Is being bored a problem when you have ADHD?
Whenever I felt bored in the past, it would feel like the world was ending. Yes very dramatic, but it really feels like this.
Boredom is not a symptom of ADHD, though, but it's a result of not having enough dopamine. Which seriously impacts our ability to stay on task or do things we don't like.
It's pretty annoying because there will be moments in life where you have to do things that aren't fun, and your brain will end up looking for the path of least resistance. Aka, dopamine boost. Aka distractions like doom scrolling or researching random things like how to make the perfect coffee using a French press.
Everyone has to do boring tasks once in a while, of course, but for us, ADHD'ers is just way more difficult. Neurotypicals can focus on future rewards to help them through it, while for us, this doesn't motivate us. We want relief from the boredom, and we want it now.
Luckily, there are a few things we can do to try to make our lives easier.
Add a fun element to your tedious tasks.
I've noticed that certain types of music can help me stay focused and inspired. I've not created a personal playlist yet, but I've been favoriting a few playlists on Spotify for when I want to be in the zone.
Noise-canceling headphones help, too. I can't get into the task when there are distracting noises around me, like my cats chasing each other around my apartment.
Give yourself a dopamine boost before you start the task
My most productive mornings are when I start my day with a workout. I get my body moving, and this triggers my dopamine AND serotonin, which gives me a huge mood booster.
To beat that afternoon dip, I sometimes go for a walk in the park while listening to an inspiring podcast. I also combine this walk with a cold swim on Tuesday and Thursday. But I know not everybody has access to an outdoor swimming place. Cold showers do the trick!
Have you heard of body-doubling?
Body doubling simply means doing a task in the presence of another person. Having an accountability partner makes a world of difference for somebody with ADHD.
You can work together on the same task, or your buddy might just be present doing their own thing while keeping you in check, sort of speak. You can do this online or IRL.
I'm part of One Woman Band, where we have multiple online co-working sessions per week, and this has been a life changer for me. If you want to try out virtual co-working, I can also recommend Focusmate.