Less is More: ADHD & Minimalism (2024)

FAQs

Is minimalism good for people with ADHD? ›

ADHD often brings a whirlwind of thoughts and ideas. Minimalism provides a calming counterbalance. By decluttering physical spaces, I've created environments that foster focus and clarity, allowing me to harness my creative energy more effectively.

Choosing a minimalist lifestyle means living with less, both in terms of physical possessions and mental clutter. It's not about denying ourselves pleasure, but rather, sparking joy in the simple things. Minimal living can enrich your life and help you focus on the things that truly matter.

But a messy nest could make some symptoms worse. Those piles of papers, books, or laundry remind you of all the stuff you need to do. Sometimes it can be too much. On the flipside, clearing the clutter can make you more productive and ease your worries.

Minimalism Frees Up Your Time

Minimalism leads to a more organized and clutter-free life. I can't tell you how much I love right after we've decluttered a room because that room becomes easy to maintain and clean. Fewer items can lead to increased happiness because I get to choose how I'm spending my time.

According to a survey by the Simplicity Institute, an organization that surveyed 2,500 people across various countries who self-identified themselves as living with fewer possessions, 87 percent of respondents indicated they were happier now than when they owned more possessions.

Boredom Vulnerability and ADHD

Scientists believe there are lower levels of dopamine in the brain of someone with ADHD. As a result, more stimulation and effort are required to raise the levels of dopamine that help you feel motivated and enjoy what you are doing.

Created by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, the 90/90 rule is a decluttering process that requires you to ask yourself two questions about objects you're not sure about: Have you used it in the past 90 days? And if not, will you use it in the 90 days ahead?

The hardest but—by far and away—most important work I've done on my minimalism journey is clearing out my emotional clutter. We all have recurring negative thoughts about ourselves, our lives, and others. Our brains have become so efficient at thinking these thoughts that we almost believe they're truth.

A minimalist budget is one where you eliminate the non-essentials and the clutter from your budget to leave more money for what you value most. A minimalist budget can help you to reduce your monthly expenses, simplify your financial life, and get out of debt.

Differences in emotions in people with ADHD can lead to 'shutdowns', where someone is so overwhelmed with emotions that they space out, may find it hard to speak or move and may struggle to articulate what they are feeling until they can process their emotions.

What is an ADHD meltdown? ›

ADHD meltdowns are sudden outbursts of frustration and anger that seem to come out of nowhere. If your child is struggling to control their emotions, there are ways to help them. For children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), impulsivity can present in many ways.

This can include things like entering into new stages of development, such as adolescence or adulthood; increased stress levels; and competing demands on time, such as work and family responsibilities. These challenges can worsen ADHD characteristics in some people.

It is marked by clarity, purpose, and intentionality. At its core, being a minimalist means intentionally promoting the things we most value and removing everything that distracts us from it. It is a life that forces intentionality upon us. As a result, it forces improvements in almost all aspects of your life.

As highly sensitive people, feeling calm, grounded, and centered is hard for both Ella and I. The environments we're in dramatically effect how we feel. Practicing minimalism helps reduce distractions and overstimulation and creates feelings of peace and harmony in our home.

It Helps Relieve Your Mind from Stress.

However, if you're a minimalist, your mind gets a lot of relief. You'll be better positioned to reorganize your mind and life. Remember, positive thinking will let you have fewer mental triggers as you have less things disturbing your mind.

A: Extreme minimalism can improve mental well-being by reducing stress and promoting a clearer and more organized mind. It removes distractions and allows individuals to focus on what truly matters, leading to improved overall mental health.

People with ADHD may have difficulty with organization as a result of deficiencies in executive functions, a set of skills relating to memory, planning, and carrying out tasks. According to a 2020 study , problems with working memory are a key symptom of ADHD and can affect organizational skills.

People with ADHD may feel bored more frequently or intensely than other people. Boredom can lead to feelings of lethargy, irritation, and frustration, and may contribute to mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

Individuals with ADHD often struggle with impulsive spending habits, which can have a significant impact on their financial well-being.