August 19
Why does our ADHD brain get stuck on those annoying negative thoughts?
A while back, I learned something from Dr. Ned Hallowell that changed how I understand our unique brains. It's all about two parts of our brain: the "get stuff done" part (we call it the Task Positive Network or TPN) and the "daydream/worry" part (that's the Default Mode Network or DMN).
Let's start with the TPN. This is our "get stuff done" network. You know those moments when you're totally in the zone, laser-focused on what you're doing? Maybe you're writing a report, or painting, or solving a tricky problem. That's your TPN lighting up like a Christmas tree! When it's activated, you're not even aware of whether you're happy or not - you're just fully present in the moment. Pretty cool, right?
Now, DMN is our "daydream/worry" network. It kicks in when our mind starts to wander. It's where our creativity comes from, where we make all those cool connections. But it's also where the darkness creeps in - the brooding, the rumination, the "why did I say that stupid thing 10 years ago" thoughts. It's a double-edged sword, this DMN.
Now, here's the tricky part for us: switching between these two can be a real pain in the butt. We might get stuck in worry-mode (thanks a lot, DMN) or hyperfocus so hard we forget to eat (oh hey, TPN).
But here's the secret I've found: when you feel stuck in that loop of negative thoughts, the key is to get into action! Go for a walk, call a friend, or dive into that project you've been putting off. By engaging in action, you're jumpstarting your TPN and shutting down the DMN. It's like changing the channel in your brain.
It's never too late to rewire things upstairs and create a life that doesn't suck. By understanding how our ADHD brains work and playing to our strengths, we can get better at handling the tough stuff. It's all about finding ways to work with our quirky brains, not against them. So next time you're stuck in a funk, remember: your brain's got superpowers, you just gotta learn how to use them!
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“To make real, concrete changes in our lives, we first need awareness and understanding of why we do what we do. Once we understand that, only then can we put systems in place to do something different.”
- Tracy Otsuka
"When we're talking about nature versus nurture, it always comes down to both. Good nurture helps to reduce the influence of bad nature and vice versa."
- Tracy Otsuka
"You can change your brain at any age. It is never too late to build a different life, a different relationship, a different brain."
- Tracy Otsuka
"Our ADHD brains are happiest when we're in action and we're creating."
- Tracy Otsuka
- Tracy Otsuka discusses ADHD and its impact on women, highlighting their strengths and successes.
- Insights on ADHD and rumination, emphasizing the importance of awareness and understanding to make positive changes.
- New research reveals how our brains can get stuck in negative thoughts, and practical strategies for breaking the cycle of rumination are discussed.
[4:12 - 10:55] The Role of Brain Networks in Focus and Creativity
- Tracy explains the influence of both nature and nurture on mental health, with neuroplasticity allowing for brain change at any age.
- The functions of TPN (task-positive network) and DMN (default mode network) and their relation to focus and creativity.
- How ADHD brains toggle between TPN and DMN, leading to both creativity and depression.
[10:55 - End] Mastering Brain Networks for Enhanced Creativity and Productivity
- Tracy details how to control the TPN and DMN networks to improve focus and creativity.
- Otsuka shares her personal experience of controlling her mood by engaging in action, which shuts down DMN and reactivates TPN.
- Discussion on the importance of setting foundational intentions to move towards desired goals, particularly for ADHD individuals who often feel unfulfilled due to a lack of intention.
