4 Ways to Harness Your Creative Energy for Good

The adult ADHD mind is often a creative mind. I don’t necessarily mean creative in the usual sense—reserved for artists and writers—but creativity as an approach. Are you feeling exhausted by an overactive mind that makes every day work and life more difficult? Turns out the flipside of that is a mind capable of amazing creative output and productivity.
 
It’s up to you whether you direct that energy towards a larger purpose, like developing a craft or product, or simply as a means to make life easier. Harnessing that creativity, however, isn’t always easy.

I’m here to give you a few ideas about how to use your creative energy for good, allowing you to manage your ADHD and improve your self-image. Here are a few ways I’ve seen others successfully harness their ADHD energy.
 
1. Just Get Going
 If your ideal creative outlet isn’t something traditional like writing or painting, try cooking, gardening, or joining a committee for a cause you like. Not only will it filter out some of that otherwise distracting mental energy, but you could find a new passion.  Ignore the voice in your head that tells you that you aren’t creative, and get started on something... it could  anything! You’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes the thing you depend on for mental peace.
 
2. Taste Test Hobbies
Did you know your adult ADHD can actually help you achieve great things? It’s not easy to keep up with a hobby as an adult with a full-time job or a family to take care of, but by experimenting, you may find something you care about. With a project you’re excited about, you’ll start to see how your hyperactive mind can be used for good.  Adult ADHD can affect the self-esteem, but by filtering some of that psychological noise towards a positive goal, you’ll start to see how capable you really are.
 
3. Take Notes
We’ve mentioned writing a few times here. Not everyone is a writer, and sometimes just the idea of writing causes mental paralysis. But here’s a different way of looking at it.  Use writing as a way to focus your excess mental activity during meetings, functions, and other events. At the very least, it will give you something to do with your hands, and at best, it will help you retain information and demonstrate attentiveness.
 
4. The “BIG” List
I absolutely love the idea of lists. Now, of course, we’re all familiar with the idea of keeping a list to make sure you don’t forget anything—but what about a list that includes not just to-dos, but creative ideas, impulses, and dreams?  Add a small notebook or dedicate a space in your phone for this kind of list and refer to it when you get that nagging feeling you’ve forgotten something.

What other kinds of creative ways can we both use and cope with adult ADHD? I would love to hear from you. These are just a few ideas to get you started, and by no means should you feel discouraged if the first one you try isn’t right for you.
 
Even adults without ADHD rarely get it right the first time. Keep a positive attitude and see how far you can take your creative energy!
 
I invite you to check out my monthly Life Support box which offers tools, tricks, and exercises to keep stay organized and productive. Many adults with ADHD have found it to be a great part of their support system. You can read about it here!

Your adult ADHD diagnosis means that day-to-day tasks that seem simple to others can be daunting, but there’s no reason to despair. With knowledge and counseling, your symptoms are manageable. To learn more about strategies for tackling the symptoms of adult ADHD, contact me at Cloud Counseling today.