Everyone gets stressed everyone once in awhile, but when you have adult ADHD, you may feel the effects of stress more differently than other people. ADHD symptoms such as frustration and impatience elevate stress and anxiety. Adults with ADHD can take a simple stressful situation and completely throw you off course. Here are some techniques you can use to relieve your stress.
Alter the Stressor – Rather than giving into the stress, look at what is given you the stress and try to think of other ways to manage or alter it. For instance, if you constantly get stuck in traffic, is there another route that you can take? If you got into an argument with someone, try walking away or scheduling another time when you and the other person are both calm. If something is added to your already full plate, you can always delegate, postpone or put something off to relieve the pressure. Remind yourself to redirect to stress busting alternatives before you get too wrapped up in a physical or emotional reaction.
Acceptance – Chronic stress can come from an internal conflict of struggling against a situation or things that you cannot change. When you want something that you cannot have or you wished your family understood your ADHD, you are in constant state of stress. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your sense of calm and happiness is to just accept what is and stop struggling. When we release control and let things go, the things that we desire or the situation we want to change will work out on its own for the better.
Support System – Having a loving and supportive people in your life with whom you can talk to about your stressed feelings and turn for support is an invaluable in managing stress. Numerous studies have shown that having a supportive network of people contributes to better psychological well being. If you don’t have a strong social support network, then being by reaching out to friend, reengaging with positive people around you, finding a support group and strengthen your relationship with your significant other and family.
Disconnect – As we have become more and more attached to our electronic devices, it seems that we can never get away from work, facebook, text and emails. We feel pressured to respond, spend more time and read everything that is in front of us. The best thing to do is to take time to disconnect away from everything electronic for a few hours a day; this will bring less stress and better peace of mind.
Seek Treatment – If you stress is overwhelming and has impacted your physical or mental health, do not try to manage it on your own. Seek a mental health professional who can help you create a stress relief plan of action for your life. Don’t allow your stress to turn into depression or heart disease. The best thing you can do for yourself is to ask for help.