#149 Dopamine Layering: The Hidden Reason You Feel Anxious & Numb

Ever noticed that the more you “treat yourself” with Netflix, snacks, scrolling or online shopping… the more anxious, restless or flat you feel afterwards?You’re not imagining it, my friend. In this episode we’re talking about dopamine layering – stacking multiple feel-good hits at once & how that cocktail can quietly crank up anxiety & numbness, especially in ADHD brains.We’ll unpack what’s actually going on in your brain using Dr Anna Lembke’s work (Dopamine Nation), plus my very real Christmas break story where I accidentally turned my nervous system into a dopamine sh*t storm.Inside the episode, we explore:What dopamine layering is & how it shows up in everyday lifeWhy ADHD brains are extra sensitive to dopamine spikes & crashesHow “treat yourself” habits can secretly fuel anxiety & emotional numbnessFast vs slow dopamine, explained in simple ADHD-friendly languageHow to do a gentle “dopamine audit” without shame or self-judgmentPractical ways to un-layer your dopamine so you feel calmer & more presentMini dopamine resets & how to build your own “slow dopamine menu”If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I feel so anxious & empty unless I’m watching something, eating something or scrolling something?” this episode will help you see your experience through a whole new lens.LINKS TO GOOD SH*T:*Join Adulting with ADHD your ADHD toolbox & everything you need to work with your brain*Get our ADHD Coach in your pocket! *12 Things I wished my Doctor had told me about Adult ADHD*Find out if you might be living with ADHD - Download Symptoms List*Check out Courses & Coaching with Xena*Learn, Inspire, Share & Connect inside our Facebook Community *Come hang out with me on Instagram!