How to Give Your Brain the Stimulation It Needs

Introduction

In this section, Jessica explains why ADHD brains need a lot of stimulation and how quick sources of dopamine are not enough to satisfy that need.

• ADHD brains need a lot of stimulation.

• Quick sources of dopamine are not enough to satisfy the need for stimulation.

Making Good Dopamine Choices

In this section, Jessica explains how making different choices requires figuring out what those choices are, weighing those choices, figuring out the steps involved then initiating them. She also talks about separating planning from choosing and creating a dopa-menu.

• Making different choices requires figuring out what those choices are, weighing those choices, figuring out the steps involved then initiating them.

• Separating planning from choosing can make it easier to make good dopamine choices.

• Creating a dopa-menu involves designing your menu based on things that excite you or make you feel alive and on the flip side, what your go-to’s are when you’re bored that don't actually make you feel great.

The DOPA Menu

In this section, Jessica elaborates on the concept of creating a dopa-menu based on Eric's suggestions. She explains how she split her menu into Entrees (activities that excite her), Desserts (go-to activities that don't fill her bucket), Appetizers (things that give her a quick dopamine burst without sucking her in), and Sides (things she can add to other activities to make them more engaging).

• Entrees are activities that excite you and make you feel alive.

• Desserts are go-to activities that don't actually fill your bucket.

• Appetizers are things that give you a quick dopamine burst without sucking you in.

• Sides are things you can add to other activities to make them more engaging.

Creating a Menu for Your Life

In this section, Jessica discusses how to create a menu for your life by choosing the things you want to do and making them easily accessible.

Choosing What's on Your Menu

• Restaurants take items off their menu all the time because it's not in season or too expensive to make; we can do the same with our lives.

• Choose things that you would actually "order" and something you can actually "make."

• Decrease the number of steps involved for things you want to encourage yourself to do, and increase the number of steps for any go-to's you'd like to go less often.

Preparing Your Ingredients

• Prepare everything ahead of time so that when you're hungry, you don't have to wait.

Advertising Your Menu

• Make your menu pretty or funny and post it where you'll be able to see it when bored.

• Use websites with random choice generators if unsure what to choose.

When Nothing Feels Enjoyable

In this section, Eric gives advice on what to do if nothing feels enjoyable.

Seeking Help

• Call your doctor if nothing feels enjoyable.

• You feel it physically when it's depression.

Conclusion

In this section, Jessica concludes the video by thanking her viewers and encouraging them to share their ideas.

Wrapping Up

• Share any ideas you have in the comments below.

• Post your menu on Instagram with #BraintasticTuesday.

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