The Lost Skill of Resting With ADHD

Rest should be accessible to all. Regardless of financial struggles, health issues, commitments, or other life challenges, rest should not be a privilege limited to a select few. Unfortunately, marginalized communities, including those with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD, are disproportionately affected by a lack of adequate rest.

My journey into understanding the significance of rest began with my own diagnosis of ADHD. Despite devoting long hours to work, I found myself accomplishing very little. Curious, I tracked my work hours and discovered that I spent less than ten hours each week engaged in productive activities.

The question arose: why was I experiencing such exhaustion with so little work? I came to realize that what I perceived as rest was not genuinely rejuvenating. My mind was constantly occupied with tasks I felt compelled to address, leading to fatigue and mental exhaustion.

Factors Contributing to Rest Difficulties for People With ADHD

Several factors can explain why individuals with ADHD often face challenges in resting effectively.

• Rest as a Privilege: Our society often portrays rest as a reward earned through hard work rather than a basic biological necessity. This notion, combined with personal feelings of laziness or lack of discipline, can create internal conflicts and hinder genuine rest.

• Mental Preoccupation: Even during attempts to rest, individuals with ADHD may engage in self-criticism for not engaging in productive activities. This mental activity consumes brain energy, reducing available resources for rejuvenation.

• Brain Noise: Research suggests that individuals with ADHD experience increased brain noise compared to neurotypical individuals. This constant background chatter can lead to racing thoughts and difficulty tuning out distractions, contributing to fatigue.

Approaches to Understanding and Practicing Rest With ADHD

If general relaxation advice has not been effective for you, consider exploring alternative approaches to rest tailored to the unique challenges faced by individuals with ADHD.

• Personalized Rest Activities: Rest does not need to conform to societal expectations. It can encompass any activity that is relaxing and replenishing for you, whether that's exercising, doing chores, or pursuing creative endeavors.

• Flexibility in Timing: Instead of rigid, brief breaks throughout the day, consider extended periods of rest, such as taking a day off after an intense work period. This approach may be more effective for individuals with ADHD.

• Permission to Rest: Grant yourself permission to rest when needed, regardless of whether you believe you have "earned" it. Understand that burnout and paralysis are signals that your brain requires rest, empowering you to prioritize self-care.

Rest as a Fundamental Aspect of Self-Care

Rest is an essential part of self-care. It plays a vital role in mental and physical well-being, enabling the body and mind to recharge and revitalize. By understanding the specific factors that hinder effective rest for individuals with ADHD, we can develop strategies that promote genuine relaxation and rejuvenation.