Note: I took a week off to settle my brain a bit. Now I am BACK! a glossary at the end defines the Yiddish words I am using! enjoy:
ADHD and anxiety together? Oy, what a combination! If ADHD is like having a brain that’s constantly spinning like a dreidel, anxiety is the overprotective bubbe yelling, “Watch out! You’ll hurt yourself!” But don’t you worry—there are ways to manage this balagan without going completely meshugge.
1. Know Thy Enemy: Understand Your Anxiety
Let’s face it—anxiety isn’t just there to ruin your day. It’s like that nosy neighbor who’s always peeking over the fence, convinced something terrible is happening. With ADHD, your brain’s already on high alert, like a Jewish mother who thinks every sneeze is a sign you’re catching pneumonia. Start paying attention to when anxiety rears its head. Is it before a big meeting? When you’re trying to juggle 12 things at once? Once you know what sets it off, you can start planning how to shush it.
2. Break It Down: Manage Tasks One Kugel at a Time
When your to-do list is longer than your Aunt Miriam’s stories, it’s time to break things down. Don’t try to eat the whole brisket in one sitting—take it one bite at a time! Focus on one small task, give yourself a little mazel tov when you finish, and then move on to the next. Think of each completed task like finding a good bagel—every little win is worth celebrating.
3. Routine, Routine, Routine
I know, “routine” might sound as exciting as a dry piece of matzo, but trust me—a little structure can make a big difference. Routine is like a nice warm bowl of chicken soup—it soothes your nerves and keeps everything in order. It gives your brain a map, so you don’t get lost in the chaos. Once you’ve got your routine down, you’ll have more energy for those spontaneous moments that make life interesting.
4. Mindful Moments: Practice Being Present
Let’s talk mindfulness. And no, I’m not suggesting you start chanting in a cave somewhere. Mindfulness is just about being present in the moment. When anxiety starts kvetching in your ear, take a deep breath and focus on what’s right in front of you. It’s like savoring a piece of rugelach—enjoy the taste, the texture, the sweetness. Even just a minute of this can help calm your nerves and bring you back to center.
5. Move It, Move It: Exercise to Schvitz Off Stress
Exercise isn’t just for the meshuggenahs who enjoy running marathons. It’s for anyone who wants to burn off that nervous energy and keep anxiety in check. Get up, move around, get a little schvitz going—whether it’s a walk around the block, a little dancing in the kitchen, or some good old-fashioned calisthenics. Exercise helps clear the mind and lift the spirits, like a good laugh at a wedding toast.
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6. Sleep: The Ultimate Recharge
Sleep is like a visit to your bubbe’s house—restorative, comforting, and exactly what you need to recharge. But with ADHD, getting a good night’s sleep can feel as elusive as your Aunt Rivka’s secret brisket recipe. Make sleep a priority by setting up a bedtime routine that would make even your mother proud—no screens, a little reading, maybe some herbal tea. The better you sleep, the better equipped you’ll be to handle whatever meshugas the next day brings.
7. Talk It Out: Therapy and Support
Sometimes, you need a little extra help. Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is like having a wise rebbe to guide you through the mishigas in your head. And if therapy’s not your thing, consider joining a support group—a place where you can kibitz with others who know exactly what you’re going through. Just talking about it can be more comforting than a bowl of matzo ball soup.
8. Laugh at the Chaos
Finally, don’t forget to laugh. ADHD and anxiety can turn life into a three-ring circus, so why not be the one laughing the loudest? Embrace the craziness, find the humor in it, and remember that sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine. After all, if you can laugh at the absurdity of it all, you’ve already won half the battle.
Wrapping It Up
Dealing with ADHD and anxiety can feel like trying to organize a family reunion—everyone’s talking at once, the food’s getting cold, and someone’s always unhappy. But with a few good strategies, a little routine, and a healthy dose of humor, you can manage the chaos without losing your mind. Remember, it’s not about getting rid of anxiety completely—that’s as likely as finding a parking spot right in front of the deli. It’s about learning how to manage it so it doesn’t run the show. Take a deep breath, grab a knish, and show that anxiety who’s boss!
Do Dr. Jeff’s free 7-day challenge! It will make a mensch out of you!
Appendix: Yiddish Glossary
To help everyone feel like they’re part of the mishpocheh (family), here’s a handy guide to the Yiddish words and expressions used in the article:
Balagan: A term for chaos, disorder, or a big mess. If something’s a real balagan, it’s all over the place.
Bubbe: Yiddish for grandmother. The kind, sometimes overprotective figure who always has advice, food, and love to offer.
Brisket: A cut of meat, usually slow-cooked and a staple at Jewish holiday meals. Symbolic of something hearty and satisfying.
Dreidel: A spinning top, traditionally played with during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Used here metaphorically to describe something spinning or turning.
Kugel: A traditional Jewish dish, usually a baked pudding made from noodles or potatoes. Comfort food at its best.
Kvetching: Complaining or whining. If someone’s kvetching, they’re letting you know about everything that’s wrong, real or imagined.
Mazel tov: A congratulatory phrase meaning “good luck” or “congratulations.” Often said to celebrate achievements or milestones.
Mensch: A person of integrity and honor, someone who is kind, decent, and reliable—a true stand-up individual.
Meshugge/Meshuggenah: Crazy or insane. Used affectionately or humorously to describe someone or something that’s a little out of the ordinary.
Mishigas: Nonsense or craziness. Refers to any kind of foolish behavior or chaotic situation.
Mishpocheh: Family, but can also mean extended family or even close friends. Your inner circle of loved ones.
Noshing: Snacking or eating a little something, especially between meals.
Oy vey: An expression of dismay or exasperation. It’s like saying, “Oh no!” or “Good grief!”
Plotz: To collapse or faint from excitement, exhaustion, or exasperation. “I nearly plotzed” is a way to say, “I was overwhelmed!”
Rebbe: A respected teacher or spiritual leader in the Jewish tradition, often someone who offers wisdom and guidance.
Rugelach: A sweet pastry filled with ingredients like nuts, fruit, or chocolate, rolled up into a crescent shape. Delicious and irresistible.
Schmear: A spread, usually referring to cream cheese on a bagel, but can also mean a generous helping of anything.
Schvitz: To sweat. It can be used literally, like when you’re working out, or metaphorically, like when you’re stressed..
Tsuris: Troubles, worries, or aggravation. Something that gives you grief or stress.
With this glossary in hand, you’re ready to dive into the article and enjoy the humor with a little more chutzpah (boldness)! Mazel tov on expanding your Yiddish vocabulary!
