Life is full of distractions, and a neurotypical person may even have trouble completing tasks. If you struggle with ADHD or impulsivity, this difficulty is likely to be exponentially worse. What is impulsivity, and why does it thwart your ability to be proactive? The answer lies in your unique brain chemistry, but generally speaking, it’s the result of a chemical imbalance or dysregulated proteins within your brain. When the problem is caused by your own body, it can be hard to find a solution, but you don’t have to resort to harsh pharmaceuticals. These drugs are often presented as the best option, but there are other anxiety products for adults that can alleviate symptoms of impulsivity.
Practice Patience
In addition to homeopathic treatments, you can work on developing your coping skills. One of the best ways to do so is by practicing patience. Impulses tell you that you need to act before you think even if you know the opposite is true. When an impulse arrives, try to force yourself to be patient by invoking a specific strategy. You might try counting, for example, until the impulse fades away. When you consciously choose to act patiently instead of acting on an impulse, you buy yourself time to think about the action in question and coherently consider whether it’s in your best interest.
Another way that you can practice patience is by engaging in breathing exercises. Breathing exercises are an incredibly effective tool for a wide range of afflictions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and impulsivity. The easiest way to do this is to simply count and breathe at the same time. Inhale as you count to five and exhale until you count to five. You can do this in perpetuity until your impulse has passed and you’re feeling a sense of clarity.
Mentally Walk Through Scenarios
Imagining scenarios has long been recommended by psychologists who say it can make people feel more positive. Of course, this benefit depends on the scenario you imagine, so it’s important to hone in on the idea of a positive outcome. You can apply this principle to impulsivity by walking through some of the impulses you encounter most commonly — eating too much, saying something offensive, or interrupting others, for example — and imagining how that situation would play out if you successfully control your impulses. You would likely avoid unwanted consequences and enjoy less stress in your life.
If you’ve tried breathing exercises, positive imagining, and practicing patience — but you still struggle with impulse control — it may be time to look for additional support. This may come in the form of medicine that helps improve your brain function. Of course, it’s important to find the right medicine, and you likely want to avoid prescribed treatment options that may not offer any meaningful improvement. Start by researching ADHD medication reviews to find supplements that are highly rated by customers and proven to be effective for impulsivity. You can overcome impulse control struggles and regain the power to be proactive in your life.
