Summary: understimulation is real and manageable

In this episode, I'm talking about ADHD understimulation: what it is, why it feels so much bigger than boredom, and how it can leave you feeling physically stuck, mentally foggy, restless, or exhausted. I compare understimulation to procrastination and depression and I've got some solutions to stay stimulated.

Get support in Jen's "We Are A Lot" online community. An interactive (yet self-paced, no forced socializing) group giving you 24/7 peer to peer support. It's designed for ADHD/AuDHD humans that need connection and support with taking action, so you're not doing it all alone. You get daily body doubling sessions with Jen, weekly check-in progress meetings, extras like live Q&A's with Jen, book club meetings, journaling sessions with Jen, instructional videos for nervous system regulation, a private chat community, free worksheets, guides and printables, journal prompts, as well as all of the podcast episodes early and ad-free, video versions with transcripts, and four audio bonus episodes per month. This monthly membership supports learning things at your own pace so that you can act like your own ADHD/AuDHD coach whenever you want. Join the "We Are A Lot" Community for $24.99/month, or I am offering over 3 months free if you join annually and check it out no pressure with a one-week free trial!

Things Mentioned in This Episode: My fave productivity tools BrainFM (30 day free trial) and The Time Timer.

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Shop to Support the Show: Jen's Favorite ADHD Supports (with discounts!)

Brain.fm — A Focus Tool I Use Every Day I listen while I work and I can feel my brain lock in. It's not AI, or binaural beats. Brain.fm is science-backed sound made by musicians and scientists for ADHD brains. I want you to try it for 30 days free, with my link!

The Big A## Calendar I have the Big A## wall calendar that maps out the entire year and the Big A## personal planner with 365 days in one view, dry erase markers, color coded labels. With my unique link you can get 10% off of your order.

Hugimals — Weighted Comfort for Kids & Adults I own Hugimals, give them as gifts, and love that they're made by a neurodivergent founder who understands nervous system needs. These weighted stuffed animals and pillows help with anxiety and overwhelm, and you can get 15% off anytime using my link and code JENKIRKMAN (it never expires).

Bookshop.org — Books I Recommend I love Bookshop.org because every purchase supports your local independent bookstore, not Amazon, while still shipping directly to you. I've curated book lists on ADHD/AuDHD and mental health, and you can get 20% off everything when you shop using my link.

The Time Timer - a Cute Visual Time Tool! I use my Time Timer every single day to help me visualize time during work blocks, and to gamify chores. There's no discount, but when you use my link I earn a percentage that goes directly into supporting this podcast.

Appointed — Planners, Notebooks & Desk Goods Appointed notebooks are my go-to for my spiral notebooks, day planners, calendars and Le Pen pens for list-making, journaling, and planning. Save 15% off with my link and code JENKIRKMAN.

UnHide — Soft, Weighted Comfort I love UnHide's products. Their faux fur weighted blankets, pillows, robes, and socks are incredibly soft and calming. You can get 20% off with my link and code JEN20.

Research Referenced In This Episode:

A Guide To Understimulated ADHD: ADD Org Website

ADHD Can Cause Overstimulation and Understimulation: Health Hero Website