23:51 Lena: Let's get really practical here. What would a daily routine look like for someone who's trying to expand their window of tolerance and better manage their ADHD symptoms?
24:02 Jackson: I love this question because it's not about adding a bunch of complicated practices to your life—it's about weaving nervous system awareness into what you're already doing.
24:12 Lena: Because let's be real, if it's too complicated, those of us with ADHD are probably not going to stick with it.
13:41 Jackson: Exactly! So let's start with the morning. Instead of jumping straight into your phone or rushing into your day, you might take just two minutes to check in with your nervous system. How are you feeling in your body? What's your energy level? What's your capacity today?
24:34 Lena: So it's like taking your emotional temperature before you start your day.
24:39 Jackson: Perfect analogy. And based on what you notice, you might adjust your expectations or your approach. If you're feeling more activated than usual, maybe you build in extra buffer time between tasks. If you're feeling low energy, maybe you prioritize the most important things and let some other stuff slide.
24:56 Lena: This is such a different approach from the typical productivity advice that's like, "Plan your day the night before and stick to your schedule no matter what."
25:04 Jackson: Right, because that approach doesn't account for the reality of how nervous systems work. Your capacity isn't the same every day, and trying to force yourself into a rigid routine can actually create more stress.
25:16 Lena: What about during the day? How do we maintain awareness of our window of tolerance when we're busy with work or other responsibilities?
20:11 Jackson: Great question. One simple practice is what I call "nervous system check-ins." Maybe every few hours, you pause for just 30 seconds and notice: How am I breathing? Where am I holding tension? Am I feeling rushed or calm?
25:39 Lena: And if you notice you're getting close to the edge of your window?
25:42 Jackson: Then you have choices. Maybe you take a few deep breaths, do some quick stretches, step outside for a minute, or even just remind yourself that whatever you're feeling is temporary and you're safe.
25:54 Lena: I think the key word there is "choices." When I'm starting to feel overwhelmed, I often feel like I'm trapped and have no options. But if I can remember that I actually do have choices, even small ones, that helps.
4:19 Jackson: Absolutely. And here's something specific for ADHD brains—sometimes the choice is to lean into your hyperfocus rather than fighting it. If you're in flow with something, honor that. Your nervous system is telling you this feels safe and engaging.
26:22 Lena: But what about when we hyperfocus on something that's not productive, like scrolling social media or researching something random?
26:29 Jackson: Even then, there might be wisdom in it. Maybe your nervous system needs some downtime or stimulation. The key is awareness—are you hyperfocusing because you're avoiding something stressful, or because you genuinely need to recharge?
26:43 Lena: And there's no judgment either way, right? It's just information.
1:12 Jackson: Exactly. And speaking of no judgment, let's talk about the end of the day. Instead of reviewing everything you didn't get done, you might practice acknowledging what you did accomplish and how you took care of your nervous system.
27:00 Lena: Like celebrating the small wins and the times you noticed you were getting overwhelmed and actually did something about it.
9:26 Jackson: Yes! And maybe you also reflect on what you learned about your patterns. Did you notice any triggers? What helped you feel more regulated? What might you do differently tomorrow?
27:15 Lena: This sounds like it could be really helpful for people who tend to ruminate at night, which I know is common with ADHD.
4:19 Jackson: Absolutely. Instead of getting caught in loops of worry or self-criticism, you're giving your brain something constructive to focus on. And you're building self-awareness, which is the foundation of nervous system regulation.
27:36 Lena: What about sleep? I imagine that's crucial for maintaining a healthy window of tolerance.
27:41 Jackson: Oh, sleep is huge. When you're sleep-deprived, your window of tolerance gets much narrower. Your emotional reactivity increases, and your executive functions are more impaired.
27:52 Lena: And people with ADHD often struggle with sleep, so it becomes this vicious cycle.
5:13 Jackson: Right. Poor sleep makes ADHD symptoms worse, which creates more stress, which makes it harder to sleep. So prioritizing sleep hygiene—things like keeping your bedroom cool and dark, having a consistent bedtime routine, limiting screens before bed—these aren't luxuries, they're essential nervous system care.