Practicing Self-Compassion. Have You Hugged Yourself Today?

Practicing Self-compassion is often missing in the ADD/ADHD treatment plan.

Where does practicing self-compassion fit in your life?

You are trying to get through the day with the triple-play impact of: 1)shame; 2) negative self-talk and 3)low self-esteem.

That’s in addition to the daily challenges that come with an ADD/ADHD diagnosis such as time-blindness, distractibility, forgetfulness, low motivation and high emotional response.

Medication, therapy, exercise, good nutrition and sleep habits go a long way towards feeling more in control.

But, there’s one thing missing.  Self-compassion.

That may be the very last thing that you think about when you’re “fighting the battle.”

After all, you grew up hearing criticism from people who mattered: lazy, procrastinator, selfish, thoughtless, day dreamer, space shot, “hello, anybody home?”

Dan’s day is measured by his own words: bad, late, missed, forgot, lost, hard.

“How’s your day?”

“Bad. I slept through my alarm, again, forgot to pay cable and they turned it off, missed my meds, can’t find them, missed my workout, again, forgot to eat,” and so it goes.

Here’s what he didn’t give himself credit for.

Dan picked up his son from practice, on time, and they had a great conversation over dinner.

He noticed some terrific photo ops, and stopped to capture them.

His daughter called from school in tears because she couldn’t get started on a paper. Dan talked her through it.

It was a co-worker’s birthday, and he brought flowers.

No self hugs for the good things Dan did during the day, just slaps for the “bad” stuff.

Practicing self-compassion is as important to managing your ADD/ADHD as medication, exercise, good sleep and eating habits.

Responding kindly to yourself builds confidence, compassion, resilience, decision making skills, enhanced mood and better relationships.

Here’s how to get started practicing self-compassion:

1. Count your forward-moving actions each day, no matter how small they may seem.
2. Forgive yourself as you would someone else who has stumbled.
3. Switch roles from life victim to life saver.
4. Practice gratitude daily.
5. Create a personal action that brings you comfort and is self-soothing: hand over heart, smile, kiss your finger tips.

Need more information or help?  Contact me at The Taylor Solution. I’ll find the solution that’s right for you.