Maintaining your Ferrari brain and self-care (ADHD)

In our series about living with a 'Ferrari brain,' we've discussed the power of ADHD and how it influences your relationships. Today, we're diving into an essential topic: how do you properly care for your powerful brain? Because just like a Ferrari needs regular maintenance, your brain also requires specific care and attention.

Maintaining Your Ferrari and Self-Care (ADHD)

The Art of Maintenance

Why is self-care so important? Just like a Ferrari, your ADHD brain needs:

• Specific fuel

• Regular check-ups

• Moments of rest AND action

• An environment that suits you

The Basics of Brain Maintenance

Energy Management

Your Ferrari brain consumes a lot of energy. Some essential maintenance points:

• Sleep

  • Create a consistent evening routine

  • Ensure a low-stimulus sleep environment

  • Respect your natural sleep-wake rhythm

• Nutrition

  • Eat regularly

  • Choose foods that keep your energy stable

  • Drink enough water

• Movement

  • Schedule daily movement moments

  • Choose activities that suit you

  • Use movement to regulate energy

Creating the Right Environment

Your Own 'Workshop'

Just as a Ferrari needs a special garage, your brain needs a suitable environment:

• Workplace

  • Minimize distractions

  • Ensure good lighting

  • Create different work zones

  
  

• Home

  • Make your home ADHD-friendly

  • Create fixed places for important items

  • Create rest and energy zones

Emotional Maintenance

Know Your 'Dashboard'

Learn to recognize your brain's signals:

1. Overstimulation

   1. Recognize early warning signs

   2. Take timely breaks

   3. Use your 'time-out' strategies

      
      

2. Energy Level

   1. Monitor your energy throughout the day

   2. Plan tasks based on your energy level

   3. Respect your boundaries

Practical Maintenance Strategies

1. Daily Check-ups

   1. Start your day with a brief planning session

   2. Regularly evaluate your energy level

   3. Adjust your pace when necessary

      
      

2. Weekly Maintenance

   1. Plan a weekly review

   2. Make time for hobbies

   3. Ensure social contacts

      
      

3. Periodic 'Major Service

   1. Evaluate what works/doesn't work

   2. Adjust strategies where needed

   3. Celebrate your successes

Tips for Daily Use

1. Create Routines

   1. Start small

   2. Build gradually

   3. Be flexible

   
   

2. Use Tools

   1. Timer for tasks

   2. Calendar for planning

   3. Apps for reminders

   
   

3. Listen to Your Brain

   1. Take signals seriously

   2. Respect your boundaries

   3. Ask for help when needed

A Personal Note

In my practice, I often see how people with ADHD struggle with self-care. They're so used to 'pushing through' that they forget their Ferrari brain needs extra maintenance. But it's precisely by taking good care of yourself that you can optimally use your special qualities.

Finally

Self-care isn't a luxury; it's necessary maintenance for your Ferrari brain. By taking good care of yourself, you can optimally utilize your unique qualities and enjoy life more.

In the next and final blog of this series, we'll look at how you can make your environment ADHD-friendly—your own perfect 'garage' for your Ferrari brain.