Ever catch yourself staring blankly at a project you once couldn't wait to tackle, now feeling as enthusiastic as a deflated balloon?
Do you find yourself daydreaming about that initial spark of excitement, convinced that if you could just recapture that feeling, you'd zoom through your to-do list like a caffeinated cheetah?
For adults with ADHD, this sensation can be all too familiar. Our interest-based brains are driven by novelty and excitement, making daily routines and tasks that “should” be easy feel like you’re working under a heavy, wet blanket.
If any of that feels familiar, "resparkalizing" may be the strategy you need.
Whether it's relationships that have lost their sizzle, work tasks that feel like trudging through mud, or daily routines that make you want to hit the snooze button indefinitely, we’ll talk about how resparkalizing can keep your ADHD brain engaged, excited, and motivated.
What is resparkalizing?
Resparkalizing is a new term for revitalizing or reigniting interest in aspects of life that have become mundane or boring. For those of us with ADHD, who tend to seek novelty and struggle with sustained attention, this process is particularly crucial.
How resparkalizing helps ADHD symptoms
- 💪 Boosts Productivity: When your environment or tasks feel stale, your productivity can suffer. Resparkalizing can help you regain your focus and drive.
- 💖 Maintains Relationships: Long-term relationships can be challenging with ADHD. Resparkalizing helps keep connections fresh and engaging.
- 🎨 Enhances Creativity: Breaking out of autopilot mode can reignite your creative spark.
- 😡 Reduces Frustration: If you're stuck in a frustration loop, resparkalizing can help you break free.
- 😭 Manages Overwhelm: When juggling too much, resparkalizing can help you reassess and reorganize.
Signs it's time to resparkalize
- Your productivity is lagging
- You're constantly distracted by other spaces or tasks
- Routine tasks are becoming difficult to remember or complete
- You're feeling persistently frustrated
- Your creativity feels blocked
- You're overwhelmed by your to-do list
How to resparkalize your life
- Shake Up Your Space:
- Rearrange your furniture
- Beautify your surroundings (get creative - it doesn't have to be expensive!)
- Create dedicated homes for your belongings
- Inject Novelty into Relationships:
- Introduce new shared activities or hobbies
- Plan surprise outings
- Set mutual goals to work towards together
- Revamp Your Routines:
- Reassess your morning routine
- Plan exciting events to look forward to
- Start a new hobby or activity
- Practice Mindfulness:
- Stay present in your relationships and tasks
- Use journaling to clarify your wants and needs
- Declutter Your To-Do List:
- Delegate tasks where possible
- Consider outsourcing certain chores
- Set boundaries and learn to say "no"
- Seek Support:
- Engage in open communication with partners about your needs
- Consider professional guidance or ADHD coaching when needed
Planning your resparkalizing in advance
For many adults with ADHD, the idea of planning ahead can feel daunting. However, when it comes to resparkalizing, a bit of forethought can go a long way. Here's how you can plan to keep your life sparkly:
- Schedule Regular Check-ins: Set reminders in your calendar for monthly or quarterly "resparkalize check-ins." During these times, assess different areas of your life to see if they need a boost.
- Create a Resparkalize Toolkit: Compile a list of go-to activities, changes, or strategies that have worked for you in the past. This could include things like "rearrange office," "plan a surprise date," or "start a 30-day challenge."
- Budget for Novelty: Set aside a small "resparkalize fund" each month. This doesn't have to be large - even a small amount can help you introduce new elements to your environment or routine.
- Use a Rotation System: For tasks or spaces that tend to become dull quickly, create a rotation system. For example, change your workout routine every month or rearrange your desk quarterly.
- Partner Up: Find an "accountability buddy" who also wants to keep things fresh. Schedule regular brainstorming sessions to come up with new ideas for each other.
- Anticipate Challenging Periods: If you know certain times of year are particularly difficult (like winter months or busy seasons at work), plan extra resparkalizing activities in advance.
- Keep a "Spark" Journal: Whenever you come across an idea that excites you, jot it down in a dedicated journal or note-taking app. Review this regularly for inspiration.
- Set Resparkalize Goals: Just like you might set other personal or professional goals, set some resparkalize goals. For example, "Try one new hobby every quarter" or "Rearrange a room in the house every season."
The key to successful resparkalizing is finding a balance between structure and spontaneity. While it's great to have a plan, don't be afraid to deviate from it if a sudden burst of inspiration strikes. The goal is to keep your ADHD brain engaged and excited about life - whether that comes from a well-laid plan or a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Keeping your spark alive
Resparkalizing is an ongoing process. As adults with ADHD, we may need to actively work at maintaining interest and excitement in various aspects of our lives. By recognizing when it's time to resparkalize, implementing these strategies, and planning ahead, we can create a more engaging, fulfilling life that works with our ADHD brains, not against them.
If you’re still not sure how to resparkalize your life, ADHD coaching can be an invaluable resource. A skilled ADHD coach can help you identify areas of your life that need a spark, develop personalized strategies for resparkalizing, and provide the accountability and support you need to maintain your momentum.
Whether you're tackling resparkalizing on your own or with the help of a coach, the key is to keep experimenting, stay curious, and never stop looking for new ways to add vibrancy to your life. With each small change and new experience, you're not just managing your ADHD – you're harnessing its power to create a life that's uniquely, brilliantly you ✨
