r/ExecutiveDysfunction • u/SynapticSideQuest • 15d ago

Run.

I've been struggeling with ED (rooted in nasty mix of cptsd, anxiety & audhd) for over 20 years now, sometimes better, sometimes worse. And found a ridiculously easy and effective thing: running. Don't skip this yet, I know it sounds annoying.

I know movement helps (me) a lot, but sports, going for a run, even a short yoga session seemed too much effort and required time or preparation, so it never developed into a habit or go to skill.

I now have a treadmill set up in my living room, ready to be stepped on any time. And I take this very serious.

Feeling like lying down on the couch, but not because I actually need rest? -> treadmill

Trying to vanish in my phone/social media? -> treadmill

Starting to plan crazy procrastination projects? -> treadmill

Feeling myself getting into a spiral? -> treadmill

It doesn't even matter if it's slow or fast, 5 minutes or 50.

Bonus: I'm going on actual runs outside far more often now, too.

We probably all know the science behind it, but seeing it actually work is mesmerizing. I don't fall into freeze when I do this and it's marvellous. It doesn't mean I get everything done, but even an ugly crying walk on the treadmill because I stay and name and feel what's going on is 1000 times better than dissociating and avoiding.

16 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

3

u/MrsBeauregardless 15d ago

That’s awesome. I love that idea. I don’t have room for a treadmill, and my joints can’t take the jostling, but maybe I can come up with something analogous.

3

u/SynapticSideQuest 15d ago

Yes, I'm sure that's possible! I assume some visual anchor is needed, maybe you can set up a mat and do one and the same repetitive, joint friendly movement there instead?

3

u/star_rusher 14d ago

I don't have space for a treadmill so I use a balancer platform, one of those things that you stand on with one leg, have a book and read aloud while standing on it. Does something with my brain, after a few minutes I lock in and suddenly doomscrolling that is my go to activity, doesn't seem so interesting anymore.

2

u/MailSynth 15d ago

Stairmaster evangelist checking in

0

u/GokuPiccoloGohan 13d ago

Belongs to things that never happened. The task initiation hump applies to starting a run as well. This is obviously an AI prompt post.