EP. 21: Why Can't ADHDers Ever Relax? The Fight-or-Flight Trap That Follows You on Vacation | ADHD with Jenna Free

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Chapters

00:00 Understanding ADHD and Rest
00:49 The Impact of Dysregulation on Enjoyment
04:26 Chronic Fight or Flight and Its Effects
07:44 Challenging Thoughts and Beliefs
11:08 Nervous System Regulation Strategies
13:56 All or Nothing Thinking in Rest
16:35 Finding Balance in Rest and Productivity
19:30 Transitioning Between Tasks
25:51 Overcoming Barriers to Rest

Summary

In this episode of the ADHD with Jenna Free podcast, I dive into rest and ADHD, exploring the struggle between dysregulation and the ability to relax. I get into how external factors often get blamed for difficulties in resting, while the real issues may lie within our thoughts, beliefs, and nervous system regulation. I talk about how to challenge all-or-nothing thinking, the importance of finding balance in daily life, and practical strategies for achieving a more regulated state that allows for genuine enjoyment and rest.

Takeaways

• Rest is often hard for those with ADHD due to dysregulation.
• Chronic fight or flight states hinder relaxation.
• External factors are not the sole cause of our inability to rest.
• Nervous system regulation is crucial for relaxation.
• Slowing down can help manage dysregulation.
• All or nothing thinking can prevent effective rest.
• Regulated rest is about balance, not extremes.
• Rest should be integrated into daily life, not seen as a reward.

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