Issue 7: Rally Driving

Hello! Welcome to my newsletter.

The purpose of this newsletter is to share with you how I handle every day 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: 3m55s

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Last Sunday I finally got to enjoy my Christmas present from Oliver, a rally driving course, something I’ve been wanting to do for years! It was so much fun!! I enjoyed every second of it. Even though I did come last…

The first round was a quick lesson on driving the car and a few handbrake turns, this was followed by three rounds of two laps round the course, with the final lap being a timed lap. I then got to enjoy a lap around the course as a passenger, with my instructor at the wheel. I had to try so hard to keep my eyes open lol!

I had such a great day, but honestly? It was so difficult, and I was so exhausted by the time I got home.

I hadn’t realised how much my ADHD was going to affect something which should have just been so much fun and simple.

Each time around the course the instructor (who I have to say was great, super funny and helped me feel so at ease) was constantly giving instructions “CLUTCH”, “FOOTBRAKE”, “HANDBRAKE”, “THROOOOOOOOOTTTTTLLLLLLEEEEEE”. Obviously all these instructions needed to be given, but as he was giving instruction three or four, I was still trying to process instruction one or two. This meant that I struggled the whole way round and I needed a lot of help, including the instructor pulling the handbrake 80% of the time for me.

I said to Oliver, just as they were announcing everyone’s lap times, “As long as I don’t come last, I don’t mind”… But honestly, I didn’t care, I’d had such a good day, it wasn’t about that at all. But, it did get me thinking; if it wasn’t for my struggle with my working memory and my inability to process multiple instructions in short succession, would I have done better?

I hope that it’s clear that this isn't really about rally driving, although my experience at the weekend did happen, it’s just another example of how things can be that bit harder for those of us with ADHD.

I remember when I first found out what ‘working memory’ was, and how working memory for those with ADHD can be a bit… temperamental. It was a bit of a relief to find out it was in fact responsible for a lot of the traits I’d always been super harsh on myself for having.

Working memory challenges manifest for me in so many different ways. Cooking, especially if I’m following a recipe or making a Sunday lunch for example, can be really tough and we often eat a meal with something missing or half of its cold as I messed up my timings. Conversations can be hard and I’m likely only going to actually take in half of what is being said, as it’s super easy for me to lose track. I can also feel left behind in a conversation, as by the time I’ve finally processed what has been said and I’m ready to respond, the conversation has well and truly moved on. Planning ahead and packing for trips can also be a challenge. Trying to remember everything I need, and checking and double checking I’ve got everything can lead to stress, and inevitably I’ll still forget something important but probably have more than double the amount of knickers I needed!

It’s so important to be kind to yourself when you face these kind of challenges, and there are so many things that you can do to help with working memory. Such as:

1. Breaking down tasks into smaller easier steps

2. Using reminders, timers and alarms

3. Visual aids

4. Repeating information out loud

5. Developing routines and habits

6. De-clutter your space

7. Ask for written instructions where possible

8. Technology - to-do list / note / calendar apps (I love Notion)

9. Meditation

10. Take time out (in nature if possible!)

Working memory challenges can be so frustrating, especially when juggling everyday tasks that seem to be managed fine by others around you. But with the right strategies and tools, it's possible to lighten the load and find what works best for you.

Remember, it's all about taking small, manageable steps toward building habits that support your unique needs, and most importantly always be kind to yourself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.

Applications are now open for coaching with me, if you would like to apply please follow this link: https://tally.so/r/3NV5bO

Carly x