Leveraging ADHD Energy
Leveraging energy? Is that even a thing with us ADHDers? It seems like our energy has only two modes, full blast or nothing at all, and a mind of its own. Who ever heard of lassoing much less directing your energy toward consistently getting things done? Read on to find out how it's possible, even for us neurodiverse folks.
Six tips on leveraging ADHD energy
So long, Cookie cutter: Embrace the idea that your energy level is unique. Figure out your unique rhythm. Not all of us are going to be the most productive at the same times of day. That’s why they call us diverse.
Natural rhythms: Think about the times of day that you naturally have the most attuned energy for rote tasks, creative tasks, reflection, exercise, relating with others, hobbies, and just plain checking out.
Example: do you have the most optimistic attitude in the morning, afternoon, or evening? Are you the most sluggish in the morning, afternoon, or evening? If you were going to exercise, would you typically do it in the morning, afternoon, or evening? How does exercising leave you in terms of ability to focus? Depending on your answer, schedule a high focus or low focus activity following exercise.
Map it out: Grab your planner and plan out a typical day of activities that correspond with your natural energy rhythms.
What if there’s no rhyme or reason? If you find that your energy rhythms are all over the place and don’t have times of day that are consistent, maybe try listing physical symptoms that are your go to signs that you have low energy as well as tell tale signs that you have intensely high energy that needs a physical outlet, and a list of symptoms that tell you you’re primed for focusing.
Categorize to do lists: Tailor your to do list in sections of task, creative, physical release, and rest types of energy.
For example: under physical release, you might list rake the yard or practice for the 5k. Under low energy, you might list favorite movies you’ve been wanting to watch or take a luxurious bubble bath. Under focus or task oriented energy you might list rote activities like fold the laundry, unload the dishes, or knock out the paperwork you’ve been putting off. Under creative energy, you might list: reorganize your closet, research that term paper, create a smoother system for getting information from one place to another.
Apply as needed: Once all lists are started, add to them when tasks present themselves and organize them appropriately. Then, all you have to do is notice what kind of energy you’re experiencing at different times of the day and pick a task from the corresponding category on your to do list. Wala!! You are making constructive use of your time no matter how your energy level is presenting!
To wrap up, managing ADHD energy might sound like a totally overwhelming and perhaps impossible task. However, the tips above have hopefully raised your hopes of increasing your productivity no matter which way the energy seems to be flowing at any given time.