ADHD and Boredom

[@mileyrocks852]

Just in time!!! Thank you for this. I’m struggling a lot right now. I normally don’t do much, just once in a while. Now.... I haven’t done anything in over 2 months. This makes me feel like it’s not just me. I’m not crazy. Thank you to everyone with ADHD who have openly said what they’re up to right now. It has made me feel so much better right now. I love you all, stay safe! 💕

[@mileyrocks852]

Thank you for pinning this, I finally feel heard 😭 I’ve been feeling invisible lately and this made me really happy ☺️💕

[@HowtoADHD]

_Ursieminor_ it was a great comment! I love the honesty. We're all struggling here, we're all in this together. 💞We might be in different places but it's all the same journey to figure out how to work with our neurodiverse brains in a neurotypical world. I failed so hard and for so long before I found something that motivates me enough to actually follow through. And even now it's hard. *hugs* thank you for being here.

[@jjwhiteside3939]

I can relate

[@jjwhiteside3939]

Can you give me some ideas to keep me from my boredom the only thing I have now is watching your videos and working on school work and texting random people in my room all alone

[@adinawatson8544]

@@jjwhiteside3939 I've been watching anime and focusing on learning Japanese and teaching my dogs new tricks

[@grimtheghastly8878]

This isn't boredom... This is *advanced* boredom.

[@HowtoADHD]

hahaha omg gonna totally use that

[@aregularpersonsopinion9172]

Call of duty Advanced Boredom

[@KellySpoer]

So, what would honors boredom be? And can we use this for college credit?

[@sodisgusteen]

Grim The Ghastly I love this! Haha

[@cellogirl11rw55]

This is boredom and impulsivity together!

[@lindseysquire8417]

Me during the day: There is literally nothing in the entire world and I'm dying. Me at 3 am after hyperfocusing on KZbin for an hour: I must learn 2 instruments, five languages, read six books, binge a TV show, and watch every Lord of the Rings movie RIGHT THIS SECOND

[@nuhbeeluh]

*me @ 3 am last night* i need to become a professional figure skater RIGHT NOW

[@lindseysquire8417]

@@nuhbeeluh I don't CARE if it's two in the morning, I'm not going to master gymnastics by SLEEPING

[@dragxxn2541]

@ me wondering why my grades are so bad

[@wolfhowl2658]

ADHD in effect

[@Ghosty_Blues1]

M a n

[@roosroos3991]

It felt like I got busted when she said “are you bored yet?”. She really had me there 😂

[@HeadDetectiveLassie]

...when did she say that? ...I zoned out again. Oops.

[@emileekim]

Lmao...I was already scrolling through the comments at this part

[@MilnaAlen]

Haha, I'm lucky neuroscience is my special interest! I think I did zone out at the end. I only remember something about a meal plan, which I don't do either...

[@lyaneris]

@@HeadDetectiveLassie Me too, was suddenly remembering that I had wrote down to put something in my planner.

[@PunkHime89]

Omg I had to pause and laugh for a few minutes because i was so zoned until she said that. And then I had to replay that part three times to understand what was being said.

[@Weedheavyspliff]

Boredom has actually been the cause of “depression” I thought I had in my early adult hood. Turns out I just am so scared of being bored and restless I get depressed when I don’t do anything in a day. Making music has helped incredibly.

[@MERALACXBACKINGPAN]

Omg 😳 exactly! I resonate with your comment so well!

[@azuretigers5562]

Being PRODUCTIVE with reaching our GOALS make us FEEL like LIFE is WORTH LIVING. Each time we complete an objective on our list of goals, we feel like it was a DAY WELL SPENT !! That is why you feel good about yourself !! - - Congratulations !

[@thatmusicguy3029]

same

[@giulia3195]

This is exactly how it feels! From someone who's also in her early adult years I was really scared that I had depression :(

[@Klinoklaz]

lmao my first doctor thought it's depression that caused losing interest in everything. i know it's the opposite cuz i sought thrilling so desperately while typical depression simply destroy one's willpower including being willing to charge dopamine.

[@imonymous]

"Painfully bored", an expression I've tried to explain countless times in my life.

[@nonameinsouthafrica3315]

Anything that involves waiting makes me want to throw a shoe

[@sodisgusteen]

Imon it’s sad that boredom is as painful as it is trying to explain it to neurotypical folks

[@Evanx373]

People who don't have add will never understand. I quit trying to explain it long ago. Most people don't want to understand anyways

[@97AshleyRose]

Imon same lol I’ve had chronic boredom most of my life always wondered if it was my adhd brain like I’m lacking some sort of stimulation of something

[@GBfanatic15]

I think the most painfully bored I've ever been was being in church, having zero idea what time it was so I had no idea how long until it was over

[@lemmetalkaboutthis]

"are you bored yet" ha-HA! One of my hyper fixations is learning about adhd, and the related neurological issues, so I am, in fact, thrilled!!

[@Nivieee]

Same 😂 I'm now an ADHD specialist. This condition has no secrets for me anymore haha

[@melodybumgarner9035]

I literally went from thrilled, straight to bored, and back again in like 1.5 seconds at that part.... 🤣🤪 I love learning about this stuff but if I hear a word I’m not sure how to process my brain quickly switches to “zone” mode 😑

[@Jacko-gym0113]

Same

[@elcooper7]

OOOH THIS IS A WALLOWS SONG AND I LOVE IT

[@aoibhie1208]

Yeah. I relate to a lot of the things that people with ADHD struggle with. I haven’t been diagnosed, and I don’t THINK I have it, but I love learning about it.

[@BarelyNoticedADD]

Love how Jessica speaks at a great pace, gets to the material within 15 seconds, and keeps it short.

[@DJBLESSD]

I don't love how Jessica speaks at a great pace and find her voice annoying, eyes look odd with white squares in her eye.

[@yuta._.7351]

@@DJBLESSD why so rude-

[@DJBLESSD]

@@yuta._.7351 it's called being honest

[@evil.Cupcake]

@@DJBLESSDNext time, you should keep your opinion to yourself.

[@DJBLESSD]

@@evil.Cupcake you too

[@Ratsfrom42]

Being bored hurts! like LITERALLY HURTS! I feel like my brain is spazzing out and I do get irritable. When I'm bored and get depressed it's usually because my mind spiraled and I started ruminating. Also, this editing is perfect. keeping my brain stimulated I can actually focus on the video.

[@aishwaryar1998]

Fuch yeah man I felt relieved I thought am the only one feeling this way. Thank you you just written in words how a feel is clear manner. Thank u so much for sharing!

[@Ratsfrom42]

@@aishwaryar1998 haha yeah it's so weird our brains lmao I'm glad you found the comment relatable... okay not actually glad cuz then you experience this too but yk what i mean ;)

[@aishwaryar1998]

@@Ratsfrom42 Yeah I get it

[@2bleMcScooble]

"We didn't have ADHD. We had discipline." *passion intensifies* Edit: Please read the first reply to the this comment *and like it too* because Rochel Leah Solow adds a very important part of the story of how this feels.

[@rochelleahsolow2405]

so true except for me more like "We didn't have ADHD. We had discipline." *passion intensifies* But then I realize that I can not properly put my passion and thoughts into words which give me enough time to think about whether or no I want to write that comment.

[@austinfernando8406]

the real question is how someone's 'day' could be before 1775 and they're on the internet (some german doctor called Melchior Adam Weikard wrote about adhd back then)

[@silentgamer9504]

@@rochelleahsolow2405 I can never put my thoughts to words 😅

[@pixiestixs3111]

I swear when I hear that sentence I think I turn red

[@2bleMcScooble]

@@rochelleahsolow2405 *y e s*

[@BushidoMauve]

What about when i don't feel like doing anything? I flip through every game i own, i scroll through netflix for hours without picking some thing, i stare at my sketchbook and just don't want to do it. I know I like these thing, i do want to do SOMETHING. But i immediately lose intrest the second i start. It happens every couple of week for my whole life. What do I do then?

[@mrandisg]

That happens to me too. I get decision fatigue. If there's a whole lot I want/need to do at one time, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to do next, so much so that I end up doing nothing and feeling awful for not doing anything. It's really hard to break out of that. The only thing that really helps is giving yourself grace, forgiving yourself, giving yourself permission to do nothing in that moment, because maybe what you actually need above all else is rest. And that can be hard to do when you have a lot of things staring you in the face. But it's necessary to survive. Hope everything works out for you. 🙂

[@SolarScion]

I believe it's because the unnaturally low stimulation of virtual things. When it's nothing but light on a 2D screen, no smells, no breeze, no tactility, no dimensionality or life...

[@BushidoMauve]

@@mrandisg I've never thought of it that way. Thank you

[@BushidoMauve]

@@SolarScion that makes sense. Gardening was one thing i never got tried of.

[@highroadtohell]

Saaaaame.

[@alenacrepea8229]

This totally explains why I have been spending so much time on social media lately... being stuck at home with zero routine, suddenly furloughed from a new job. It's the immediate hits of dopamine when I start posting and get people interacting. The problem is that the stimulation there lasts all of like 0.001 seconds so I cycle through Facebook, Twitter, IG, endlessly and then suddenly it's been 4+ hours and I realize I haven't eaten, showered, changed clothes... I'm a mess.

[@d_teex09x44]

I still do this after the pandemic! Sometimes my daily usage is like 5 or 6 hours. It's awful. My therapist is giving me homework to cut down to 1 hour per day but I'm yet to do it.

[@hermanblanco2189]

¿who is watching this because you're bored?

[@hannahathaway7220]

I've been thinking about taking on multiple jobs just to stay stimulated and I never knew why. This makes a lot more sense now.

[@HowtoADHD]

...omg I DID THIS my whole life! Hadn’t put that together yet

[@summertimmons9292]

i haven’t worked in almost 2 years bc i would always get bored or overwhelmed and just quit/ghost my jobs and i decided that i need to get help and be able to function better before i even start working again. i don’t wanna be flaky and give up on everything after a few months 😓

[@jdubb45]

@@summertimmons9292 i feel you. That growth right there! Wish you success

[@hootsifer-darling]

I did that for a few months before the pandemic started and it was the happiest I've been in the last 3 years!

[@ravenwolfkittyface1802]

“I’ve gotten into relationships that were really bad for me just because I was bored.” Cringing in recognition right now. I used to do the same thing.

[@pixywings]

"There are probably ADHD kids in time out right now because they got bored and threw a shoe at their sibling" This made me laugh so hard! And it's probably true.

[@haroldinho9930]

that was me.

[@mayrashealthykitchen2273]

My kid throw a pillow at my face when hes bored. It can get annoying

[@baljeep6818]

I’m not diagnosed, but have felt that I’ve had adhd for a while now. Your videos have helped me learn more and I am starting to use some of the techniques to keep myself on track! Now I’m staying on top of my homework and not putting it off. Thank you!

[@adam-vm3zj]

I guess I'm not alone with "hoarding activities" - having a lot of books to read when I want to read, tons of games, a guitar to practice on when it's a good time for that, art supplies for when I will be in a mood for it... and these are all backup options, but as such, I have hard time making them active-duty. Like I'm always " I'm not enough bored for that" and it just sits there,,,

[@nazrarain1452]

Oof... I relate a lot to this. I have like 20 different options for things to do just sitting around...

[@OdetoEarth]

Same!!

[@tiddlypom2097]

🤯 mind blown! This explains so much!

[@iluvMCRsupercool]

Yup bought a guitar a couple months ago played it two times and haven’t picked it up since then... now I’m onto building miniatures LOL

[@traceybraun5086]

Yes! I have a collection of books, audio books, crafts, decluttering, wood projects, planting projects, endless!!!

[@Ry-dx5om]

I'm not diagnosed adhd, but this episode explains me, for my whole life with stark accuracy. THANK YOU!

[@jenniferbates2811]

Its time for you to get diagnosed. This way you can learn better coping skills and better learning strategies

[@MrAjusog]

Its undiagnosed. I wasnt diagnosed til college.

[@rainboomsforever362]

Good on ya mate👍

[@PeteLuther]

Me to. I really want to get tested.

[@adammaddison-ward6206]

I discovered this chanel today after some TEDtalk, it's changed my life. I thought I was alone and couldn't articulate it one bit....thank you!

[@patmarek1222]

I'm actually completely NOT bored of your videos and watch them for hours because my brain finds your style and content so important. Especially since I found out I've got ADHD 3 weeks ago and I'm learning how to live with it!

[@kyderby2012]

me watching this knowing that i’d rather be journaling than watching youtube but it’s too hard to just stop 👁👄👁

[@lilithrose6034]

okay, so the "painfully bored" thing reminded me of this: When I'm trying to focus on something I really don't want to do, like get through a textbook reading for class, I feel like there's this buzzing that happens in my head. It's not like a headache, and it's not really coming from my eardrums or something, but it just feels like there's this physical kinda buzz coming from my brain because it's trying to focus so hard. Does anyone else experience that?

[@auditoryeden]

I don't have ADHD, but absolutely. I used to use white noise or ambient music to drown it out, but I recently found binaural tones and it's like earplugs for my poor grey matter.

[@kylie200]

@@auditoryeden are you guys talking about tinnitus? I have this sound in my head when the place is very quiet

[@Maracifer]

YES. It's not audible so not tinnitus as someone suggests, it's just this overwhelming, uncomfortable "itchy" feeling (buzzing feels right for the description as well). I'm not diagnosed with ADHD (working myself up to go schedule and appointment and see if I get the diagnosis) but I remember having this feeling as early as primary school. My parents used to yell at me for not being able to focus and sit still to the point I was on the brink of tears cause I just physically COULDN'T do it....

[@katiesiddique9062]

@@Maracifer hugs!

[@jafsrob]

Our brains are driven by stimulus. Being bored is the equivalent of someone who is success driven always failing.

[@danielwhitfield2990]

I have ADHD and can’t stop trying to do things😭

[@anitanapp6759]

Me too

[@mariee.5912]

My son too.

[@diyaalhakem2492]

Yes motivated just in the beginning😐☹️

[@eee1252]

Same

[@stonervisiontv1388]

How do u fixs it?

[@aaliyahaliedke674]

what i hate is that i HAVE to repeat every word that someone says in my head and it gets really overwhelming but also i can’t just stare i need me be able to do something while listening to someone talk that’s how i stay focussed sometimes

[@jeng6786]

Woah I repeat everything in my head to make sure I hear them too. Sometimes I repeat the same thing a few times because I don't comprehend it and then lose track of what they are saying because they are still talking.

[@thegoldendumdum2466]

When you said "are you bored yet?" At the start my mind wondered and you snapped me back into it.

[@Georgepremier]

Adhd thought : I saw a comment say “EAT THE WHOLE FRIDGE” I died

[@HowtoADHD]

Yeah I loved that one too 😂

[@Georgepremier]

How to ADHD, I love your videos! They are so helpful towards helping me and my loved ones understand my ADHD better. Props to you and to those who support and helps you on this youtube journey!

[@stqrphire]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@connor863]

LOL

[@chrisarchibeque8584]

@@HowtoADHD Do you ever feel anxiety when your Vyvanse is wearing off? I did and that’s why I stopped taking it I’ve read online though that that could be a normal side effect

[@sputnik604]

It’s the observe part that is so hard. Sometimes I stop... like, I realize I’m not being productive or whatever, but having the motivation to go do the “boring” thing can feel like choosing to renter a nightmare.

[@TheNinnyfee]

I have a kind of "radio" running in the background of my mind during boring tasks as a replacement to a real radio if I can't listen to music. "Autopilot" describes it best. ♥️ And as I just got diagnosed and used to hiding/minimizing my inattentive ADHD your videos are such a great reminder/confirmation that I have it. ♥️

[@skylamoreno]

Not me watching half of this and begin scrolling on my phone, realizing what i was doing and having to rewind so i can hear the last half of the video salvjsnravhbl

[@stanislavteliatnikov4787]

So much this. And you skip too much back and by the time you get back to the part of the video you missed, you are on your phone again.

[@Tiffanyamend7]

Being stuck in the house is literally making me a bit crazy. My extreme boredom is leading to some anxiety and depression. I like the idea of planning ahead to keep my dopamine up. Thank you Jessica!

[@petermulholland42]

Hang in there Tiffany. I'm right there with you at times. This lockdown is a completely different challenge for all of us. I wake up with such productive intentions for my day and it's often hit or miss. It may seem trivial, but I actually invested in a whiteboard. On it, I lay out my goals/intentions for the week. If I don't get something done, I leave it up for the next week. There's no shaming if it doesn't get done. I just reevaluate why I think it didn't get done and is there a different approach I could possibly take. Either way, erasing goals from the board is extremely therapeutic. Some days will be more productive than others and that's okay. As my grandmother used to say, if it was sunny 365 days out of the year, we wouldn't appreciate the sunshine. And it's so true. The fact you're following this channel is proof that you're trying so keep going. Stay strong and I wish you positive vibes for the months ahead.

[@josephobetta2732]

Workout and thank me later. Whenever I workout, I feel a lil bit relieved off my adhd and I can focus at that point.

[@Tiffanyamend7]

You guys are awesome, thank you for the kind words!

[@zaya9365]

I’m literally watching this as a distraction from my work

[@khadidjameziane9547]

Same

[@yaboirene1167]

Omg the STOP technique is what I taught myself when I was struggling in college to focus! I didn’t know there was an actual acronym for it, but observing your inner thoughts and feelings is very helpful with ADHD. If I felt like my attention was going off course because of boredom, I’d stop myself, observe the thoughts and feelings, breath and count to 5, then at 5 I’ll force myself to pay attention and let go of that past thought. It’s really hard to focus with ADHD and there were times when I’d confront a road block and this method didn’t work. In this case, you have to take a break but make sure the activity isn’t too stimulating and won’t take up too much time. Switching between a high stimulating to low stimulating activity is realllly hard for me.

[@demondton96]

Me: man, I'm bored Jess: *uploads new vid* Me: god, its like she has ADHD telepathy!

[@justmonika8713]

Dalton C lol

[@lokei1326]

Wait, doesn't she?

[@Kutsushita_yukino]

I actually got bored playing video games isnt that crazy

[@connor863]

True lol

[@aaronballesteros8028]

I just stumbled on your TedTalk and broke down crying of how much I related to your story. I'm 30 and just got diagnosed with ADHD. I've always felt like I've never been able to live up to my potential, but I'm starting to now. When I spoke with my counselor about dealing with it she said to spend time with like minded people. Here I am now hanging out with my new friends

[@katiesiddique9062]

Awesomeness right?!!

[@takarasights]

Hi! Me too!

[@celine9322]

❤️

[@hashh2019]

Be my friend too- i an super intelligent but I get bored easily or dont like repetition making it hard to finish my job/ tasks and not living to my potential.

[@rprojects8162]

hi friend! i just got diagnosed at 18!

[@storey818]

Thank you so much! I am 40years old and was just diagnosed with ADHD, I've been researching NONSTOP and it's SO OVERWHELMING but also fascinating and exciting. I appreciate these videos so much right now!

[@katieking8678]

I just can't express how amazing I find your perspective and the way you manage to frame information in a way that both empahsizes the serious consequences our brain differences can have yet also doesn't add to the sense of being overwhelmed we're already drowning in ourselves. Carefull phrasing, like "Mindfulness is not about forcing ourselves to make different choices, it's about creating awarness so we have choices." is just perfect.

[@briancrocker3377]

I joked for a long time that, were I a kid now, I'd probably be diagnosed with AD/HD as it wasn't really a known thing in Atlantic Canada in the 70s and 80s. My (now ex) wife used to send me AD/HD self diagnosis tests, because she was sure I had it. For a long time as an adult, I just kinda dealt with it and ignored it. Then I discovered your channel and watched a bunch of videos and felt "holy shoot, it's no joke THIS IS ME." I mentioned it to my doctor, and we were going to proceed with diagnosis and everything before all this corona stuff happened. It's been so helpful for me to finally give words and names to things I have struggled with all my life - that I'm not lazy, or thoughtless, or rude - I just lack motivation, my brain is messed up and I hyperfocus. You are such a nice, pleasant and thoughtful person in your videos, it's really helpful to have a kind voice to dump this serious information with. Thank you so much for all you are doing here. As a junior high teacher, I have directed some of my Healthy Living students to your channel and I have even shown a few when we were discussing AD/HD. I wish this existed when I was a kid. I'm realizing now how much all my problems can be directed back to undiagnosed AD/HD for my entire life.

[@euancampbell3485]

I just threw a shoe at my sister like 5 minutes ago 😂😂

[@HowtoADHD]

omg haha GO APOLOGIZE love youuuu

[@insert8242]

Euan Campbell Lol you gave me the best idea

[@stqrphire]

😂

[@overimagination2812]

Throw the other one at her for me!!!

[@colored433]

wow

[@27395tam]

Hey Jessica! Thank you soooo much for posting the studies. I am writing an essay in University about ADHD and wanted to mention Dopamine... You are the best! keep on the good work!!!!

[@HoloJinX]

"Are you bored yet?" Me: "What? Maybe. Wait, what was I doing?"

[@ashwinshankar8338]

I absolutely loved the bit where you enacted the STOP technique. Usually when you get advice, they only tell you how to do a certain technnique but you don't get real life examples for it. In this case I could see how such a situation usually plays out. Thanks a lot for that✌️

[@Plethorality]

Detailed examples can really help. Thank you.

[@lizzyreinecke4919]

Just recently got diagnosed with adult ADHD. I understand myself so much better thanks to your videos. They also make me feel better, thank you!

[@Plethorality]

I don't think I've been diagnosed with adult! (54 years old.. )

[@reese3805]

We welcome you to the ADHD tribe with open arms my friend

[@ethannadj1783]

Picking fights is definitely something I tend to when I'm bored.

[@jeffreytom8977]

EVERY video has explained something deeper no body could ever give to me. I have been seeking a lot of self help lately. Most of it is to generalized for for me. This definitely more suitable to my needs. I appreciate you and your videos

[@alperenguven6483]

My friend: you want to go for a drink again?! Are you not bored of it? Me: that’s my secret Captain, I am always bored!

[@HowtoADHD]

brilliant 😂

[@2bleMcScooble]

You get a like

[@nonameinsouthafrica3315]

I find listening the most boring exercise.. So much that you would swear I am shy but I am not

[@2bleMcScooble]

@@nonameinsouthafrica3315 what do you mean by that?

[@mari-go9wm]

I LOVE THAT LOL

[@petermulholland42]

Watching these videos actually make my heart expand. ADHD is a struggle in its' own right, but actually becoming aware to it is such a game changer in terms of quality of life. To have this channel simplify the science behind it really aids the process between building fundamentally healthy patterns of behaviour. In other words, Jessica you rock. Everyone who contributed to this, you rock. Thanks for the continued efforts, especially during a rather tricky time for everyone. Positive vibes to everyone in the months ahead.

[@ravitasanchar6623]

I was recently diagnosed. These videos are very helpful and answer many questions i have on a daily with why am I like this. Please keep making these very helpful videos! 🙏

[@atlun1010]

Thank you so much for your videos. I barely have anyone to talk to about ADHD and no support groups, but your videos are so well done and always on point.

[@paigejohnson9201]

THANK YOU!! I’ve been so confused in the past like “wait I’m so bored so I’ve been watching KZbin for 5 hours because I actually forgot all the things I wanted to do being bored” lol

[@c.b.51]

When watching your channel is honestly the only time I feel truly understood. I have actually tried this really hard for two days and I am getting better at stop doing things when I need to go to the bathroom or eat but I still need to work on my temper

[@nonameinsouthafrica3315]

I have a sick temper too

[@CostumedFiend_Audio]

Remembering to use the bathroom and eat is hard for me too when I'm focused on something else. Making meals ahead of time (like baking a weeks worth of chicken) has helped me with dinner a lot.

[@carolinelong1]

This channel is SO helpful! I was diagnosed officially with ADHD at the time my son was, which was just over 2 years ago. I love your self-compassion and acceptance and I would like to comment more but I am sure I am watching videos far too long now and have to convince myself to go to bed so I can function. I appreciate how you present things and am looking forward to watching more of the videos you have posted. I saw your Tedx talk when I was not yet diagnosed but knew I could relate to ADHD since I was a teenager but found reasons to not own these intuitive impressions until it was in my face and I had a breakdown over a VERY mind-numbing project and could not make myself do it, no matter how many approaches I used or environments I changed for any hint of inspiration. What I love about ADHD is that when there is a natural interest there is a pouring in of ourselves and a great appreciation of what makes us who we are, more positive focus on identity, etc. I am so grateful that my passion is Social Work and my authentic passion keeps me grounded. I know I can get a bit obsessive and find it hard to turn off my brain when there are so many things I could be doing to invest more into this role, hence why it is almost 5am and I have been sitting here watching videos that inspire me but neglecting the importance of sleep. But with all that said (And i wasn't expecting to say that much) I am glad I will continue to build on the healthy coping and stimulation seeking stuff. Thanks for doing so many videos and for the ideal length of them ;)

[@kainenable]

Wow, as someone with ADD the visualization you did with the audio and boredom is spot on. These videos are amazing.

[@julianmjk5120]

You uploaded this in the nick of time! Around now, I bet a LOT of ADHD brains are starting to struggle with the feeling of utter and frustrating boredom, we experience it on another level, thanks a lot!

[@CoffeeMuck]

"Am I still doing it because I want to, or am i doing it because im bored?" Went to bed an hour earlier the last two days just by asking myself that question.

[@AnnoyingNewslettersPage6]

I play hungry or bored a lot. At the moment I'm playing bord or tired. I decided to lie down on the couch and see if sleep is the answer. If it doesn't come to me in a few then I'll get up and do something else.

[@sdittloff]

I started using mindfulness for my ADHD and anxiety about 8 months ago and you did a great job explaining it. I have had difficulty with understanding how some aspects of mindfulness work. You helped me make more sense of it. Thanks!

[@moonlighte2611]

Her videos radiate so much positivity!

[@Nwmguy]

I was literally in the middle of opening another tab to Google something when she asked "Bored yet?"

[@MisterZimbabwe]

So we're just junkies constantly running from dopamine withdrawal symptoms.

[@HowtoADHD]

Haha. That’s an interesting way of putting it. But more like...brains trying to achieve homeostasis. The right balance. And we’re not great at it. Sometimes we end up getting too *much* stimulation and we get overwhelmed and melt down. Whiiich I did today 😅

[@buket7106]

Oh 🤭😬😂😂👍🏼

[@ArshennaHines]

Lol o🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Dancestar1981]

Totally addictive personalities

[@Dancestar1981]

@@HowtoADHD having more meltdowns because of Covid and not being able to use coping strategies of exercise etc to manage symptoms

[@nathanruckle4942]

I struggle with boredom and this video was so helpful! Not sure if i have ADHD but i can still relate to everything in the video

[@kyilei4158]

I have been feeling exactly the same for around 5 years. I did not know what is this before I watch your videos. Many thanks for this video and your ADHD videos.

[@annonymous5677]

I’ve been procrastinating and bored all day and on my phone all day ... I can’t seem to get off my phone though even though I’m not enjoying this and am bored outta my mind

[@oliviaidk454]

Ikr. Whenever I go to the park or play on the computer, I get bored.

[@lauraowsley6319]

As an extrovert I've been really struggling with boredom during this pandemic, normally I've got stimulation coming from one of my jobs or take time for friends. Now when not working or socializing (in person at least) and it's been taking a toll. Thanks for the video, it really helps

[@m.maclellan7147]

YES ! Many of my friends are introverts and are thriving! Glad for them, but also an extrovert ! :/

[@fly88l]

3:48 most helpful thing you've ever said .... and you've said a lot of helpful things in the last hundred-something videos I've watched since discovering this channel

[@user-xn7hw7we8g]

So relatable this video. When I was in residential treatment I was so bored a lot of the time that I cane up with creative ways to entertain myself that got me in a lot of trouble.

[@nunyabusiness42069]

So that’s why I’m trying to learn like five new hobbies at once..., maybe I should just sit down and pick one or two for awhile lmao

[@HowtoADHD]

yeah actually switching between two can be great cause you can get bored of one and go do the other but still make progress on both of them :)

[@watermellen2]

Nunya Business i thought i was the only one that tried to learn multiple hobbies at once💀💀💀

[@noortjetolhuijs]

I have a carroussel of five knitting projects. Every time I finish something on my study to-do list, I get 30 minutes of knitting. It makes me the master of progress.

[@MarieAxelsson]

@@HowtoADHD this reminds me of the year I read the most I ever had, because when I got restless (and I guess that's bored) I switched to another book, and then back again. 😅

[@nunyabusiness42069]

@@noortjetolhuijs that sounds like a good idea actually, might have to try that

[@koco23]

Jessica’s face at 2:40 when she’s about to go in on the ignoramus that denies the legitimacy of ADHD 😂😂😂 thank you so much for not only making me smile & laugh during such a difficult time, but for making me feel less alone & helping me understand myself. I don’t know where I’d be without you & this amazing ADHD community. Sending you so much love & positivity! 💙

[@syahirahabdullah3210]

2:41 I'm just gonna place this here so that I can watch this scene on repeat!! Mwahahahahahhaha

[@heavymetalelf]

This is huge. I get stuck doing things that started out as dopamine seeking but after a point I just can't stop even when it's time to go to bed or go to work or whatever

[@Benwayland21]

i came across your channel earlier this week and have been watching a bunch of your videos. It got me somewhat emotional because there were things that happened in the past that i couldnt explain until i watched your videos. Im 32 and have never been officially diagnosed with ADHD, but the way you describe everything has been hitting really close to home. The ability to hyperfocus and perform ungodly amounts of research without getting bored is something i do to keep myself entertained among other things. I have switched between so many hobbies just too keep the dopamine levels high and so i dont get bored. Currently im building PCs now because its ever changing and nothing is ever the same. While expensive it has been keeping a handle on things. Your channel is amazing and i will continue to follow your videos.

[@trampledbygeese]

if you're bord right now, STOP and press the like button. tiny dopamine hit.

[@iqi616]

Dah, you got me!

[@aparajitasur550]

Damn now I want to like everything This is a dopamine hit!!

[@falconfurry6432]

I am even boared to watch thid video fully.

[@mariyahudick1534]

I feel like as of late, every time I get bored, I start getting sleepy -_-

[@russellfernandez57]

I wish I were you cause sleep is boring for me and I can't do it xD

[@HowtoADHD]

This was actually another common comment! Our brains aren't stimulated = we get sleepy. I've totally fallen asleep in class...

[@Banom7a]

me, currently. I need to finish my homework :\

[@AdeleEevee]

Me too! If I try to make myself do an assignment when my brain isn't cooperating I will get so tired, a headache, and my brain absolutely will /not/ focus. Glad to know I'm not just a crazy person 😂

[@and.desist2171]

I fell asleep at my desk and then went and took a 3 hour nap because of this and the fact that I've been consistently falling asleep last 2 or 3 in the morning because trying to fall asleep is so boring

[@Chris-jx4qr]

Thank you for this series. I have ADHD and this is very very useful

[@slenderman1251]

I'm so glad someone else gets it. That constant need for stimulation, the urge to move from one thing to another!

[@92RKID]

How To ADHD, perfect timing! With lockdown on, we ADHD brains aren't just bored we are super advanced bored! Especially when our go to sources of dopamine hits have been taken away. Like for example: the library, dance class. You totally called me out on this one. No wonder I've been picking fights!

[@cassiehobbs5751]

Alison Jordan Exercise can help unless you injure yourself

[@cassiehobbs5751]

I walk whenever I can

[@anu.3663]

excited for this one ! when I was little my catchphrase was literally “I’m bored” to the point it was a joke in my family 😅

[@rochelleahsolow2405]

same here. my mother started this thing where she would come up with an acronym for the word bored. something like this Beautiful Outstanding Ravishing Exciting Dazzling the whole thing would get me super annoyed

[@mempoe]

Thank you! I used to describe boredom as painful and most people thought I was exaggerating but this video is validating.

[@RythePeerGuy]

I'm glad to have watched this. I finally know why half the challenging people I encounter behave the way they do and what mindfulness is. I thought it was just stopping what you're doing and looking around making observations. Also you put out a lot of useful content. My QOL if going up because of you and I hope to donate more to you as my life continues to improve.

[@allisonwest7079]

I saw this video and immediately thought "THIS VIDEO IS FOR ME!!!!!"

[@electrictwilight]

"fries are delicious...and so is being right" 😂

[@beatrixthegreat1138]

Yeah let’s find that guy and rage tweet

[@ToEveryEnemy]

I love this video! I got really excited when the STOP skill was mentioned, that's a DBT Distress Tolerance skill! DBT is helping me a lot (Written while I'm still in DBT treatment) and seeing you putting these skills in videos makes me really happy because I feel like DBT skills like STOP can really be the difference for a lot of Brains. I don't know how much you know about DBT, but if you know some things, it might be cool to have a video about a few skills that could be especially helpful for ADHD'ers! :D Thank you for this

[@22ardavis]

I want say thank you making these videos. Because I was diagnosed with ADD in childhood. I have noticed as an adult I do a lot of different things over the years not keeping jobs and not having friends. I was getting depressed and felt I couldn't do anything right. I have been doing research for years to figure out what is wrong with me. Yesterday I was KZbin and the video about adhd and anger. A light bulb went off my head 😂. It was my inattentive adhd this whole time. I'm so glad I not alone in this battle with inattentive adhd. So continue making these videos. You got another subscriber it's ME!!!

[@VoDucQuang]

Wonderful tip as always! Your graphics are so whimsical...and reminded me there are some mugs that need to be washed. Haha. What I personally do to redirect myself is set an alarm every three hours (because every hour would be overkill) just to see whether I am still on track or whether the task I am doing is productive. The strategy has suited me as it's an occasional reminder to pay attention to the daily tasks on my whiteboard. Thank you for alleviating our boredom and inner discouragement during the pandemic. Stay safe!

[@HowtoADHD]

oh I love that strategy!

[@sarahp6512]

Me: I have to study for my chemistry final tomorrow morning My brain: studying is boring let's play animal crossing Edit: time to yeet my phone across the room and get to work wish me luck

[@2bleMcScooble]

Please yeet your phone onto something soft I prefer my bed

[@2bleMcScooble]

But you get a like

[@hoodiesartandtea]

how did it go?

[@natebit8130]

YES YEET THE PHONE TO THE BED

[@icy9428]

we both know that you didn't

[@morganb4993]

I had no idea this was ADHD. Wow this hits so close to home. No one seemed to understand how painful the boredom I felt during last year's pandemic and lockdown was... like it seriously affected my mental health. The whole entering a relationship just out of boredom... yikes!

[@jameslubke2659]

Your videos are great! I was recentyl diagnosed, after years of struggling and wondering why no matter what i did (exercise, suppemants, sleeping well), I still found it extremely difficult to focus. Drinking caffeine made me anxious but it seemed like the only way to perform at work. Lots of great information here and great to finally understand the condition. Thanks!

[@yarnpower]

This really hit home. I have been binge eating and playing video games too much to counteract boredom and stress from staying home when there are much better alternatives for my time. Thanks for the wake up!

[@nikitawyllie-cinemastitch3267]

Perfect timing Jessica. I'm scrolling through KZbin avoiding all the things I need to and actually want to be doing. Thanks!

[@averagejoe6031]

I'm always really quiet about my ADHD, I hated the thought that there was something wrong with me. I'm glad there's an outlet to talk about it

[@judithcarr3222]

I love your videos! I am an ADHD’R and everything you talk about is dead on and helpful in fun snippets that i don’t lose interest in !👊😃

[@conflop]

I found your channel through stumbling upon your TedTalk. Thank you a lot. I’ve cried a few times just hearing certain comforting things you’ve said. I feel alone a lot because what others find overstimulating - certain parties, events, outings, performances, I find... I guess I can say it now: Boring. Way under stimulating. And I’ve always just figured, I didn’t fit in or wasn’t interested in the same things. These videos are huge helps in understanding more. Thank you.

[@jacobbearden9509]

Thank you for everything you do with this channel. You’re content is one of the MAIN reasons I saw a doctor and talk to him about ADHD. I was diagnosed 2 years ago at 26 and it has made me get more understanding of why I am the way I am, that I’m not the only one and explain why I have such a hard time with things when they seem so easy for everyone else. Thank you Jessica, you are awesome!

[@katiesiddique9062]

She really is!!!

[@dlewis895]

WELL SAID WHY LIFE IS.HARD FOR ME WHEN EASIER FOR OTHERS NEUROLOGICAL IMBALANCES LOW DOPAMINE SEEKING STIMULUS JUST TO FUNCTION BUT NO STOP AND THINK BEFORE IMPULSIVITY IS ON FAST AHEAD SAY DO NOT GOOD CHOICES .....NOT INTENTIONALLY.....JUST REACTING WITHOUT ANY SELF WARNING SELF DISCIPLINE TOTALLY UNAVAILABLE IN OUR BRAIN.....ITSSSS DEPRESSING AND ITS EXHAUSTING VERY HARD WORK... EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE EVERYDAY IS A REALLY BIG CHALLENGE....WHEWWW

[@cykonetic]

Thank you. I was recently diagnosed as ADHD after a long history of mrntal health issues. For the first time, medications actually seem to have an effect but a fleeting one. Your channel is helping me to develop a new set of coping tools.

[@florsierra9591]

Part of my ADHD is having difficulty doing things until I get specific examples so thank you for actually enacting the stopping and thought process while analyzing what is really happening 💚 the how I'm feeling question is something I do but I didn't realize I was doing it until you explained it... I'm gonna up my game on the awareness practice THANK YOU 💚

[@heyloh9863]

2:38 "Use STOP" Me agreeing and listening carefully. *next 40 seconds or so go past without the reveal of the 'P' in STOP, as I internally scream and debate to myself whether I heard correctly or if I really know how to spell!* 3:19 - 'P' is revealed. *Deep calming exhale* Okay she DID say STOP 👍🏽

[@mysonsmom9754]

I was exactly the same. I had to re-watch what I missed while I was obsessing over the missing P! 😄😄😄

[@abobb3]

SAME!!!!

[@OxytocinOcean]

I can’t express how much appreciate your help, you’re making my and many other people’s lives radically easier. Thanks for everything you do!

[@scubasteveae86alemar74]

Thank you ...my dopamine high for years was running. I ran everywhere!!!! Runners high!!!Years and years later I pulled my archilles tendon and no more running for me !!! Lots of depression. Lots of boredom . Been looking for something to replace the runners high I was on . Thanks for the level of understanding. It helps to understand what’s going on and why I’m always looking for a rush whether it’s riding my motorcycle or racing cars . Thanks

[@joannagospodarczyk3547]

Thank you so much!!! ❤️ This channel keeps saving my unbalanced moments! 😅 My diagnosis was an adult’s one, so I’m just finding myself in adhd world. For me cooking or baking is one of my best boredom’s resolve ideas, this topic is just infinite in variations! If something takes too long I listen to an audiobook in the same time. 🤣 Also workouts, dance, so much to do here and positive hormones release!!!

[@dandeliondandylion4517]

That moment when you have both ADHD and Autism

[@SolarScion]

Ugh, yes. Don't know about you, but it really hit home with the depression and frustration bit when I get mired in a project that requires a lot of learning curve and trial and error and spend hours sitting doing something that I'm not at all enjoying and is actively making me feel bad physically and mentally. It's so hard to STOP, but this video was a great reminder.

[@alyssashinaberry2219]

Same

[@thenastyfridge]

Yeah. Two things that REALLY don't get along too well with each other. Because AUTISM: I desperately need things to be the exact same way ALWAYS because the smallest deviation overloads my circuits and I'm unable to function properly. ADHD: Okay after three weeks I roughly managed to stick to a flossing routine and now it bores the sh*t out of me I need to change my whole life. AUTISM: ...I hate you. *buries herself in her bed crying*

[@ReconOne123456789]

Same.

[@natebit8130]

@Stephonie Erenberg I agree strongly. Autism wants me to do things PERFECTLY while studying and ADHD hyper focuses until I get bored and stop 3 weeks later.

[@sanne418]

I actually set those timers a lot, but I tend to keep delaying them. I’m like “okay I’ll watch this video and then I’ll work on school.” But after the video I click on another video and another video while I keep repeating that sentence. Does anyone have tips to beat this bad habit?

[@pennyroyalpolly8282]

I feel that completely

[@eleena4886]

try mel robbin's 5 second rule. count down from 5 and just do it.

[@pennyroyalpolly8282]

@@eleena4886 will look it up! :)

[@wambam3]

I used the STOP method an hour after 1.5 hours of drafting an email for a really unimportant question.... i was already 3 hours over time. it helps me every single day and i am so goddamn grateful for this tool - it has propelled or squashed those dopamine hunting behaviors and activities. love your channel so much!

[@komat1c]

i could probably say you contributed greatly to saving me from my depression becUse i didn't understand myself.. so thanks for you hard work and efforts for trying to help us