117: ADHD and How to Control Rumination, RSD and Depressive Thoughts

May 31

Join Tracy in episode #117 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women where she shares the #1 most impactful concept that she has learned this year. She talks about this concept every day with students and those who contact her because they’re struggling with rumination, RSD, and just plain not feeling good.

Tracy shares:

Who she learned this concept from
Why our ADHD brains can get stuck in a loop of negative thoughts which leads to rumination, RSD and general brooding
The role environment plays in all of this
What epigenetics and neuroplasticity can teach us
How you can change your brain at any age and be happier
The network in our brain that lights up when we’re in action
The network in our brain that is responsible for our creativity
The network in our brain that is responsible for many of our negative, depressive thoughts
The reason why so many people are starting to look so distracted whether or not they have or don’t have ADHD
The part of our brain that is responsible for addiction and what we can do about it
What 6-3-8-3 breathing is and why it works
When our ADHD brains are happiest.

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Quotes:

"When I am uncomfortable, it means I'm moving in the right direction." 
-  Tracy Otsuka

"Our brains are happiest when we are creating. And remember creativity. It's not just doing something in the fine arts. Our brains are creative. They're nonlinear."
-  Tracy Otsuka

"The deal with ADHD is there are some amazing strengths. And there's some things that we're not so great at. But whatever, let's focus on the things we're really good at. Let's make it as much of a superpower as we can."
-  Tracy Otsuka

[00:00 - 12:45] ADHD and Its Impact on Successful Women

  • Tracy discusses ADHD in successful women, including Serena Williams and Emma Watson.
  • Tracy expresses gratitude for listeners' reviews and gold stars, which help her feel more confident in her podcasting journey.
  • Tracy discusses how ADHD can lead to rumination and offers a new approach to steering oneself away from rumination and getting out of it when stuck.

[12:45 - 23:48] ADHD Brains and Their Importance

  • Tracy emphasizes the importance of epigenetics in understanding how our environment can influence the expression of genes, and how neuroplasticity allows us to change our brain at any age and build a better life.
  • Tracy discusses the two networks in the brain: the task positive network (TPN) and the default mode network (DMN).
  • Tracy discusses the concept of the "default mode network" and how it can lead to addiction, depression, and other mental health issues.

[23:48 - 28:38] ADHD, Creativity, and Focusing Techniques

  • Tracy discusses different breathing techniques, including 6383 breathing, to help manage ADHD symptoms by focusing on something other than oneself.
  • Tracy emphasizes the importance of taking action and getting out of one's head to shut down the default mode network and manage ADHD symptoms.
  • Tracy emphasizes the importance of setting up a foundational piece, such as identifying one's values, strengths, and passions, in order to move forward in life and achieve goals.








Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.


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EPISODE #117
Resources:
drhallowell.com
Breaking Binaries: bolt.straightforequality.org
www.explore.com
10 Things You Can Do to Be an Ally to People Who Are LGBTQ+: bolt.straightforequality
5 Days to Fall in Love with Your ADHD Brain: tracyotsuka.com
Your ADHD Brain is A-OK



Hi, I'm Tracy

I teach Smart Ass ADHD women how to use their brilliant brains to build the life they want by embracing their too-muchness and focusing on their strengths.