“I Hate Ready!” Methods to Be Extra Affected person with ADHD
We have all been waiting.
The act and practice of waiting dominated life during the pandemic. We waited to see friends and family, for test results, for toilet paper and Lysol, for a vaccination appointment and for the green light to be exposed in public. (Some of us are still waiting to clarify.)
The pandemic has certainly intensified the experience of waiting, which we already know is part of everyday life – and a challenge at that. It’s especially hard for those with ADHD who are struggling with patience, time blindness, and delayed gratification. For these people, waiting can be almost painful.
I teach my impatient ADHD patients the WAIT strategy described below. Follow these tips to ease your discomfort and increase your tolerance of waiting.
The WAIT strategy
W.In which situations are you most likely to have to wait?
Go through these scenarios yourself and identify all waiting times so that you are not surprised – and still become impatient.
[Read: The Power of Patience]
- Do you often get stuck in traffic during your journey?
- Are the queues at the checkout longer in certain stores?
- Are you waiting in lobbies or exam rooms?
- Is there a friend or colleague who is usually late and keeps you waiting?
AAdjust your expectations and reactions to the situation.
To have a plan. Would it be better to start your commute outside of peak hours or shop in popular stores?
Expect to wait in the situations you have identified and use that time to your advantage. Reply to messages on your phone, check your daily routine, read a book or sort your e-mail.
Release some of your stress with deep breaths and neck and shoulder stretches. Take a moment to be in the present and perceive your surroundings with curiosity and mindfulness. Bring something to entertain yourself, like a podcast while driving or reading material for the waiting room.
[Read: 7 ADHD Relaxation Techniques]
In still a positive “I can do it” attitude.
Remind yourself that you have waited before and can meet the challenge of waiting again. Remember that waiting will always be a part of life and can be a positive break from your hectic daily routine.
Teat you
Track your tolerance for waiting and notice your accomplishments while dealing with your impatience. Give yourself a pat on the shoulder and reward yourself when you have mastered the challenge and successfully mastered it!
The WAIT strategy can help you cope with life’s robberies. Going through these steps helps develop a sense of control and control over situations that feel imposing and frustrating.
I hate to wait: next steps
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Updated July 9, 2021
