They have so much that they cant sit still or focus on one task for very long.
That stereotype is an oversimplification at best and entirely inaccurate for millions of people with ADHD at worst.
What Is Mental Fatigue?
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Mental fatigue refers to a feeling of cognitive and emotionalexhaustionthat manifests as feeling too tired to think.
Temporary episodes of mental fatigue can happen to anyone after a period of intensive mental effort.
Just like physical exercise makes you physically tired, mental exercise makes you mentally tired.
One clue is that your typical ADHD symptoms become worse than usual.
With that said, resting with ADHD is easier said than done, especially if you have sleep difficulties.
Everyone gets overwhelmed now and again, so theres bound to be an opportunity to repay the favor.
Step away, switch activities, and get outside if you’re free to.
Dont bring your phone with you.
Try practicingmindfulnessto focus on your present surroundings and your present feelings.
Name what you see and what youre feeling right now, physically and psychologically.
Let them pass, and attempt to return to your focus on the present moment.
That might include asking for help with certain chores or responsibilities.
To prevent exhaustion, find creative ways to eliminate decisions where you’re free to.
Thats your next task.
Be realistic about your workload
Its easy to over-commit yourself when you have ADHD.
Yourimpulsivenesscan make you commit to plans you probably should have skipped.
However, preventing a future episode means being unflinchingly honest with yourself about what you could handle.
Practice sayingnoto your own impulses and things that others ask of you.
Often, thats acreativehobby like drawing, playing music, gardening, or evenjournaling.
Sometimes, its a sport or physical activity.
Sometimes, its a repetitive craft like knitting or woodworking.
Whatever it is, set aside time to do it on a regular basis.
Start your day with 15-20 minutes of journaling or free drawing.
Commit to spending every Sunday afternoon knitting something for a friend (ideally without TV or other distractions).
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