For Monday’s motivation, coaching, and message click here.
Out walking this morning, as my mind began to clear—as it so often does—I found myself musing: what does AuDHD really feel like? Walking has become my steady way of resetting my nervous system, lifting my mood, and getting clarity. It’s something I’d recommend to anyone who needs a gentle, grounding reset.
As I wandered along, acorns and conkers scattered across the path, a sure sign that autumn has arrived here in the UK, a memory suddenly came to me: a dear friend once teasing me about Mr. Bean’s tiny Mini.
A few years ago, I picked her up from the airport in my Mini—well, technically my boyfriend’s at the time (and that’s another coaching story about limerence, coming soon!). With my daughter in tow and luggage piled high, we somehow all squeezed in—and spent the entire ride home laughing hysterically at our misjudged travel plans.
This image is what tickled me this morning thinking about what AuDHD feels like internally, then of course there is also the analogy of a Ferrari… if you feel you need something more… well… ‘sexy’ I guess… however scary because it’s hard to stop.
Then there is the autism part that sits with me quietly day after day, and I had to think about that for a while, then it came to me! Having once eloped to sea (I share more about this in my AuDHD coaching video on Eloping), I can attest that sitting in a sail boat, sails down, no wind and no fuel, feels a lot like inertia, it’s easy to imagine how that same stillness could even lead to a meltdown. It’s tricky this AuDHD, it’s one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake, almost constantly.
This feeling of tension usually shows up because the ADHD side wants to go fast, act, create, and respond, while the autistic side wants predictability, regulation, and safety. That inner conflict is exhausting and often leads to burnout.
I can’t resist one last analogy; I once told a friend I was thinking I should do some yoga and meditation whilst simultaneously contemplating putting high heels, ‘those’ jeans and ‘that’ top on, and heading to the wine bar, or the beach bar… somewhere, anywhere on planet Earth… to well.. just get away - and there’s that eloping again! My friend really did look shocked when I explained this to her, she couldn’t imagine it, especially as I was her calm ‘yoga’ teacher! So, here are some ways to ease it:
Regulate the Nervous System First
Breathwork, yoga nidra, or simply lying down with your legs up the wall can calm the “brake” response.
Once the body feels safe, the “gas” energy can flow more freely without feeling overwhelming.
Externalise Pressure
Write tasks down, use visual cues, or record voice notes. Getting things out of your head reduces the push-pull between “I must act now” and “I can’t move.”
Micro-steps
Break everything down to the smallest possible step. Often the brake comes from overwhelm. One tiny action (like opening your laptop, lighting a candle, or writing the date at the top of a page) can release the clutch.
Scheduled Rest as Permission
If your system knows rest is built in, the “brake” doesn’t slam so hard. Create intentional rest breaks so you’re not unconsciously resisting movement.
Compassionate Self-Talk
Remind yourself: “Both parts of me are trying to keep me safe.” The gas is your passion; the brake is your protection. Seeing them as allies rather than enemies reduces the inner fight.
Over time, practices like daily nervous system resets (breath, meditation, yoga nidra) can help balance the two so you can cruise forward steadily, rather than lurch between overdrive and shutdown.
Here is a calming yoga nidra I recently recorded from my Rest to Heal teachings:
And a short 7 minute guided meditation to help you slow down and balance the stop and go feelings:
I hope this helps on your journey, thank you for being here. Any questions, I’m right here and will respond to each comment personally. Sending much love and a warm hug, Catherine x
For Monday’s motivation, coaching and message click here.
Other tools I use for nervous system resets:
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******* DISCLAIMER: This channel is for entertainment purposes only. I am not a medical, or mental health professional. You are responsible for your own life and decisions. Please consult a certified professional before making any health, or personal decisions.
