Understanding ADHD, Anxiety, and Nervous System Regulation with Jenna Free

In this episode, Jenna Free shares her insights on ADHD, highlighting the importance of nervous system regulation, the role of mindset, and practical tools for managing symptoms. Whether you're diagnosed or self-diagnosed, this conversation offers compassionate, science-based guidance to help you find balance, increase productivity, and enjoy life more fully.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Jenna Free and the focus on ADHD and nervous system regulation02:19 - Differentiating ADHD from anxiety and overwhelm02:36 - Brain differences in ADHD and retraining the brain03:16 - How a neurodivergent brain navigates a neurotypical world04:17 - The relationship between dysregulation, fight or flight, and ADHD symptoms05:10 - Personal experiences with regulation work and ADHD paralysis06:44 - Medication use and regulation work as complementary strategies08:52 - How dysregulation affects focus, attention, and energy10:19 - Heart coherence and emotional regulation strategies11:14 - Living in potential versus reality and grounding exercises13:15 - The impact of thoughts, beliefs, and regulation on neurodivergent brains14:20 - External stress, capitalism, and regulating inside regardless of external circumstances15:37 - Parenting with regulation, handling stress at home, and modeling calm16:42 - Genetic predisposition and family influence on ADHD18:38 - Tools for nervous system regulation: physical, mental, and behavioral approaches20:57 - Recognizing signs of dysregulation and how to interrupt rushing and hyperactivity22:10 - City life, stress, and the importance of body awareness23:16 - Managing black-and-white thinking and cultivating nuanced, flexible perspectives24:51 - The connection between regulation, intuitive heart-led decision making, and psychological flexibility27:09 - Swinging between extremes and creating sustainable momentum28:25 - How regulation improves parenting, energy, and capacity for joy30:33 - Addressing childhood ADHD and parenting strategies to create calm33:00 - Handling late arrivals calmly, modeling non-judgmental behavior35:23 - Moving past judgment through neutral thinking strategies36:18 - The role of perception and interpretation in regulation work37:37 - Benefits of regulation for productivity, peace, and overall life enjoyment38:55 - Overcoming guilt and shame as barriers to regulation and growth39:49 - The internal tug-of-war in regulation and patience through the process41:37 - Timeframes: immediate relief and long-term growth42:53 - Jenna's book, "The Simple Guide to ADHD Regulation," and resources for further learningSponsors: FATTY15 OFFER: Fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/KIMBERLY and using code KIMBERLY at checkout.USE LINK: fatty15.com/KIMBERLY LMNTOFFER: Right now, for my listeners LMNT is offering a free sample pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/FEELGOOD. That’s 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT any LMNT drink mix purchase. This deal is only available through my link so. Also try the new LMNT Sparkling — a bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water.USE LINK: DrinkLMNT.com/FEELGOOD Jenna Free Resources: Book: The Simple Guide To ADHD Regulation: The Secret to Finding Balance, Getting Things Done, and Enjoying Your Life Website: adhdwithjennafree.com TikTok: @adhdwithjennafree Instagram: @adhdwithjennafree Podcast: ADHD with Jenna Free Bio: Jenna Free is a counselor (CCC) for ADHD with ADHD. She specializes in working with the ADHD brain to get it out of fight-or-flight and into working its best, while honoring neurodivergence and all of our uniqueness. She has a focus on helping people with ADHD live a more enjoyable while also being more productive. Diagnosed with ADHD at 32 while raising two kids and earning her master’s degree, Jenna hit a breaking point when her usual coping mechanisms stopped working. Moving between extreme highs and debilitating lows, she discovered that ADHD itself wasn’t the biggest burden, but living in survival mode was. After hundreds of hours working with ADHD clients, Jenna realized they were all stuck in the same dysregulation cycle. The ADHD Regulation Method she developed now guides both her personal life and her clinical work.Jenna lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband and two sons. When she isn’t working with ADHDers, you can find her exploring some random new hobby—right now these include acting, tennis, and yoga.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.