Okay, so picture this: I’ve had a few high-profile meetings recently. You know, the kind where you’re sweating bullets even though you’re wearing a nice shirt and your background looks like you’ve got your life together. Let’s just say… things felt off. Something was missing from my usual “I got this” mojo, and the last few didn’t go exactly as planned. But that’s ADHD life, right? Sometimes, we’re a well-oiled machine; other times, we’re lucky to remember why we walked into a room.
But here’s the thing: I had a theory. Because, well, I like theories.
In these meetings, there was stress—duh. Interview-type meetings tend to come with that, and as anyone with ADHD knows, stress can mess with your flow in fun, unpredictable ways. Stress us out, and we’ll either hyperfocus on random trivia (ask me anything about vintage VW’s) or zone out like we’ve just been teleported to another dimension.
The Theory: Stressed Out = Burnt Out
Yep, that’s it. I was convinced that stressing out beforehand had tired me out. You see, ADHD has this wild way of making us oscillate between boundless energy and feeling like we need a nap right now. Stress can do a number on our neurotransmitters—like our brain’s wiring is all scrambled, making us feel foggy and tired. Studies show that many with ADHD experience this mental burnout more quickly than others. It’s like we run on premium fuel, but sometimes the gas tank just runs out way too fast.
According to ADDitude Magazine, “Mental fatigue is not just mental, it turns out. It is physical, emotional, and psychological. ADHD brains tend to get overwhelmed with stimuli, leading to mental fatigue much faster than neurotypical brains.” So basically, stress can drain us before we even hit “go” on whatever important task is looming.
So, being the plan-loving person that I am, I devised “The Success Plan”—because what’s more satisfying than a catchy title?
Exercise: The Brain Reboot Button
You know how they say exercise is great for ADHD brains? Turns out, it’s true. (Thanks, dopamine!) A little cardio goes a long way toward calming those overactive neurotransmitters. It’s basically magic, but with more sweat. So, I decided that before this next meeting, I’d go for a run. I know what you’re thinking: “Won’t that make you more tired?!” Same, fam. Same.
But I wasn't about to repeat my previous mistake of feeling sluggish. So, I made some adjustments. Enter the Special Green Drink, Salt, and a Protein Shake. Let me explain.
I usually go full keto in the mornings—three eggs and some veggies (riveting, I know). But for this experiment, I switched things up and added a plant-based protein shake about thirty minutes before my run. I’d just started adding the protein the day before with my super cool portable mixer and I noticed a real energy boost during my runs, after, and especially as night started creeping in, so I figured, why not? With hydration, protein, and a bit of salt in my green drink—no cramps, no foggy brain, no problem
The Big Run
So, at 2 PM, I laced up my sneakers and hit the road for a 45-minute run. My meeting was at 4:30, which is basically the witching hour for early morn neurodivergent professionals like me. You know what I’m talking about—the dreaded mid-afternoon slump. But that wasn’t going to stop me. The run was a nice 4-miler through the countryside, and afterward, I wasn’t dragging myself home. No, seriously—I felt great! Maybe not cartwheel-level energy, but no yawns.
Okay, so my theory wasn’t just pulled out of thin air (though that would be impressive). It’s backed by some solid science! According to an article by Healthline, “Exercise can release feel-good chemicals and increase dopamine, which is lower in ADHD brains, improving attention and reducing impulsivity.” Naturally, I was banking on this brain boost to keep me focused and maybe even look like I had my life together!
The real kicker came about 20 minutes before the meeting. Usually, I’d be panicking, second-guessing myself, reviewing
my notes like I’m about to sit for a final exam in astrophysics. But not this time! I felt… chill. Not in the “I don’t care” way, but in the “I got this” way. I reviewed my stuff, and instead of that usual pre-meeting stress, I was good to go.
By the time I logged in, I didn’t feel like I was just waiting for that “flow” moment to hit. You know, the one where it usually takes a minute or two to hit your stride? This time, I was on. No rambling (okay, maybe just a little—taming my inner monologue is always a challenge). No desperate filler words. I actually listened and responded like the awesome person I am when I have my A-game on. Go figure!
The Outcome
Will I get the “win” from this meeting? Who knows! But the real victory was that I felt solid about my performance. For the first time in a while, I didn’t overthink it afterward, and I wouldn’t change a thing I said.
So, what’s the moral of this story? Well, for those of us with ADHD, sometimes the brain fog, self-doubt, and constant second-guessing ourselves can be tied to burnout from stress, which then leads to a lack of confidence. But here’s the thing: it’s not a reflection of you and your ability. The good news? We can hack it. Exercise helps calm down those overstimulated brain circuits, and if you time it right—plus add some proper fuel—you might just find yourself back in control before the next big moment.
According to Psychology Today, exercise is a powerful, side-effect-free way to boost neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which are often lower in individuals with ADHD. This not only helps improve focus and reduce hyperactivity but also enhances cognitive function, making it a much healthier alternative to relying on caffeine for similar results. Regular physical activity has been shown to significantly impact attention and mood, providing a natural method to manage ADHD symptoms effectively.
Pro Tip: Next time you’ve got something important, why not lace up your shoes and take a quick run? You might just surprise yourself.
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