Overwhelm Isn’t Laziness—It’s a Signal to Pause

We often talk about procrastination like it’s a mindset problem—or a character flaw.

“Just do it!” we hear.

“Push through!” we tell ourselves.

But if you live with ADHD, you know it's not that simple.

Yes, sometimes perfectionism keeps us from starting.

But other times, it’s something deeper: dysregulation.

That feeling when you want to take action… but your brain and body say, “Nope.”

You’re overwhelmed, frozen, and maybe even panicking. Trying harder doesn’t help. It only increases the pressure, and suddenly you’re stuck in survival mode.

Here’s the truth: When your nervous system is dysregulated, you’re not lazy—you’re overloaded.

And you can’t “think your way out” of survival mode. You need to tend to your body first. That’s where self-care comes in—not the Instagram-aesthetic kind, but the basic human-kind:

• Food that fuels you

• Sleep that restores you

• Movement that helps release anxiety

• Rest that’s guilt-free

• Connection with people who remind you you’re not alone

• Play, fun, or laughter—things that remind your brain it’s safe again

This kind of care doesn’t just feel good. It creates the conditions your brain needs to re-engage with focus, curiosity, and clarity.

So today, I invite you to pause and check in:

• What have you been neglecting in the name of “getting things done”?

• What would it look like to give yourself permission to actually take care of yourself?

You don’t have to do everything. You just have to do the next right thing—for your whole self.

And if you need support with that, you’re not alone. That’s why I do this work.

Let’s move forward, together—starting from a place of regulation, not panic.