ADHD Coach Katherine Sanders

Ever wondered if the classic 'amygdala hijack' story really explains your emotional responses? In this groundbreaking episode of ADHD Powerful Possibilities, Katherine dives into the less well-known habenula, offering fresh insights into how we process stress, avoid tasks, and regulate emotions.

Discover why the habenula matters for ADHD, how it impacts dopamine levels and decision-making, and ways to gently reshape your brain’s response to stress with practical, actionable tools. If you’re ready to rethink your relationship with your mind, this episode is your invitation to dive deeper.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Welcome and Introduction to Rethinking Brain Myths
[03:02] Habenula’s Role in Emotional Regulation and Dopamine Production
[05:15] Impact of Habenula Sensitivity on ADHD Related Avoidance
[10:00] Reframing Techniques & Cognitive Strategies
[11:19] Positive Reinforcement for Breaking Negative Cycles
[12:58] The Power of Mindfulness & Neuroplasticity in Managing ADHD
[13:28] Safe Exposure Techniques for Building Emotional Resilience
[15:24] Embracing Self-Compassion and Practical Next Steps

Common Questions Explored:

What role does the habenula play in ADHD, and why is it important?
How can we use neuroplasticity to reshape our emotional responses?
What are some realistic, ADHD-friendly strategies for managing stress and emotional overload?

Key Takeaways:

Learn how a small brain region, the habenula, influences dopamine and task avoidance.
Discover how cognitive reframing and positive reinforcement can reduce emotional spirals.
Embrace practical mindfulness techniques to calm your mind and enhance focus.
Unlock why self-compassion is essential in your ADHD journey.

Join Us Next Time as we explore why traditional 'productivity hacks' and advice often fail ADHD brains!

Connect with Katherine here:

📘 The CLEAR ADHD Procrastination Cure Ebook – For more on ADHD-friendly strategies.

🎓 Executive Function Junction Course – Transform your approach to creating habits and routines with powerful brain-based methods.

✉️ Subscribe to Katherine’s ADHD Emails – Get actionable advice and tools directly to your inbox.

💡 Schedule a Coaching Session with Katherine - a one-hour meeting to help you untangle your noodles and make progress on what matters.

📈 Discover your ADHD Growth Archetype Quiz - personal growth looks different when we have ADHD. Discover your best plan forward with my free quiz.

Proulx, C. D., Hikosaka, O., & Malinow, R. (2014). Reward processing by the lateral habenula in normal and depressive behaviors. Nature Neuroscience, 17(9), 1146-1152. DOI: 10.1038/nn.3779 (https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.3779)

Veehof, M. M., Trompetter, H. R., Bohlmeijer, E. T., & Schreurs, K. M. (2016). Acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of chronic pain: a meta-analytic review. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 45(1), 5-31. DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2015.1098724 (https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2015.1098724)

The Myth of the Amygdala Hijack and the Real Role of the Habenula

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