During COVID we homeschooled our kids for a year. My son was in 3rd grade and my daughter was in 6th grade. While it was extremely stressful, the blessing is that we learned about our kids different learning styles. This led to us getting them both tested for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD. While my son tested positive for ADHD pretty quickly my daughter tested borderline. It was interesting going through that process and how boys and girls would go through the same tests but the rationale around the results was different.
Lately, it feels like everyone has an ADHD diagnosis. While. I know that’s not the case, it’s definitely more talked about. Adults especially are finally understanding their way of processing things could due to ADHD and finding those aHa moments. It has helped so many people figure out new, less frustrating, ways of handling their work and tasks at home. This is espcially true for women.
It’s no secret that ADHD shows up differently in males vs females. ADHD is often associated with difficulties in focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. However, people with ADHD also possess unique talents and strengths, including creativity. This is especially true for women with ADHD, who are often known for their innovative and unconventional thinking.
How Women Can Leverage ADHD
When you look at ADHD as a positive you can start to look at the way your brain works and change the way you tack projects and activities. One of those is leveraging creativity.
Creativity
Women with ADHD have a natural inclination towards creativity because they are wired to think differently. They have a unique way of processing information that allows them to see things from a different angle, and this enables them to generate unique and innovative ideas. Many women with ADHD have reported experiencing moments of hyperfocus where they become completely engrossed in a task, and their brains seem to function at an accelerated pace. During these moments, their creativity and productivity are at their peak. This ability to hyperfocus is a strength that women with ADHD can leverage to tap into their creativity.
Multitasking
There is a lot of chatter out there about the effectiveness of multitasking or if you can even truly multiask. Regardless of your stance on the matter, women with ADHD tend to multitask well. This is because their brains naturally task-switch. When it comes to creativity, multitasking can allow women to see connections between different ideas and generate new and innovative solutions to problems.
Flex Your Creativity Muscle
Lean into creativity! Take an art class or music lessons, crochet or take a dance lesson. Adding in creativity to. a regular routine can help with harnessing that part of your brain and help you use creativity to solve solutions in your life.
Bonus Tips for Women with ADHD
ADHD is something that you constantly have to work with. We are constantly working with our kids on tools and strategies to help them be successful. Add that in with periods of stress and anxiety that make it harder to maneuver your ADHD. It can be difficult for you to translate their creative ideas into concrete plans or execute them due to their difficulties with planning and follow-through.
Here are some ideas to help:
🔹 create a dedicated workspace without distractions.
🔹 break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
🔹 set specific goals and deadlines.
🔹 use organizational tools such as calendars, planners, and to-do lists.
🔹 enlist a mental health professional, support group or peers with ADHD.
Conclusion
In conclusion, women with ADHD possess unique talents and strengths, including creativity. By leveraging your strengths, using organizational tools and strategies, and engaging in activities that promote creativity, you can harness you talents and achieve success in both your personal and professional lives. With the right support and mindset, women with ADHD can embrace differences and use them as a source of empowerment and creativity.