Being an ADD youth worker #12: We need to stop and calm down periodically

I once had a staff review that commented that I seemed to have two speeds -- 100 miles per hour or 0. If there's not enough stimulus, my choices are to get frantic or to go to sleep.

• But in stimulating situations I and other ADD people start winding up tighter and tighter.
• We need to plan in times to calm down and start over
• We can do this ourselves and/or have others remind us
• When we get too wound up it can drive everyone crazy, and we're more prone to making bad decisions.
• I swim every noon hour that I can. It serves two purposes
  • Draws off excess energy
  • Reboots my system
• Routine minute prayers can do this also
• A minute away from everything can do it