Boredom is the ADHD brain killer.
We have a _rational_ fear of boredom.
What makes it rational?
ADHD brains struggle to process dopamine in the same way as a neurotypical brain.
We have a _rational_ fear of boredom.
What makes it rational?
ADHD brains struggle to process dopamine in the same way as a neurotypical brain.
Some call it a dopamine deficiency, which is exactly what it feels like.
Technically, it's not a lack of dopamine.
Our brain just fails to process it well.
Technically, it's not a lack of dopamine.
Our brain just fails to process it well.
ADHD Coach Dusty Chipura @dustychipura says it's sort of like poor gas mileage.
Most of our dopamine gets wasted and our brain is left desperate for more.
Mundane tasks feel impossible in this state.
Most of our dopamine gets wasted and our brain is left desperate for more.
Mundane tasks feel impossible in this state.
https://twitter.com/dustychipura/status/1450837334044262402
Our brain screams out for the dopamine it needs.
When we offer it some mundane, boring task, it's like offering a bowl of salty popcorn to someone dying of thirst.
This leaves our brain always seeking more dopamine.
When we offer it some mundane, boring task, it's like offering a bowl of salty popcorn to someone dying of thirst.
This leaves our brain always seeking more dopamine.
You might be having a pleasant conversation.
But your brain is on the lookout for that dopamine, knowing the conversation isn't going to be enough to fuel you for the day.
You find your attention drawn to everything else in the room.
But your brain is on the lookout for that dopamine, knowing the conversation isn't going to be enough to fuel you for the day.
You find your attention drawn to everything else in the room.
"Hey, are you listening?"
Nope.
Not because the conversation is boring, it's just not stimulating _enough_ to fully grab your attention.
Nope.
Not because the conversation is boring, it's just not stimulating _enough_ to fully grab your attention.
Your brain loves to find those activities that are finally _enough_.
Enough to quench the thirst for dopamine.
Activities like checking social media, binge shopping, snacking on junk food, taking drugs, playing video games, or extreme sports.
Enough to quench the thirst for dopamine.
Activities like checking social media, binge shopping, snacking on junk food, taking drugs, playing video games, or extreme sports.
Playing video games is one of my dopamine-activities-of-choice.
It matches all the requirements for my dopamine-seeking brain.
Engaging audio and visuals.
Immediate feedback.
Challenge.
Rewards.
(Where did you think the word gamification came from?)
It matches all the requirements for my dopamine-seeking brain.
Engaging audio and visuals.
Immediate feedback.
Challenge.
Rewards.
(Where did you think the word gamification came from?)
And perhaps most importantly—instant feedback.
Press a button and something happens.
Every action causes something new and interesting to happen, and provides the dopamine-thirsty brain with just a bit more.
Press a button and something happens.
Every action causes something new and interesting to happen, and provides the dopamine-thirsty brain with just a bit more.
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➕ Follow me and say hello!
https://twitter.com/jessejanderson/status/1490807603592499203
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