your breaks, and instead use the time to relax and recharge.
Meditation and Positive Self-Image
Meditation and positive self-image can also be helpful for refueling your SR fuel tank. Try waking up a little earlier to give yourself time for meditation or visualization exercises. Envision how you want your day to go and focus on positive outcomes. When negative thoughts come up, try flipping the coin and focusing on the positive instead. This can help you stay motivated and energized throughout the day.
You can listen to the full podcast episode here.
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