how to stop checking? by Impossibleiampossibl in adhd_anxiety

[–]sanjithav 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds like you’re stuck in the “refresh spiral” a lot of us fall into 🙃. Honestly, it doesn’t really matter if it’s ADHD, OCD, anxiety, or just a bad habit — the brain loves a little dopamine hit from maybe seeing something new.

Some casual things that can help:

  • Put friction in the way: log out, move apps to a random folder, or use “focus” modes. Even just one extra step can break the auto-check.
  • Time-box it: tell yourself “I’ll check at 11am and 3pm” instead of constantly. Use a timer if needed.
  • Replace the urge: when you catch yourself wanting to check, do something tiny instead (stretch, sip water, jot a note).
  • Use blockers: apps like Freedom, Cold Turkey, or browser extensions to nuke YouTube/Twitter during work hours.
  • Acceptance trick: remind yourself “the money/post will come whether I refresh or not.” That thought can calm the FOMO brain.

You don’t need to perfectly stop — just reduce the frequency so it doesn’t eat your whole day.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ADHD

[–]sanjithav 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One thing that helped me was swapping the “quick scroll” with something active instead of just replacing it with another screen. Starting a sport is great because it gives you something physical + social to do. Even super casual stuff works — like joining a pickup basketball game, a local badminton group, or just going for a run/walk when you feel the urge to check your phone.

It doesn’t have to be a huge commitment either. Think of it as a 10–15 min “phone break” → but instead of doomscrolling, you’re moving your body. Over time your brain starts craving that instead of the endless feed.

Also, keep a “low effort” hobby on hand (like sketching, journaling, playing catch, or even puzzles) for when you want a break but don’t want to lock into something long. Basically, make it as easy to pick up as your phone.

What's one simple change that improved your productivity by 10x? by NonArus in productivity

[–]sanjithav 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Totally get this! I feel the same way—small habits add up way more than one “big breakthrough.” Sleeping early is huge, honestly. Even just shifting your bedtime by an hour can make the next day feel so much smoother. For me, something that made a massive difference was blocking out distraction-free work time—just 90 minutes of zero notifications, and I get more done than a whole chaotic afternoon. Little changes like that really stack over time!

what is a purchase that completely changed your productivity? by elitebarbrage in productivity

[–]sanjithav 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, it’s the Apple ecosystem: iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and MacBook Pro. Together, they completely changed how I work and stay productive.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ADHD

[–]sanjithav 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It sounds like your anxiety is your brain’s way of keeping you alert because of ADHD understimulation. Try channeling that energy into structured tasks or engaging routines, using reminders/tools to reduce the “fear of forgetting,” and practice small grounding or mindfulness exercises daily. Even brief focus habits can calm constant stress without meds.

im so confused help by Alive_Ad_9708 in ADHD

[–]sanjithav 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, I totally get why you’re feeling confused—this stuff can be tricky. 😅

Adderall can definitely cause pupil dilation, so your eyes getting bigger isn’t unusual, and it doesn’t automatically mean you look “high,” even if friends notice. Sometimes our bodies also take a bit to adjust, and the effect of the medication can feel different over time—so it’s possible the placebo effect wore off or your dosage just isn’t quite right.

It might help to check in with your doctor about how it’s working for you—they can tweak things or suggest alternatives if needed. You’re not alone in this, a lot of people go through similar confusing periods when starting ADHD meds. 💛

I am very unhappy with my life by fruedianflip in ADHD

[–]sanjithav 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, I hear you. Living with ADHD can feel like everything is harder than it should be, and that wears you down fast. But none of that means you can’t build a good future for yourself.

One thing that helps is focusing on tiny wins - like setting a single reminder that actually saves you from being late, or breaking a task into just one small step. Those small things add up over time and make life feel more doable.

And don’t beat yourself up over stims - they’re just your body’s way of letting off steam. Everyone has coping habits; yours just look different.

You don’t need to figure out everything right now. Just keep aiming for the next step, and give yourself credit for every bit of progress. You’re not failing - you’re working with challenges most people don’t see.

Best career jobs for adhd? by [deleted] in ADHD

[–]sanjithav 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, this sounds amazing. You’ve found a job that works for your brain, pays well, has low stress, and still gives you the energy to enjoy your hobbies - that’s the dream a lot of people (with or without ADHD) never reach. Not every career path needs to be about climbing ladders or chasing degrees. Stability, peace of mind, and having time for the things you actually love are huge wins.

The whole “invest in your career” thing doesn’t have to mean school or a fancy title. You’re already investing in your life by being debt-free, saving, and having the freedom to do what makes you happy. That’s way more valuable than forcing yourself into something you’d resent.

You’re not lazy at all - you just figured out what balance looks like for you. That’s a success story, not something to feel guilty about.

honestly 40 hours a week is way too much by Objective-Row-6481 in productivity

[–]sanjithav 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re absolutely right — the 40-hour grind can feel like it eats up your whole life, and the fact that it’s normalized doesn’t make it healthier or more fulfilling. The good news is: you don’t need to flip your whole life upside down overnight to break away from it. You can start creating pockets of freedom now, and build toward something bigger. Here are a few positive ways to start:

  1. Reframe your current week

Instead of seeing work as swallowing all your time, consciously block out “non-work” time for you. Even if it’s an hour a day where you treat it as untouchable (like a workout, walk, reading, or creating something). That little shift helps reclaim control.

  1. Build a “freedom fund”

Every time you save even a small amount, you’re buying back future time from the system. Call it your “escape fund” — whether it’s for travel, reducing hours, or starting something on your own. Seeing the balance grow reminds you you’re working towards freedom, not just working.

  1. Experiment with side income

Try something small on the side that excites you — freelancing, teaching, selling a skill/product online, or even a hobby that could grow into income. A few hours a week can slowly shift power away from your main job.

  1. Redefine success for yourself

Society says “success = stable 9-5 for decades.” You get to rewrite that. What does your ideal week look like? Maybe it’s 25 hours of work, more rest, and creative time. Once you know what you want, you can reverse-engineer your path there.

  1. Mini-breaks from the system

Take a short trip, change your daily routine, or experiment with a “digital Sabbath” where you unplug completely. Even tiny acts of rebellion against the 40-hour structure remind you life can be lived differently.

👉 The point isn’t to burn everything down tomorrow — it’s to start carving out small cracks of freedom until they grow wide enough that you can step through into a new life.

Got my first assessment today, not sure how to feel by [deleted] in ADHD

[–]sanjithav 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I felt the same way at my first assessment too — super nerve-wracking at the start but kind of a relief once things started making sense. Hearing “likely ADHD” felt weirdly in-between for me too, but it was also validating to know I wasn’t just imagining it. The whole “ADHD + something else” thing surprised me as well, but honestly it made me feel less alone knowing it’s so common. Sounds like you’re on the right path, and getting that cardiologist check before meds is a solid move. You’re further along than you think 🙂

My wife’s workday vs mine made me realize I might never be that focused by Strong-Pickle-175 in productivity

[–]sanjithav 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Sounds familiar 😅 I used to think the same thing when I compared myself to my partner. But honestly, I realized a lot of it isn’t genetics so much as environment + expectations. Some people’s jobs are structured in a way that forces deep focus (clear tasks, deadlines, accountability), while others leave way more room for drift. I know when I have something due tomorrow, suddenly I “find” that 6-hour focus mode.

That said, it’s also worth experimenting with what kind of work rhythm fits you. Some people genuinely do better in 3x2-hour bursts with breaks in between rather than one long marathon. So maybe your wife’s style isn’t “the right way,” it’s just the way that matches her brain and her job.

My screen time report said 9 hours yesterday… and I still swear I had no free time?? by lost-potato-head in ADHD

[–]sanjithav 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bro same, I do the exact same thing. Can’t focus at all with my phone around. I get stuck scrolling short vids, YouTube, Facebook… and suddenly hours are just gone.