Hi TG:

Welcome to the ADDitude forums! Your post sounds so much like some ADD friends I have -- never enjoying the sport/hobby/relaxation time they're IN because they're already thinking about and longing for WHAT'S NEXT. Have you ever considered doing yoga or meditation? I've heard some great things about exercises that help train the brain to slow down and focus long enough to enjoy the present moment...

Here are some resources that might interest you...

Mindful Awareness: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1475.html

Fidget to Focus — Outwit Your Boredom: Sensory Strategies for Living with ADD: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-web/article/916.html

I hope this helps!

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Hi TG,

I have the same problem--I like my friends, but the boredom problem is big. I have summers off because I'm a teacher, and my kids are grown. I have started going on long road trips all over the US, and I think it all boils down to my ADD. The constant newness of what I see, the driving, the planning, the picture-taking---I love it all. If someone were with me, I don't think it would work---actually, I've tried, and it hasn't worked. I don't have the freedom to be creative with picture-taking if another person is there-too much negotiation is required when traveling with someone. Also, part of the challenge and excitement is the independenc. Yes, it's expensive, but it really satisfies the craving for something interesting that can take my mind away. I hope you can find an outlet that works for you--something to really get involved in. My point isn't that you should take up road trips---but that finding something bigger than the small brief temporary outlets around the house might really help. My meds have helped me to be able to pull off the traveling--without them, I don't think I could've accomplished the past 2 summers of exploring. Exercise, meds, and good nutrition are important, but for me they are just the background support. Even if I haven't given you any answers, just know that you're not alone in feeling at loose ends! Good luck!! Laura

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I so identify with this issue. I'm often feeling that whatever I'm doing, I should be doing something else. I've benefitted in the past from meditation and exercise, and yet it's hard to stop my compulsive activity long enough to get centered. Good self-care is hard for me. I fill my days with compulsive projects that are either inefficient attempts to organize my home and my life, or are creative/art related, but often based on the whim of the moment, not planful. After earning a masters in social work, I usually felt bored and disengaged with work. I haven't been able to advance my real passion - art and design, particularly textiles - due to self-doubt and problems with fuzzy thinking, poor planning and follow-through, too many creative ideas and resulting confusion, and enormous distractibility. I'm now on disability, and can add financial worries to the whirlwind of distraction. I'm sorry I haven't offered help to you, TG, but I empathize. I'm open to any ideas, thoughts from anyone. Sorry for this gushing of problems. I'm new to this site and haven't had support from other ADD'ers.

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I forgot to add that I've been taking adderal and like dextroamphetamine before it, it seemed to help initially with focusing. It's not that effective now.

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Just had to put in my 2 cents' worth -- I think we ADD folk are Renaissance people (interested in many things) and society tends to think that we are dilettantes (Jack or Jill of all trades, master of none) and that is considered a putdown. But really, we have to celebrate our minds even if they do make us crazy. I have to contend with an addiction to knowledge and to art/craft/sewing/etc. supplies that I keep running off to buy -- forgetting that the week or month before I was all gung-ho about some other subject of interest/artistic project which lies semi-forgotten in one of my "piles". But how often do we put ourselves down as dilettantes rather than Renaissance people? At least we can stop one source of criticism. That said, I recognize in myself and in the frustrations expressed by others a need not to let the addiction to "the next exciting thing" become a problem (as it has with my finances and clutter level). I don't have easy answers to offer; if I did, I'd be running all the businesses (yes, that's plural) my mind dreams up and have money to also start several philanthropic organizations as well as a retirement account. Don't know if these ramblings are of any help beyond "Yeah, I can sure relate to that!" but some days I can get at least that satisfaction of knowing I'm not alone, and can offer it back. If you believe in God, pray about it -- I have found that helps. Even if you don't believe in God -- what do you have to lose? We can be directed and find peace in that direction. Hope this helps.

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lisadiane, I think you just gave the perfect one-line description of what it feels like (at least for me) to have ADHD:

"I'm often feeling that whatever I'm doing, I should be doing something else."

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lisadiane55 said: I so identify with this issue. I'm often feeling that whatever I'm doing, I should be doing something else. I've benefitted in the past from meditation and exercise, and yet it's hard to stop my compulsive activity long enough to get centered. Good self-care is hard for me. I fill my days with compulsive projects that are either inefficient attempts to organize my home and my life, or are creative/art related, but often based on the whim of the moment, not planful. After earning a masters in social work, I usually felt bored and disengaged with work. I haven't been able to advance my real passion - art and design, particularly textiles - due to self-doubt and problems with fuzzy thinking, poor planning and follow-through, too many creative ideas and resulting confusion, and enormous distractibility. I'm now on disability, and can add financial worries to the whirlwind of distraction. I'm sorry I haven't offered help to you, TG, but I empathize. I'm open to any ideas, thoughts from anyone. Sorry for this gushing of problems. I'm new to this site and haven't had support from other ADD'ers.

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The only solution I have found for the frenetic boredom thing (it feels very urgent and desperate inside me) is medication. Yay for Ritalin! I am also on paroxetine for depression/anxiety and this was increased recently so has helped too. I still do more than just about everyone I know but it is not distressing any more. However, since the meds kicked in, I haven't got the frenetic energy I used to have so am now going through a bit of a crash. I am SO tired so have taken this week off work to do nothing. Well, my version of nothing - yesterday I sorted out the furniture I want to get rid of, met the auctioneer to get a quote, moved the bedrooms around and reorganised the living room. I sorted out the insurance claim and had a number of long emotional discussions with my mother with wants me to be more sensistive. It is now Tuesday morning so I think I will limit myself to writing a website today and making jam. I might go all out and cuddle the dogs and cats.

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I have been writing my thesis in grad school with no course work and I constantly find myslef joing a club or two or surfing the net and buying things I really don't have the money to. Anyhow, hang in there we've got about two more weeks of this month to go.

I'm up now and I am soo bored. I think I'll try to listen to some French CD while reading 2 of the four books (2 chapters each) in my bed.

I can't wait till my ADD planner comes. Have a nice night or morning.

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