From an article written by Leslie Josel
To help my students get unstuck and started, I introduced the concept of setting “seven daily intentions.” They provide a roadmap for the day, but in a gentler and more balanced manner. And I hope they help all of you, too!
1. Do something for your BRAIN.
Help your child with their online learning or teach them a new life skill (I have a client who is working through the car manual with her 16-year-old son), read a book, learn a new skill or dust off an old one. Do SOMETHING that requires some heavy mental lifting.
And a tip within a tip? If you have a child at home, have them teach YOU! Does your child play an instrument? Know the secret to mastering chess? My son has been teaching my husband how to play the ukulele, and the confidence and connection is priceless.
2. Do something for the HOUSE.
As we all shelter in place, there is no end to what needs to be done in our homes. Whether it’s cooking a meal, creating your monthly budget, paying bills, or planting your spring garden, make sure that every day you are putting in “house time.” Being able to “control” what little we can provides a sense of accomplishment and progress.
And a tip within a tip? Grab your children or your spouse and work together! Sometimes “body doubling” (being in an environment where others are doing what you’re doing) is super motivating. Make it fun by playing everyone’s favorite music and having snacks on hand.
3. Do something for your BODY.
Whether it’s a virtual yoga class, going for a walk, eating healthy or morning meditation, the way you treat your body directly effects your ADHD brain. Engage and invigorate your brain with an invigorating walk in the fresh spring air or a dance cardio workout.
4. Do something for YOURSELF.
I firmly believe that self-care is more important than ever. Whether you relax in a soothing bubble bath, catch up with friends on a Zoom call, or indulge in your favorite ice cream and entertainment magazine (Ok, that’s mine!), building “YOU” time into your day is not selfish but essential and medicinal. Our stress and anxiety levels are off the charts right now. So, remember, no guilt! Taking care of yourself allows you the brain power to take care of others!
5. Do something for SOMEONE ELSE.
This one is my favorite. Why? Because I’m finding the more we are physically distant from others, the more we crave human connection. Our desire to help and support each other – from our immediate family to our community – is powerful and important. Not only does it enrich our lives, it also keeps us happy and filled with purpose.
6. Do something for your SPACE.
Making beds, doing laundry, and yes, even cleaning can provide some much-needed order during this chaos. Performing small daily tasks will provide you with small successes, building the muscle you need to tackle those larger, more daunting projects! If you are looking for ideas for starting a large organizing project, I invite you to check out this easy-to-follow roadmap for getting started: https://www.additudemag.com/home-projects-coronavirus/
7. Do something for YOUR FUTURE GOALS.
I can’t stress this point enough: Balance your focus between today and what comes next. This is critical to your well-being. I know it is impossible to plan, as we can’t predict the “when,” but working toward future goals gives us some power and control to be ready when it does.
Questions? Let’s chat!
Bettina Weil
Founder, Weil College Advising, LLC.
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