Feeling Overwhelmed? Blame Your Working Memory

Welcome to our Monday series for Turbo ADHD brains (watch the movie, you’ll get the reference, but the short explanation is: slow as a snail when not important to you, and superspeed when you are interested). Coffee is what gets most of us going on a Monday morning, but it’s really the super juice for ADHD brains. SO, coffee and quick tips to learn more about the ADHD brain and how to make it work in your favor.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Awesome quote by Mark Twain. Great reminder for all of us, but even more so for ADHD brains. Because getting started is often really hard when the working memory troubles make getting started so complicated. Wait, what?

Working memory is the ability to hold info in mind while performing complex tasks.
  • A super important executive function of the brain
  • It’s been called “the brain’s GPS system”
  • It’s been associated with ADHD and old age
It helps to determine the relevance of new information. It’s like traffic lights at an intersection. ADHD brains don’t have a problem paying attention. They pay attention to EVERYTHING because there are no traffic lights directing the traffic. Working memory takes all of the information we come across and stores it in the right box (act now), (act later), (not important ever).
  • It organizes info and changes the plan of action in real time
  • Essential for self-regulation “What should I do now?”
  • Essential for planning and goal setting “When should I do it?”
  • Essential for problem-solving “How should I do it?”
ADHD brains can’t really organize all of this information, they get extremely overwhelmed and give up on starting altogether….and that can cause A LOT OF PROBLEMS in life, at work and in relationships. If you would like additional ADHD support, I'd like to invite you to the West Valley ADHD Resources & Support Facebook group. In this free community, you will gain positive connections, helpful resources, and support without judgment or criticism for parents of children diagnosed with ADHD (or on the spectrum). I can't wait to connect with you further! ABOUT: Dr. Ruxandra LeMay is a private practice psychologist in Litchfield Park, Arizona with experience in family therapy, ADHD, stress and anxiety management, and executive coaching. She is the author of My Spouse Wants More Sex Than Me: The 2-Minute Solution For a Happier MarriageClick HERE to check out her free resources on effective communication, emotional unavailability, intimacy, and anxiety management or join her at www.ruxandralemay.com for monthly blog posts.