It has been a very rainy summer here in Vermont. ADHD like any condition that has an effect on our moods, seems to be affected by sunshine or lack of it. That's just a personal observation mind you. The worst part of what is happening right now is that it rains every weekend and is hot and sunny during the week.
As I sit in my office looking out the window trying desperately to concentrate, I've come to the conclusion that all the meds and meditating in the world can't seem to stop me from wanting to go outside and play. This weather is just not fair. Hmm, what am I going to do about this?
I've got it! I will expand my lunch "hour" to 60 minutes from 30 and go for a mindfulness meditation walk at lunchtime. Now, how to rearrange my schedule and clients, and when will I eat my salad? Details, just details. I'll change the times in my appointment book and speak to each of the clients that will be effected. My first priority is sunshine. Here is an idea, I will do a mindfulness meditation walk to the park and eat my salad on the swings. This way I will meditate, play, eat and feel the sun on my face. This is a glorious way to take care of my need for mindfulness meditation, food and play. It is also a great way to add balance to life and to help to take charge of ADHD. Perhaps I should have named this article ADHD & Problem Solving? always remember, mindfulness matters... Mindfulness Matters Coaching®
Nice to see that this post is still peaking people's interest. Thanks for your comments.
Posted by: Judi Jerome | January 11, 2012 at 09:26 AM
Actually, you can cope with this condition when you spent in the west enough time. Some people are simply not ready to leave for another place.
Posted by: Mary | December 15, 2011 at 03:48 AM
Well, apparently I hit a hot topic (no pun intended).
Jeff, please consult your doctor about using an SAD lite box before winter and "spring" or what we call "mud season" here in the northeast takes you too low.
Mary, you are correct, there is plenty of research but I was not in the mood to look it up so I kept it light (again no pun intended).
And Andrea, I'd love to know what that supplement is so please email me.
Thank you all so much for commenting. It means a lot to me.
Posted by: Judi Jerome | July 03, 2011 at 08:26 AM
Sounds like Seasonal Affective Disorder. The lack of sunshine, especially in light of the brutal winter we had in the Northeast (I'm in New York) and the Amazon-like rainy season (formerly known as "Spring"), well, I thought I would shoot myself because of the lack of sunshine.
Interestingly, I hate sitting in the sun but, give me an outdoor project and I'm a happy camper so I'm off to Lowes this morning to get some lumber for a little project that I want to tackle...for my front lawn.
Posted by: Jeff | July 01, 2011 at 10:14 AM
This makes a lot of sense to me and explains a lot. I've been taking a natural supplement to help my concentration, but only in the winter months. I just didn't seem to need it in the summer. Now I know why.
Posted by: Andreastenberg | July 01, 2011 at 09:31 AM
Actually there is a lot of research linking ADHD with lack of sunshine and low levels vitamin D. It's one of the reasons I moved to the west. And I've found it makes a great deal of difference.
Posted by: Mary Baker | June 30, 2011 at 01:17 PM