Get dopamine
Today, we’re talking about dopamine and how it affects ADHD brains differently than neurotypical folks.
This is an excerpt from my new course on Getting Shit Done with ADHD. It’s available for preorder now for 40% off, and will be launching at full price soon.
How does dopamine affect people with ADHD?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that regulates learning and motivation.
People with ADHD don’t have enough of it in our brains. It’s the underlying cause of many of the traits associated with ADHD.
Because we don’t have enough of it, our brains naturally crave things that result in an increase in dopamine production. It’s what we’re drawn to things that are fun and things that provide an immediate feedback loop. It’s also why boring things can feel physically painful.
How to get more dopamine
If you’re struggling to getting started, or struggling to stay focused once you do, you might benefit from creating more dopamine in your brain. But if our brains don’t make enough of it, how exactly do you do that?
There are a few ways you can get your body to make more dopamine…
- Exercise
- Exposure to sunlight
- Caffeine
- ADHD medication
Don’t just power through it
If your natural dopamine level is too low, you can stare at your computer for hours and get absolutely nothing done.
Don’t waste your time trying to “power through it.” It work. You’ll get the same amount done as if you just walked away from your computer entirely, but you’ll feel more frustrated and exhausted.
Instead, take a break and do a dopamine-generating activity.
Drink a soda, tea, or cup of coffee. Go for a brisk walk or do a workout. Sit in the sun. If you’ve been prescribed ADHD medication and haven’t taken any for the day, consider doing so.
You can even combine techniques!
I like to work in my garden. It gets me out in the sun, and often involves physical activity like digging up roots, relocating heavy rocks, and moving wheelbarrows of soil around. Or I might go for a hike in the woods with my dog and a cup of coffee.
An hour spent increasing your dopamine levels can save you hours spent staring at your computer doing nothing.