How My Love for 80’s and 90’s Pop Culture Helps Me Cope with ADHD
Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I was immersed in a vibrant pop culture that shaped my tastes, interests, and even my coping mechanisms. From the catchy tunes of synth-pop to the quirky characters on TV, this era has left an indelible mark on my life. As an adult living with ADHD, I’ve found that my love for 80s and 90s pop culture is more than just nostalgia – it’s a toolkit that helps me manage my symptoms and navigate daily challenges. Here’s how my passion for this golden era of pop culture aids me in coping with ADHD.
The Power of Music: Focusing and Energizing
Synth-Pop and Europop Playlists
Music has always been a powerful tool for managing my ADHD symptoms. The upbeat rhythms and repetitive beats of 80s synth-pop and 90s europop help me maintain focus and energy throughout the day.
Tips:
- Curate Playlists: I create playlists featuring artists like A-ha, Michael Jackson, Aqua, and La Bouche. These tunes keep me motivated and focused during work sessions.
- Use Music for Tasks: I use these playlists during mundane tasks like cleaning or organizing, turning them into mini dance parties that make the chores more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
When I need to concentrate on a project, I put on my favorite 80s hits. The familiar beats and melodies help drown out distractions and keep my mind engaged. “Take On Me” by A-ha is my go-to song for powering through challenging tasks.
TV Shows and Movies: Comfort and Routine
Quirky Characters and Relatable Themes
The characters and themes from 80s and 90s TV shows and movies provide comfort and a sense of routine. Shows like “Daria,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and movies like “Lilo & Stitch” offer relatable stories and characters that resonate with my experiences.
Tips:
- Establish a Routine: I incorporate these shows into my daily routine, watching an episode or two in the evenings to unwind.
- Find Relatable Content: Watching characters who navigate their own challenges reminds me that it’s okay to be different and that there’s strength in uniqueness.
Watching “Daria” in high school, I felt a deep connection to her dry humor and outsider perspective. It was comforting to see a character who was unapologetically herself, navigating life with a unique outlook. This has inspired me to embrace my quirks and use humor as a coping mechanism.
Nostalgic Activities: Reducing Anxiety and Overwhelm
Puzzles and Reading
As a child, I loved reading and solving puzzles – activities that provided a sense of calm and order. Revisiting these hobbies as an adult helps reduce anxiety and manage ADHD symptoms.
Tips:
- Daily Reading Time: I set aside time each day to read books that I enjoyed in my youth, like classic 80s and 90s novels or new finds in those genres.
- Engage in Puzzles: Completing jigsaw puzzles or playing puzzle games helps me relax and focus my mind.
Revisiting the books I loved as a child brings a sense of nostalgia and peace. Reading “The Babysitters Club” or “Goosebumps” series not only takes me back to simpler times but also provides a much-needed break from the chaos of daily life.
Embracing Pop Culture in Daily Life
Themed Workspaces and Playlists
Incorporating elements of 80s and 90s pop culture into my daily environment keeps me grounded and motivated.
Tips:
- Decorate with Themes: I decorate my workspace with memorabilia and posters from my favorite 80s and 90s shows and movies.
- Create Themed Playlists: I create themed playlists for different activities, such as working, exercising, or relaxing.
My office (aka the corner of my dining room) is a tribute to my favorite era and favorite things– posters of “The Cure” and “Backstreet Boys” adorn the walls, and action figures from classic 80s cartoons sit on my desk. This nostalgic environment boosts my mood and makes working feel less like a chore.
Connecting with Like-Minded Communities
Online Forums and Social Media Groups
Engaging with communities that share my love for 80s and 90s pop culture helps me feel connected and supported.
Tips:
- Join Groups: I participate in online forums and social media groups dedicated to 80s and 90s pop culture.
- Share Experiences: Sharing my experiences and discovering new insights from others provides a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Connecting with others who appreciate 80s and 90s pop culture has been incredibly validating. Whether it’s discussing favorite episodes of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” or sharing mixtapes of classic hits, these interactions remind me that I’m not alone in my passions and struggles.
Conclusion
My love for 80s and 90s pop culture is more than a hobby – it’s a vital part of my strategy for coping with ADHD. From energizing music playlists to comforting TV shows and nostalgic activities, these elements help me navigate daily challenges with a sense of joy and connection. Embracing the pop culture of my youth has not only provided practical coping tools but also reinforced the importance of staying true to myself. So, if you find solace in the past, don’t hesitate to bring a bit of it into your present – it might just be the key to unlocking new ways to thrive.
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Kori
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