Updates from Donae Cannon

Not Everything Gets Done (And That's OK)

Not Everything Gets Done (And That's OK)

If you’re always chasing a never-ending to-do list, feeling like you're behind no matter how hard you try, this episode is for you.We’re talking about tolerating "undone".Not everything on our list gets finished, and that’s not an ADHD failure, that’s just life. But when you live with ADHD, that undone feeling can trigger panic, shutdown, or burnout. You don't trust yourself to stay on top of things and it's hard to know what to focus on. Today we'll talk about how to build trust in yourself when nothing ever feels “done” and how to keep moving without relying on last-minute chaos.
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3 Tips for ADHD-Friendly Self-Care & Hygiene (Without Shame)

3 Tips for ADHD-Friendly Self-Care & Hygiene (Without Shame)

Today we’re talking about self‑care: not the spa kind, but the real, day‑to‑day care of your body, space, and routines. Hygiene, cleanup, grooming; these can feel overwhelming and struggles in this area often carry shame. But this is not a moral issue. It’s a function issue.  We can problem-solve the executive function, sensory, and thought obstacles that make this hard. In this episode, I’ll share 3 practical tips to help you move through the friction of self-care with more ease, compassion, and real-world supports.
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10 ADHD Friendly Tips for College Success

10 ADHD Friendly Tips for College Success

accomodations, accountability, executive functioning skills, habits, planning, studying, time management
College shifts the game: in high school, there are rails and structure built in. In college? Not so much. That’s why many folks with ADHD hit a wall with this transition. I'm sharing 10 ADHD‑friendly tips for transitioning to college in this episode: practical strategies to help you: build your support system, routines, and resilience. Learn more: use/maintain accommodations, ADHD friendly class scheduling, get systems in place, how to read the syllabus & extract key info, build a daily habit of checking email & assignments, develop a weekly review / bird’s-eye planning, choose study spaces that fit your brain / adapt to how you learn (audio/visual etc.), medication logistics, build external accountability & support and manage self‑care: body, sleep, nutrition!
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People Pleasing, Masking & ADHD

People Pleasing, Masking & ADHD

masking, people pleasing
Navigating the world with ADHD often involves developing a skill known as masking, where individuals suppress their true selves to fit in. This practice, however, can lead to burnout and disconnection. The blog post delves into the distinction between masking and problem-solving, using relatable examples like interrupting conversations and classroom stimming. Instead of silencing one's traits, it advocates for a collaborative approach, emphasizing creativity and empathy without self-censorship. Personal anecdotes illustrate the profound impact of masking, highlighting how it sometimes blocks authentic connections and opportunities. As the article encourages, understanding and embracing one's ADHD traits can lead to more genuine interactions and a better balance between self-expression and social harmony.
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 The Bee & the SUV: Emotional Regulation and ADHD Decision-Making

The Bee & the SUV: Emotional Regulation and ADHD Decision-Making

anxiety, emotional regulation, nervous system regulation
Ever find yourself saying yes when you’re already overwhelmed… or lying in the heat of the moment even though you know better? Today we're looking at what happens when your brain perceives a "threat" and how you can get back into decision-making mode instead of reacting in ways that don't serve you. LEARN:-How your brain reacts to emotional and social threats, not just physical ones-Why we often say “yes” to things we don’t want to do (and how to STOP)-How to identify what’s really bothering you (the bee) vs. what actually has long-term consequences (the SUV)- Why even lying can be a nervous system response- not always a moral failure.
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 I Can't Get Started! ADHD-Friendly Ways to Get Unstuck

I Can't Get Started! ADHD-Friendly Ways to Get Unstuck

energy management, procrastination, task initiation
Struggling with procrastination? Should “eat the frog” or start small? In this video, I break down two opposite but equally powerful strategies to help ADHD brains get unstuck and get going, without shame or burnout. We’ll explore:- Why “just do it” doesn’t work for ADHDers (but also how it sometimes can)- How to know when to tackle the hardest task first (aka “Eat the Frog”)- When to go for low-hanging fruit to build momentum - The real reasons we procrastinate (hint: it’s not laziness!)- How to stay curious and use your energy wiselyWhether you're stuck on starting your workday, avoiding that one annoying phone call, or just tired of spinning your wheels, you'll learn how to: ✅ Identify what kind of support YOU need ✅ Avoid “procrastivity” (getting busy to avoid discomfort) ✅ Work with your nervous system, not against it
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The Power of the “Ta-Da List” When You Have ADHD

The Power of the “Ta-Da List” When You Have ADHD

mindset, time management
Do you feel like you never get enough done, even when you’re constantly busy? In this episode, I’m introducing the “Ta-Da List,” a simple, empowering productivity tool designed especially for ADHD brains. Learn how this practice boosts dopamine, improves time awareness, and helps shift you out of perfectionist thinking. Whether your day was full of wins or curveballs, this tool can help you celebrate what really matters—your effort and your steady progress!
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 Emotional Regulation: Tools That Actually Work for ADHD

Emotional Regulation: Tools That Actually Work for ADHD

emotional regulation, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, thought work
Emotional regulation isn’t about “staying calm”. It’s about experiencing the full range of emotions while still staying in control when we face big feelings, which can be a challenge for many with ADHD. In this episode, I break down emotional regulation into a powerful, practical pyramid that offers skills at each "level" : body-based, skill-based, and thought-based tools. 
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How to Break Free from ADHD Decision Paralysis

How to Break Free from ADHD Decision Paralysis

decision making, overwhelm, prioritization
Ever spend way too long researching a “simple” decision—only to feel more confused than when you started? You’re not alone. In this episode I talk about why ADHD brains fall into the “over-research” trap and how to get out of it. Learn why perfectionism, attention regulation, and priority overload lead to analysis paralysis—and the tools you can use to start making “good enough” decisions with confidence!
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Meet Donae

As an occupational therapist, professionally trained coach, and a fellow ADHD brain I understand how ADHD can impact all of life; relationships, careers, finances, self care, and even self trust.

I've seen how the shame of past failures (and the fear of experiencing more) can shut us down and make it hard to know what to do next.  

If the techniques that work for typical brains haven't worked for you, it's time to try something new. Designing a life with more ease, self trust, and peace is possible. I can help you learn to work with your brain so you can make the changes that matter to you!


Photo of Donae Cannon