The human brain is a marvel of evolution. Finely tuned over millions of years to help us survive and thrive. But let’s be honest: the world we live in today is far from the one our ancestors faced. And our stone age brains sometimes struggle to keep up with the changes.
Imagine this:
Thousands of years ago, our ancestors were busy hunting, gathering and protecting themselves from predators. Their brains were wired for quick decision-making, recognizing patterns and focusing on short-term rewards. Basically, staying alive.
Fast forward to today. Instead of worrying about where our next meal comes from, many of us are more likely to stress over email overload, social media comparisons, or the complexities of modern finances.
Our brains are bombarded with information that has little to do with our immediate survival. And sometimes, it feels like we’re not quite equipped to handle it all.
This disconnect between our ancient brains and modern challenges is especially interesting when considering conditions like ADHD.
Our world is filled with distractions, instant gratifications, and cognitive demands that are very different from the ones our ancestors faced.
For those with ADHD, who are naturally more sensitive to external stimuli, navigating this environment can be particularly tough.
Stress, which might have been a life-saving reaction in the past, can become a constant companion, making focus and decision-making even harder.
But here’s the thing: it’s not just people with ADHD who feel this strain.
The modern world puts a lot of pressure on all of us. Whether it’s the endless notifications on our phones or the expectations to always be “on.”
Strategies like mindfulness and meditation are often suggested to help us cope.
But let’s be real – how many people with ADHD do you know who find sitting still and focusing on their breath easy or even enjoyable?
The first step is recognizing that the ADHD brain might not be suited for today’s world.
Recognizing that the ADHD brain, or any brain for that matter, might not be perfectly suited to today’s world is the first step toward finding strategies that work.
It’s about understanding that our brains, shaped by evolution, have their own strengths and limitations.
By embracing our individual cognitive profiles – whether that includes ADHD, hormonal fluctuations, or unique personality traits – we can seek out a balance that allows us to thrive in this fast-paced, ever-changing world.
So, while our brains might not be entirely optimally built for the modern world. Understanding how they work and what they need, can help us navigate these challenges with a bit more ease and much more self-compassion.
Blog
Are you between 40 and 50 and experienced how your body has lost its “forgiving factors”? Many perimenopausal women experience diffuse pain and become more sensitive to both stress and pain. It can lead to many women feeling unwell. In this blog article, Dr. Soheila Zhaeentan explains it all and gives her best tips for […]
Blog
Many with ADHD can vividly describe the stress they feel when their plans suddenly change. Or how challenging it is to stop doing something once they’ve started. Even though they know it would be best to wrap up. The impaired ability to shift gears in the brain’s gearbox is called cognitive inflexibility. Tag along, and we’ll take […]
Blog
– When Physical Activity Gets Out of Control Isn’t it good to exercise? No, not always, and not for everyone. Of course, there’s no doubt that physical activity is something that fundamentally benefits us and that we need. But movement driven by compulsion is never healthy; in fact, it’s harmful. And it is closely associated […]
