Protect Your Boundaries to Earn a Treat!
I saw some “punch card” ideas on Twitter and thought what better way to set and maintain healthy boundaries during Mental Health Awareness Month! Neurodivergent folks juggle more mental health issues than our neurotypical colleagues. Why is that, and how do we protect ourselves?
Many people with ADHD are dealing with some degree of executive dysfunction. Two ways that can show up is:
1. ADHDers have a tendency put the needs of others over their own. Even if your work isn’t done, you’ll be offering your support to a colleague. In the short term, this connection and feeling of supporting someone gives you a hit of dopamine…but then project due dates come crashing down and you have to scramble to finish the expanded load you’ve taken on.
2. Positive Illusory Bias refers to an ADHDers tendency to overestimate their skillsets or underestimate their time needed for something. Have you ever thought “sure, I can have that done by end of day” only to realize you have no free time in you calendar for a few days to even get started?
It’s time to practice saying “NO!”
If your plate is full, and taking on more can negatively impact your mental health, find a way you’ll be comfortable saying NO. Protect your boundaries. Nobody else will.
*Rewards Cards based on idea from @crystaljjlee and @majcher on Twitter
