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/venturebirdday]

I started by WORKING, and it was work, to pay attention to the specks of peace that arrived in my world. I began to notice that new - whatever it was - was a blip-up followed by a down. I focused on the the down part. What were behaviors, moments, interactions that were not followed by a down?

By focusing on the upward blip, I reinforced certain behaviors. Once I started paying attention to the down part, I saw the cycle. For me getting rid of stuff was probably the biggest change. My ADHD is a capacity driven beast. If I keep to a schedule, keep my life minimal, never listen to the news or watch social media, I am not over taxed and the beast stays locked up. If I over-stimulate myself, the cage door swings open and things go badly. Regular exercise was also something that helped me to do better. Yoga was my favorite but now that I live in the woods, I walk.

My ADHD has become useful, I am always working.

I remain unable to sit through an entire tv show but my laundry is done. I cannot keep my desk clean but because I own so little, the rest of my home stays tidy and welcoming.

Good luck on your journey.