Sustainable ADHD Witch

It’s easy to get sucked into screens. We get addicted to the dopamine from the instant reward of learning new things and maybe enjoy an inflated ego when we get new likes and followers. Like the rest of existence, everything in moderation is key to healthy lifestyle choices and stress management. Here are five things I do that don’t necessarily require a screen.

One: Exercise. Take a little nature walk, go for a bike ride, lift some weights, do yoga. Get your body moving instead of your mind. I find exercise helps me get out of my head and the constant want want want cycles and into reality

Two: Art. Specifically painting. I find this to be a great outlet for creative energy. It’ll be a mind game but in a way that doesn’t draw from negative cycles. If you are new to painting I suggest trying abstract instead of realism. There is basically no wrong way to do abstract and you can connect to your inner child with playing with colors pattens and shapes.

Three: Knitting. This is a soothing repetitive activity for me. I don’t knit super hard things that require me to keep an eye on a patten all the time. Instead I keep a couple of easy knitting projects in motion so when I want to get lost in yarn, I can do so.

Four: Cooking & Baking. Sometimes following a predefined list of steps is just what I need to keep my wits about me. I don’t need to think much beyond reading and following through on each measurement and step. Plus, the result is usually a nice little treat or meal so that makes me and my stomach happy.

Five: Music. I am fortunate enough to have multiple different instruments and to be able to play them. In fact, one instrument I didn’t learn or own until my working adult years so it’s never to late to give something new a try. I find music challenges my senses, my motor skills and my ear. I have to coordinate both my hands to make the desired sound and depending on the instrument, coordinate my breathing. I find playing my instruments not only brings me joy but also helps me regulate my emotions.

Those are my five I can do without a screen. Of course sometimes I use my phone to follow a workout, reference an image, double check a knitting pattern, follow a recipe, and play backing music to play along with. But, I’m not doom scrolling, or reading news articles that spiral me. I’m using technology with a purpose to better enrich my life.

I hope some of you find this helpful!