Nurturing Your ADHD Overwhelm: A Kind Approach

Annabelle Denmark • Apr 02, 2024

A somatic and solution based approach to your overwhelm paralysis

girl sitting with laptop in messy room

Hey there! Welcome to a space where we're diving into a common struggle – overwhelm paralysis. It's that feeling of being swamped with too much stuff, especially if you're dealing with ADHD. We get it – taking action or making decisions can feel like a huge task.


When overwhelm hits, it's like hitting pause. You might feel stuck, finding it tough to tackle tasks or decide what to do. It's not just in your head; it can almost feel like a physical inability to move.


Let's Get to Know Your Nervous System


Time to explore the mystery behind the scenes – your nervous system. ADHD overwhelm can trigger a fight/flight or freeze response, especially when faced with new situations. The fears might range from forgetting important appointments to the fear of not being good enough.

Here are several interventions to help your nervous system get back to a calm place.


  • Movement : when feeling stuck, walk away from the decision making and go for a walk, or stretch, or turn on your favorite tune. Gentle movement has shown to help the body get out of its fight/flight/freeze state
  • Weighted blanket or jacket. An evenly distributed weight around you may help you settle and feel more grounded. Please check my blog entry on weighted jackets
  • Hot cold drinks. When feeling paralysed, try drinking either something warm or cold. Just holding the cup or glass may help you become more present and allowing you to slow down your thinking.
  • Co regulation. Sometimes all we need connecting with  a loved one, a kid, or even a pet – their calming presence can work wonders.



Once your nervous system feels a bit more settled, we can look for ways to help get past the paralysis.


Facing the Block:  List Your Fears: Write down what scares you about the task. Acknowledge those fears, and you'll take away their power.

Body Doubling: Get a partner in crime, someone familiar with the task or just willing to stay on the phone. Having someone by your side can be a game-changer.

Set a Timer: A bit of pressure can be a good thing. Set a timer to create a sense of urgency without the overwhelming dread.

Music : studies have shown that music helps neurodivergent brains stay on track. Choose a music that does not distract you but keeps you focused.

Distraction Elimination: Create a bubble of focus. Silence notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and let the outside world disappear for a bit.



Sharing Tips and Tricks!

Found other techniques that work wonders for you? Drop your wisdom in the comments below and let's build a community of support. Remember, it's okay to struggle, but it's even better to share the strategies that help us navigate the maze of ADHD overwhelm. We're in this together! 🚀 #ADHDWarriors #NurturingParalysis #CommunitySupport #spicybrain #nurtureyourADHD




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