348 Too Bored to Function: Why ADHD Brains Would Rather Do Anything Than Be Bored

Ever felt so bored you’d rather do anything — even something you’ll regret — just to avoid that restless, agitated feeling? In this episode, Dr. Marcy Caldwell breaks down why boredom feels like torture, what’s really happening in the brain and body, and why ADHDers crave stimulation (even the bad kind sometimes).We dig into:The two types of boredom — apathetic vs. agitatedWhat the “optimal stimulation zone” actually meansWhy boredom spikes stress hormones like cortisolAnd practical ways to manage boredom without blowing up your life for excitementDr. Caldwell brings her signature mix of neuroscience and real-world wisdom to help us understand — and work with — our restless, stimulation-seeking brains.Watch this episode on YouTubeWant help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED!Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTokGo to drinkag1.com/ihaveadhd to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What this episode covers

Ever felt so bored you’d rather do anything — even something you’ll regret — just to avoid that restless, agitated feeling? In this episode, Dr. Marcy Caldwell breaks down why boredom feels like torture, what’s really happening in the brain and body, and why ADHDers crave stimulation (even the bad kind sometimes). We dig into: The two types of boredom — apathetic vs. agitatedWhat the “optimal stimulation zone” actually meansWhy boredom spikes stress hormones like cortisolAnd practical ways to manage boredom without blowing up your life for excitement Dr. Caldwell brings her signature mix of neuroscience and real-world wisdom to help us understand — and work with — our restless, stimulation-seeking brains. Watch this episode on YouTube Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED! Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343 Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok Go to drinkag1.com/ihaveadhd to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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This episode was published on November 4, 2025.

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