Gamify Your Day
Think back to the games you played as a child.
Chances are, a lot of the games you played came from your imagination rather than a box.
Kids seem to have such an easy time accessing their vivid imaginations to create so many new and exciting things.
As we get older, we often turn down the volume on our imagination to make room for more "adult" things.
I think it's time we start making more room in our schedules for imagination and play as adults.
Games = Dopamine
If you have ADHD, you may be aware that it can be difficult to do or start certain tasks, especially if they seem boring or difficult.
Many ADHDers are constantly looking for new strategies and ways to turn 'boring' into 'exciting' to get that dopamine flowing and boost motivation.
In general, games are a fantastic way to increase the flow of dopamine in your brain, mainly because they're fun or they cause a lot of emotion.
What if we took the fun of playing games and added it to those boring, pesky, avoided tasks?
I bet you would find those tasks are much easier to get started, and they get done a lot faster, too.
Why not give it a try!
Find a task or chore you usually avoid or just flat out hate doing. Now, how can you add fun to that task?
I have provided a few examples below, but I really encourage you to use these as fuel to power your own imagination.
Avoided Task: Folding and putting away laundry
Make it fun: Create two relatively identical laundry baskets full of laundry that is ready to fold and put away. Grab a folding buddy. Ready, set, FOLD! The first person to fold and put away their entire laundry basket (correctly), wins!
Avoided Task: Cleaning windows
Make it fun: Turn on a fun, funky playlist and dance your way to clean windows. This is a fantastic way to create some new dance moves while you wipe the streaks from the windows.
Avoided Task: Paper work/bills
Make it fun: Use the reward system! Receiving a reward is always one of the best parts of the game! Break down your tasks into small, manageable sections. Every time you complete a section, treat yourself to a small reward! I know I am much happier writing out my weekly meal plan when I get a piece of chocolate at the end.
And just like that, those avoided, sometimes hated, tasks don't seem so bad.
Get out and play!
Want to hear more from me and Pete Wright on gamifying your day?
The ADHD Podcast—Ep 2701: Turning ADHD Daily Life into a Game Worth Playing
Thank you for your time and attention,
Nikki
