In a transformative and enlightening episode of the ADHD Support Talk Radio Podcast, co-host Lynne Edris is joined by special guest Adam Coutts to delve into the powerful benefits of mindfulness and meditation for adults with ADHD. They explore the unique challenges individuals with ADHD may face when practicing mindfulness and offer valuable tips and strategies to improve focus and cultivate mindfulness in daily life.
Lynne and Adam begin the episode by discussing the concept of mindfulness and its relevance for individuals with ADHD. They explain that mindfulness involves intentionally bringing one’s attention to the present moment, without judgment or attachment. This practice can help individuals with ADHD develop greater self-awareness, regulate their emotions, and improve their ability to focus and concentrate.
They highlight the benefits of mindfulness for individuals with ADHD, such as reducing impulsivity, enhancing executive functioning skills, and managing stress and anxiety. By incorporating mindfulness into their daily routines, individuals can experience a greater sense of calm, clarity, and overall well-being.
However, Lynne and Adam also acknowledge the unique challenges individuals with ADHD may encounter when practicing mindfulness. They discuss common obstacles, including difficulty staying focused, restlessness, and racing thoughts. These challenges can make it challenging to establish a consistent mindfulness practice.
To address these challenges, Lynne and Adam share practical tips and strategies to help individuals with ADHD improve focus and cultivate mindfulness:
1. Start Small: Begin with short, manageable mindfulness sessions. Start with just a few minutes a day and gradually increase the duration over time.
2. Use Guided Meditations: Utilize guided meditations specifically designed for ADHD to provide structure and support during practice. These guided meditations can help individuals stay focused and engaged.
3. Incorporate Mindfulness into Daily Activities: Practice mindfulness during daily activities such as eating, walking, or doing household chores. Pay attention to your senses, thoughts, and emotions during these activities, bringing a mindful presence to the present moment.
4. Create a Routine: Establish a regular mindfulness routine by scheduling specific times for practice each day. Consistency is key to developing a habit and reaping the benefits of mindfulness.
5. Explore Different Techniques: Experiment with various mindfulness techniques, such as focused attention on the breath, body scans, loving-kindness meditation, or mindful movement (e.g., yoga or tai chi). Find the techniques that resonate with you and incorporate them into your practice.
6. Embrace Imperfection: Let go of perfectionism and approach mindfulness with an attitude of curiosity and non-judgment. Accept that your mind may wander during practice, and gently bring your attention back to the present moment without self-criticism.
7. Seek Support: Consider joining a mindfulness group or working with a mindfulness coach or therapist who specializes in ADHD. These resources can provide guidance, accountability, and support on your mindfulness journey.
Lynne and Adam also emphasize the importance of integrating mindfulness into daily life beyond formal meditation practice. They discuss the concept of “informal mindfulness,” which involves bringing a mindful presence to everyday activities and interactions. By consciously engaging in the present moment and cultivating non-judgmental awareness, individuals with ADHD can enhance their focus, reduce impulsivity, and improve their overall well-being.
Throughout the episode, Lynne and Adam share personal anecdotes, insights, and practical strategies to empower individuals with ADHD to embrace mindfulness and meditation as valuable tools for self-care and self-improvement. By incorporating mindfulness into their daily lives, individuals can experience the transformative effects of greater focus, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
In conclusion, the episode featuring Lynne Edris and Adam Coutts on the ADHD Support Talk Radio Podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of the benefits of mindfulness and meditation for adults with ADHD. Through their insightful discussions and practical tips, Lynne and Adam encourage listeners to embrace mindfulness as a powerful tool for improving focus, managing impulsivity, and cultivating overall well-being. By integrating mindfulness into their daily lives and addressing the unique challenges they may face, individuals with ADHD can experience profound positive changes and embark on a path of personal growth and self-discovery.
Adam Coutts has taught thousands of people how to meditate, to calm their minds and feel a greater depth to life. He loves meditating and sharing with others what he has found through meditation – centeredness, self-awareness, meaning, clarity, vitality, spaciousness, and dignity. His teaching is marked by humor, relatable references to some of the more personal sides of being human, and quick insight into the deeper meaning of students’ questions, as well as his in depth exploration of his own and others ADHD. Since starting to teach in 2002, he has provided weekly sitting groups, one-on-one coaching, and eight-week classes, as well as live and virtual classes in corporations, jails, and schools. He began daily meditation in 1989 and has lived for four years in monasteries in America, India, Thailand, and Japan. For more information, visit his website at https://IntroMeditation.com/.
Podcast Co-Host Lynne Edris helps overwhelmed professionals take control of their time and tackle their to-dos with ease so they have more time, more energy, and more money for what they love most! As a woman with ADHD herself, she has been where her clients are and come out the other side, so to speak. She’s gone from living in a constant state of chaos and under-performance to a life full of success and fulfillment, and wants to help you achieve your version of success as well! Learn more about Lynne at www.CoachingADDvantages.com.
ADHD Support Talk Radio is an award winning Podcast for Adults with ADD / ADHD. Co-hosts Tara McGillicuddy and Lynne Edris are joined by Adult ADHD experts and they cover important topics related to Adult ADD / ADHD. Podcast guests include Dr. Edward Hallowell, Dr. Stephanie Sarkis, Dr. Ari Tuckman, Laurie Dupar, Terry Matlen and many more.
Tara McGillicuddy is the Producer, Owner and Co-host of the ADHD Support Talk Radio Podcast. You may contact Tara with general questions or feedback about the podcast.
Lynne Edris is the Co-host of the ADHD Support Talk Radio Podcast. You may contact Lynne with feedback about her episodes.
1 Response to "ADHD Mindfulness & Meditation"
This was an AMAZING episode! I’m an intuitive healer and HS empath, and this was an amazingly informative episode to begin a journey into meditation and self reflection. Lynne, I loved listening to you host this episode because you gave such an insight that builds confidence and understanding for those who are hesitant and interested in trying this mindfulness thing. I’m aware of Tara’s connection with energetic healing and have attended some of her sessions, so to hear it from another side that’s growing and getting deeper into their authentic and higher selves is what we need in this post-new world time.
Adam, it was a pleasure learning from you! I am going to look into your blogs and it’s an energetic prophecy to have your divine masculine energy in the goal to shift the line of thought and perspective in all genders with self-reflection and meditation. I listen to a lot of affirmation meditations, some are even sleep meditation affirmations that are 8-hours. I think affirmation is a more putting word than mantra which as you mentioned has a more Asian and mystical tie, I’m not going to correctly spell the name, but in Hawaiian tradition there is a prayer that is similar in affirmation/mantra called the forgiveness prayer. Something similar to “I love you. I’m sorry, I forgive you. Thank you.”
I also think the term you brought up of “destructive hyper focus” is a game changer in creating awareness towards what things people with ADHD do to progress their situation versus what others would normally call “procrastinate”.
Thank you again!