Why Traditional Meditation Fails ADHDers — w/ Dr. Lidia Zylowska

Did you know mindfulness isn't always about clearing your mind? You've probably been thinking about mindfulness all wrong, especially if you have ADHD.

𝐃𝐫. 𝐋𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐙𝐲𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐤𝐚, psychiatrist, researcher, and one of the pioneers of mindfulness for ADHD, joins Stephen Tonti and Aaron Smith to challenge one of the biggest misconceptions about mindfulness. Instead of trying to stop your thoughts, mindfulness helps strengthen the skills that matter most for ADHD, including attention, emotional regulation, self-awareness, and self-compassion.

Together, they explore the science behind mindfulness, how it differs from meditation, and why approaching yourself with curiosity instead of self-criticism can be so powerful. Dr. Zylowska also shares the story behind her groundbreaking research, practical mindfulness exercises for everyday life, and how developing a kinder inner voice can transform the way people with ADHD navigate challenges.

✨Highlights✨
✔️What mindfulness really is and how it's different from meditation

✔️Why ADHD brains can benefit from mindfulness practice

✔️The surprising research that changed how clinicians view mindfulness for ADHD

✔️Simple mindfulness techniques you can use while driving, doing dishes, walking, or working

✔️How to replace self-criticism with mindful self-coaching

✔️Why self-compassion is a powerful tool for improving emotional regulation

✔️Practical ways to build mindfulness into daily life without sitting in meditation for long periods

“𝐵𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠, 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒, '𝐻𝑒𝑦, 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑑𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠. 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑢𝑠.” — 𝐃𝐫. 𝐋𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐙𝐲𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐤𝐚

💬 When your mind starts judging you, what helps you come back with curiosity instead? Let us know in the comments 👇

If you've ever felt like your ADHD brain is "too busy" for mindfulness, this episode will change the way you think about it. Whether you're living with ADHD, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for healthier ways to manage stress and emotions, you'll come away with practical tools, compassionate insights, and simple mindfulness strategies you can start using today.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺:

• Hosts: Stephen Tonti, Aaron Smith & Devin Pitts-Rogers
• Producer: David Grabowski
• Editors: Ian Lopez & Luis Paulo de la Fuente
• Sound Mix & Theme Music: David Grabowski

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Dr. Lidia Zylowska:

• Website: lidiazylowska.com/
• LinkedIn: Search Lidia Zylowska

We are Attention DIFFERENT not DEFICIT An advocacy and edutainment podcast centered on radical acceptance and neurodiveristy. Attention Different aims to de-stigmatize and build community by exploring the intricacies of living life and "adulting" with ADHD in the modern world. We periodically feature experts, special guests and influencers in the ADHD community.

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