Ep 81: Surfing ADHD Urges: Conquering Impulses with Kimberly Severson

Author: Mande John
Published: Thu 20 Mar 2025
Episode Link: None

In this transformative episode of our ADHD management series, I'm joined by special guest Kimberly Severson to explore why urges feel so unbearable with ADHD and practical strategies to finally gain control over those intense impulses. If you've ever felt like a "cat in a bag" when trying to resist an urge, this episode offers hope and tangible solutions.

📌 Key Topics:

Why urges feel so overwhelming when you have ADHD
How to use the "urge surfing" technique to ride out impulses instead of giving in
The connection between ADHD, your prefrontal cortex, and impulse control
Creating small challenges to gradually build your resilience to urges
How to effectively use distraction as a strategic tool
The powerful question to ask yourself when facing strong urges

🗣️ Featured Quote: "The only way out is through. You have to feel it in order for it to get easier. What negative consequences am I inviting into my life by answering this urge?"

💡 Strategy Breakdown:

Recognize that an urge is just a feeling in your body and a collection of thoughts
Observe urges like waves that rise, peak, and eventually recede
Notice the space between urges where you feel neutral or okay
Create small challenges like sitting with an urge for just 5 minutes
Ask yourself what unwanted consequences you're accepting when you give in
Use strategic distraction to reset your mindset during intense urges

🔑 Key Takeaway: With practice, urges that once felt unbearable become manageable and eventually may barely register. Freedom from overwhelming impulses is possible when you have the right tools.

Choose one urge you frequently struggle with and try the "urge surfing" technique this week. Share your experience in the comments.

About Kimberly Severson: Kim is an anti-diet weight loss coach and host of the "Weight Loss Doesn't Have to Suck" podcast. She helps clients achieve sustainable results without restriction or deprivation through body connection, emotional resilience, and sustainable habit change. Her approach helped her lose 40 pounds and keep it off easily.

Connect with Kim:

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weight-loss-doesnt-have-to-suck/id1668175283

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyseversoncoaching/

Website: https://www.kimberlyseversoncoaching.com/

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Me: Learn more about private coaching: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/services/

Free Resources: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/freeresources/

Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

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