The Power of Reflection for ADHD Women: Why We Need to Pause in Our Busy Lives
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of reflection specifically for women with ADHD, including myself. Sometimes it feels like our lives are a whirlwind of to-do lists, meetings, emails, and endless distractions. And in the middle of all that, I’ve realised I need to sit down, journal, and just be with my thoughts.
But here’s the thing: even when I put reflection time in my calendar, it often gets skipped. I’m in the middle of a task, someone calls, I get distracted by my phone, and suddenly, that planned moment of pause slips away. So, I wonder do I need alarms? Do I need a dedicated ritual? Or is it just about learning to really prioritise that space for myself?
Why Reflection Matters (Especially for ADHD Women)
Research shows that reflection can be a powerful tool for managing ADHD symptoms. According to a 2018 study published in Psychological Science, journaling and reflective practices can improve emotional regulation and reduce stress. For women with ADHD, who often experience heightened emotional fluctuations, reflection isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity for mental clarity and emotional balance.
Moreover, reflection helps us process our day, recognise patterns, and understand what truly matters. It creates a mental space where we can step back from the chaos and see the bigger picture. For women juggling so much career, family, relationships reflection can be the anchor that keeps us grounded.
The Challenge: Finding Time to Pause
But here’s the tricky part: our lives are full. Even with the best intentions, making space for reflection feels almost impossible sometimes. I’ve tried scheduling it, but by the time I get there, I’m often in the middle of something else. Or I’m just not in the mood to reflect I want to relax, or I want to finish one more thing.
So, I ask myself: how do I make reflection a real part of my life without it feeling like another task or stressor?
Some ideas I’ve considered:
- Setting multiple alarms or reminders throughout the day though I wonder if that just adds to the noise.
- Creating a specific ritual, like a cup of tea and a journal first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
- Using voice notes or quick meditation breaks instead of writing something that fits into my busy schedule.
But honestly? I don’t have all the answers. I think it’s about experimenting, being gentle with us, and recognizing that sometimes, the mere act of trying to pause is enough.
So, What’s the Answer?
Maybe the real question isn’t how we find the time, but why we need to. Reflection isn’t about perfection or ticking boxes it’s about giving ourselves the space to breathe, to understand, and to reconnect with ourselves amidst the chaos.
For me, I’m learning that reflection isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Sometimes, it’s a quick journaling session. Other times, it’s a few deep breaths before I dive back into my day. The key is to keep trying, to honour the need to pause, and to be kind to ourselves when it doesn’t happen exactly as planned.
What about you? How do you carve out time to reflect in your busy life? Do you have any tricks or rituals that work? I’d love to hear your thoughts because, honestly, we’re all just doing our best to find that balance.
