Episode 7: Enrichment time in my enclosure

ADHD in Real Life: The Chaos, The Humour & The Truth This episode is not polished. It’s not structured. And honestly… that’s exactly the point. Because this is what ADHD actually looks like in real life. From losing essential podcast equipment minutes before recording, to impulse Kmart shopping, overstimulation at family events, rage-driving home for a disappointing soft serve, and late-night dopamine spending spirals… this episode is a raw, funny, and very real glimpse into the everyday chaos of neurodivergent mum life. Alisha and Rhiannon unpack what happens after overstimulation hits — the coping mechanisms, the habits, the “ADHD tax,” and the ways their brains try to regulate (whether that’s helpful… or not). They also dive into: Why eating can feel like “too many steps” How decision fatigue shows up in parenting The reality of masking at social events The difference between accountability vs rebellion And the constant search for systems that will finally “fix everything” This episode is messy, relatable, and packed with those “oh my god, I do that too” moments. 💡 What We Talk About Losing things you just bought (ADHD tax in action) Impulse spending and dopamine chasing Overstimulation after social events “Enrichment time in my enclosure” (aka recovery mode) Emotional spirals over small things (like ice cream…) Masking and social exhaustion Parenting while overstimulated Why eating feels overwhelming or gets forgotten Simple “survival food” strategies The all-or-nothing trap with routines Public accountability vs PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) Exercise motivation struggles The obsession with “fixing” life through systems, gadgets & hacks Trying to build habits that actually work with ADHD 🔑 Key Takeaways ADHD doesn’t just show up in big ways — it’s in the tiny, everyday moments. Overstimulation often leads to coping behaviours like spending, overplanning, or avoidance. “Simple tasks” (like eating or cooking) can feel disproportionately hard. There is no perfect system — only what works for you in this season. Awareness doesn’t always change behaviour… but it does create compassion. You’re not broken — your brain just works differently. 👩‍👧 Who This Episode Is For Mums with ADHD Women who feel constantly overstimulated Anyone who impulse shops then regrets it Women who forget to eat… then crash later People who feel like life is “chaotic but functional” Anyone tired of trying to be organised and failing 💬 A Message From This Episode You’re not the only one doing life like this. The chaos. The overwhelm. The random bursts of motivation. The “I’ll fix my whole life tomorrow” energy. It’s not just you. And maybe… you don’t need fixing as much as you think. 📲 Follow & Connect Follow along for more real, unfiltered motherhood conversations: @motherhoodunmaskedunfiltered 🎧 Subscribe Follow Motherhood: Unmasked & Unfiltered for weekly episodes on: ADHD & neurodivergence in women Late diagnosis Emotional regulation Mum life without the filter Identity, overwhelm & self-trust