Living simply, with ADHD.

[u/Impermanentlyhere]

How does one shift towards a more simple life with dopamine seeking behaviours/habits caused by ADHD? Can anyone relate? I hyperfixate on the next expensive skin product or gym class or influencer or kitchen appliance that I think will make my life better and it all adds up to mental and physical clutter. I have too many possessions and it never feels like enough- I really want to minimise but then I’ll go through a low season and impulse buy more. My brain feels like it wasn’t built in way that’s conducive to a slow, grateful life. It’s always, “what’s next” can anyone relate?

[u/autodidact-polymath]

I shifted all my focus to repairing and refinishing.

I also have a shit ton of tools and like to repair, refurbish, renew different items to make them mine.

All my furniture is refinished and some pieces are customized even further for me.

I buy used/refurbished and I follow a unique mantra.

The best (non-electronic) stuff was built before 2005. Kitchenware, real wood furniture, cars, etc.

So, go look for that stuff.

Go to Goodwill and find the heaviest silverware, or go to an estate sale and find really nice pots, pans, knives. Find real wood furniture and get some sandpaper, stain and finish. 

Lastly, use technology to make your hobbies more sustainable. Between buying used on eBay, to using Chat GPT to give you tips for how to build a 100% organic garden bed.

It is not about mindless consumption, but find the stuff that you really WANT to have that you never thought to buy used. 

[u/remindsmeofbae → u/autodidact-polymath]

I always hear that old cars are more sturdy. But, what about ABS (anti lock breaking system)? How is the safety features like airbag? Can we install them in old cars? Sorry for silly questions, I seriously am curious.

[u/joewillhatch → u/remindsmeofbae]

Old cars are more heavy (think big “boats” from 70s-90s) but not necessarily more safe, new cars are designed to crumple at high speed collisions and keep the cabin/occupants cushioned. Driving the heavier/older car will cause more damage to the lighter plastic car, but may also kill the occupants of the plastic car it collides with because the force isn’t being reduced by “crumpling” on impact. So may be “safer for me” but not other drivers.

Lastly, trees tend not to move an inch when you hit them so you absorb all the impact on your seatbelt are without an airbag.