Regulating Your Nervous System as a Woman with ADHD

The above picture gives you a hint about the #1 thing I do to calm my nervous system. The thing I can't live without and has made a major impact on my journey to healing mind, body, and soul. 

Hold tight, I'll share more on that in a sec. But first a quick chat about something that's not talked about enough in the ADHD space, especially for women.

The need to regulate your nervous system.

And I do mean NEED!

When you've gone your whole life trying to function in societal frameworks that weren't made for your brain or body, it's like living full throttle all…the…time (Even when full throttle is internal and looks like lack of action on the outside).

As women with ADHD we have to think harder, strategize, mask, and compensate just to survive. Not to mention the fact that we're often responsible for the needs of others on top of our own.

Pair all of that with ever changing hormones and you've got a nervous system on constant high alert which takes its toll mentally and physically. 

After all, high alert is a survival mode and is meant to be an occasional setting, not a way of life.

Some women who come to me have reached their breaking point emotionally and mentally more than once in their life time. It's also not uncommon for women to develop a chronic illness such as an autoimmune disease (ahem…me) because of the constant stress they feel.

But my main message to you today is: 

Prevention and/or major healing can come from incorporating simple nervous system regulating practices into your every day life. 

And if you've ever worked with me you know that SIMPLE practices with POWERFUL results is what I'm all about!

Which brings me full circle back to the number one thing I do to regulate my nervous system. And by the way, I have years of evidence of its effectiveness. Here it is… (Pardon me as I step into my zen, hippie mode).

I step outside onto my back patio and lay in my hammock under my favorite big tree. I feel the safety of the hammock cradle me and I take a deep breath in and let it out slowly.

Then, with intention, I look up at the leaves, hear the wind rustle through them (which is my favorite), listen to the birds chirping, look at the clouds (or stars if it's at night), smell what floats through the air, watch flocks of birds and planes fly by, listen to the adorable voice of the toddler next door, notice the fireflies, take a sip of a nice cold drink, and ponder upon the little joys of life.

My family will tell you that I take my hammocking very seriously:). It's a sacred time for me.

The great thing is that you don't need a hammock to incorporate simple nervous system regulating practices into your day (though I highly recommend you run, don't walk, to amazon and buy a hammock and frame ASAP).

You just need to pause with intention when you notice that rushing inside you. Practice pausing when you feel overwhelmed and then sit outside for a few minutes (if weather permits) and do what I do. Notice what you see, smell, taste, and feel. Remind yourself that in this moment, you are safe.

Because that's what you HAVEN'T felt all of this time. You haven't felt safe…safe to pause, safe to be you, safe to release your tight grip on life…safe to exist.

I want you to know that you are always safe with me. That I will always do my best to create a space where you are truly seen, but not judged because I have been where you are. I live with ADHD every day.

And though I'm still constantly learning, I've come a long way, and I’ve spent years helping women reclaim their lives and live cohesively with their ADHD brain. And I can help you too.

The truth is that knowing isn't enough, we all need help in bridging the gap between knowing and doing. 

You can book a free 30 min. ADHD relief call with me HERE any time.

You bring me what you're struggling with and I'll help you untangle it all and help you figure out some simple, but powerful, next steps for you can incorporate right away.

NOW GO BUY THAT HAMMOCK! 

Email me at jody@jodylong.com if you want me to send you the link to my favorite one.

Have a great week!

Xo, Jody