Issue 9: Rest vs. Recovery

Hello! Welcome to my newsletter.

The purpose of this newsletter is to share with you how I handle everyday life with ADHD, but without ADHD medication. I will share tips, tools and strategies for you to introduce in to your own life so you too can manage your ADHD.

Time to read: 3m41s

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We also still have a few tickets remaining for the first ever Drug Free ADHD Experience. This full day event is taking place on 20th October in the Peak District with Joseph Pack and myself, and tickets are £125.

We will be walking in nature, meditating (also in nature, weather permitting!), cold water swimming, eating a gorgeous nutritious lunch (provided) and will have time for many discussions and questions about the Drug Free ADHD Method.

Click this link for tickets: https://buytickets.at/wildmindswellness/1406258

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Right, now to the newsletter!!

Rest vs. Recovery: A Subtle but Important Difference for ADHD

A couple of weeks back, a friend said something that really struck me:

"Rest and recovery are not the same thing."

At first, it seems obvious, but do we really recognize the difference between the two in our daily lives?

Rest can be defined as “ceasing work or movement to relax, sleep, or regain strength.” It’s about pausing activity and finding a place of stillness. In physics, rest means being stationary—no movement in relation to something else. In our lives, rest can mean taking a break, napping, or simply stopping to catch our breath.

Recovery, on the other hand, is the process of returning to a state of normalcy or balance. It’s more active than we often think—it’s not just about stopping or relaxing, but healing and rebuilding strength. Clinically, recovery involves improving health and wellness, living a self-directed life, and striving to reach your potential.

Now, what does this difference mean for those of us with ADHD?

Rest Alone Isn’t Always Enough

For individuals with ADHD, physical rest doesn’t always lead to feeling refreshed. We might sit down, watch TV, or even sleep, but our minds continue to race, filled with thoughts, ideas, or distractions. Rest doesn’t always mean that we’re recovering. Trust me, I ‘rest’ a lot, but no matter how much ‘rest’ I get, I still feel completely exhausted, mentally and physically.

ADHD brains are often overstimulated, which can make true recovery more challenging. Even after “resting,” many people with ADHD still feel drained because the brain hasn’t had the chance to reset. Recovery requires more than just rest—it requires intentional activities that allow the brain and body to repair and recharge.

Finding Recovery in ADHD

For recovery to happen, especially for those of us with ADHD, it’s about managing overstimulation and creating conditions that promote deep rejuvenation. Here are a few tips to focus on recovery instead of just rest:

• Sleep Quality: It’s not just about getting enough sleep but ensuring the sleep is deep and restorative.

• Mindful Breaks: Engage in activities that calm the mind, such as meditation, breathwork, or nature walks, rather than passive “rest” like scrolling on your phone.

• Structured Downtime: Create routines around downtime so your brain learns how to switch gears and truly unwind.

The distinction between rest and recovery is subtle but crucial—especially when managing ADHD. It’s not just about stepping away from work or activity but about giving your mind and body what they need to fully recharge.

A few things I do that really help me with my recovery are:

• Meditation, I do this every day without fail. Every morning at 7:30am I do two minutes of breathwork, followed by 15 minutes of mantra led meditation. Following this I always feel a sense of calmness, and feel more prepared to tackle the day.

• Ice baths, I try and get in the ice bath every day, aiming to do at least three minutes (the water temperature is usually between 8-10°). The clarity I feel when I get out is honestly inexplicable, there’s no feeling like it.

• Self-care, such as a nice bubble bath, or an at-home facial for example.

So next time you feel like you're "resting" but still exhausted, ask yourself: Am I resting, or am I truly recovering?

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Applications are now open for 1:1 coaching with me, online or in-person (if you are in Leeds or are happy to travel to Leeds), if you would like to apply please follow this link: https://tally.so/r/3NV5bO

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I hope you find what I write interesting, helpful and sometimes funny! And if you do, I'd love it if you shared what I am saying with others.

Carly x