Your brain isn't broken, it's just different

Here's what helped me shift that belief

It was during a breathwork session that I had an epiphany:

“My brain isn’t broken, it’s just different”.

Once I realised that, instead of trying to “fix” my ADHD, I started creating a life that actually works with it.

I need variety, so I gave myself permission to have it.

Spinning two careers can feel like a lot, but it gives me the stimulation I need to stay engaged. I stopped seeing that as a flaw and started designing my work around it.

Movement, nature, and diet

Engaging in hobbies and sports that keep me engaged, release endorphins and serotonin is a game changer. Surfing gets me into the ocean and out of my head, whilst yoga keeps me calm and grounded.

I eat whole foods and plenty of veg and keep processed stuff to a minimum. Heavy carbs leave me feeling foggy, so I choose meals that give me energy, not a crash.

In the beginning, it felt restrictive. But once I noticed how alert and balanced I felt as a result, it became a no-brainer.

Structure (but not too much)

I ensure that my days have structure but not too much, so that I don’t feel chained to a certain routine. I block out time for priorities, but try to remain flexible.

Of course, there are days when this isn’t possible, but when things don’t go according to plan, I try not to beat myself up and instead adjust accordingly.

Bigger goals keep me motivated, especially when they’re tied to something meaningful. Purpose helps me push through resistance and stay focused.

Breaking down goals to weekly and monthly can be helpful, but again I try not to remain too fixated on them.

Working with, not against my traits

As I began to restructure my life around my brains uniqueness, I slowly accepted what I had historically perceived as flaws and instead looked at them as strengths.

It’s not an ability to focus, but a desire for constant stimulation. So I work in 25-minute sprints, body doubling when I can and listening to isochronic tones to keep my brain on track.

I take mini breathwork breaks throughout the day. They’ve replaced the caffeine habit and helped me avoid the mid-afternoon slump.

Hyperfocus isn’t always easy to manage, but when channelled it gives met the fuel to get big projects done in one dopamine fulled sesh!

My restlessness has a place. I use it to explore, create and keep learning. It’s part of what makes me me.

Redefining what’s possible

Not everything would go to plan and when it didn’t that was ok. I viewed perfectionism as a form of procrastination and began beginning projects that I had sat on for years. The fear of failure is still there, but taking action builds momentum, which is exactly what my brain needs.

Once I saw ADHD as a part of me, rather than problem to fix, I felt ready to put myself out there as a breathwork coach.

Through my own trial and error experiments, I learned strategies that could help others. Which led me to launch Breathe with ADHD and this newsletter.

Slowly I began to view my brain as became a superpower that just needed a little fine tuning every now and then. Once I had the structure in place, I could turn my attention to creating a life that allowed to flourish rather than stifle me.

I don’t always get it right. But I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to thrive, not just cope.

Sometimes, all it takes is a moment of awareness.

A quiet reframing.

A choice to stop fighting yourself and start listening instead.

Managing to remain still as I share tips, tricks and techniques with others that have helped me.