ghostcake

Rather than a desire to be active, I think it's a need. I can manage without medication but only if I'm active physically. That's why we shake our legs or arms while learning or digesting information. We need the activity.

I have ADHD. Rather than focus on what it is and whether it's real, I'd like to focus on what helps. Cardio and adrenaline help more than anything else for immediate relief. So much of dealing with ADHD is realizing your tendencies and building your life in a way that is conducive to your work flows. I know I need frequent breaks, privacy and hydration. If I'm about to have a panic attack because I can't concentrate and work is due, I go for a short bike ride and set the work aside momentarily. If I tried to work on at that moment, not only would I not make progress but I'll probably have an anxiety attack. Once I give my brain room to breath programming issues seem so much easier.

Most of the pitfalls that the author identifies can be avoided by simply subscribing to the TDD workflow. A little peace of mind actually makes programming pretty fun.