Dealing with ADHD seems to fly in the face of keeping a journal.
Yet, shutting out the noise and taking the time to record thoughts, feelings, and experiences can help improve the lives of those with ADHD.
Read on, for a list of benefits of journaling while living with ADHD:
Improving Problem-Solving Skills
According to verywellmind.com, people with ADHD can struggle to reference past experiences – a problem-solving stumbling block. The same source cites how trying to solve problems can trigger impulsive, regrettable reactions that inflame the issue.
An article from ADDitudepoints out how problem-solving strategies are often conjured from the brains’ left side. This realm of thinking is more analytical—and isn’t always a suitable solution.
Alternatively, the intuitive, right side of the brain gets unlocked by writing, and it can help solve problems before they get out of control.
Alleviating Stress
ADHD disrupts focus because it removes filters for stimuli. In turn, this vastly increases stress levels, according to healthline.com.
The previously mentioned article from ADDitude discusses how the intensity of painful emotions (e.g., anger, sadness) can be offset by writing down such feelings.
A journal isn’t only an outlet that allows for venting. It also lets the writer compartmentalise their feelings and gain further insights into why they’re experiencing emotional pain.
Thus, journaling keeps people with ADHD present, so they can focus on a given task at hand. It’ll prevent distractions caused by negative stimuli and emotions.
Providing Insights into Behavioural Patterns
Writing down the happenings of every day makes it easier to track various patterns in behaviour.
Many of these trends are harmful—such as persistent insomnia or angry outbursts. But they might go unnoticed (and, therefore, unamended) if they aren’t being tracked in a journal. After all, focusing on these seemingly little things can be incredibly tricky with ADHD.
Upon recognising these patterns, it becomes possible to remedy the more negative trends by figuring out triggers that perpetuate the issues. Journaling slows down the thinking process (a crucial benefit when struggling with ADHD) and almost provides an outer perspective. Conversely, internalising these issues creates repetitive thought cycles that only reinforce adverse behaviours.
This particular benefit was explored in an article on hackingyouradhd.com
It’s Time to Put Your Pen to Paper if You Have ADHD
There’s no doubting the positives stemming from journaling with ADHD.
So, what are you waiting for? Crack open a notebook, start writing, and experience a drastic boost to your mood, behaviours, and overall productivity.
