From impulse to control: finding balance with ADHD

Meadow on fire at sunset

When I was a child, my parents were often puzzled by my lack of filter. I would say whatever came to mind, sometimes unintentionally hurting others.

Teachers described me as a “chatterbox,” and my school reports constantly mentioned my nonstop talking.

My emotional reactions were also intense — laughing loudly, crying uncontrollably, and often feeling overwhelmed by my emotions.

For years, I thought I was “too sensitive” or “not normal.” Much later, I discovered that these behaviors were linked to ADHD-related impulsivity.

What does impulsivity in ADHD look like?

ADHD is usually expressed through three main symptoms:

• Inattention

• Hyperactivity

• Impulsivity

Impulsivity in ADHD often shows up as:

• making decisions too quickly,

• strong emotional reactions,

• difficulty waiting one’s turn,

• challenges with planning and organization.

These impulsive reactions can have serious consequences. They often happen too fast, without reflection, which can leave the person — and those around them — dealing with the fallout.

Why ADHD causes impulsivity

Impulsivity in ADHD is not about willpower or personality. It comes from the way the brain functions.

The brain has an “internal brake” located in the prefrontal cortex. This area allows us to stop and think before acting. In ADHD, this brake is less effective, which means spontaneous reactions slip through more easily.

In short, ADHD makes it harder to activate the brain regions that regulate verbal, motor, emotional, and cognitive responses. The result is impulsive behavior taking the lead.

How to manage impulsivité ?

Impulsivity does not have to feel like a life sentence.

Today, several complementary approaches can help regulate it and bring greater balance:

• Coaching – builds practical strategies to anticipate and manage impulsive reactions.

• Neurofeedback – trains the brain to self-regulate and strengthen impulse control.

• Mindfulness – teaches observation of thoughts without immediately reacting.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – offers tools to restructure automatic responses.

• Physical activity – channels energy and regulates neurotransmitters.

• Healthy sleep and nutrition – stabilize mood and reduce emotional outbursts.

Coaching : turning impulsivity into strength

As a life coach, I support my clients with ADHD in understanding and managing their impulsivity. Together, we identify triggers and develop concrete strategies to avoid reacting too quickly.

Practical tools include:

• noticing early physical signs of impulsivity,

• creating simple routines to pause before reacting,

• building confidence in one’s ability to regain control.

The goal is to transform impulsivity from a limitation into a strength that is better managed in daily life.

Neurofeedback to train the brain to slow down

Discovering Neurofeedback was a turning point for me — it helped me better regulate my impulsivity and become more in tune with my body’s natural rhythms.

Neurofeedback works directly with brain activity. During a session, the brain receives real-time feedback and gradually learns to activate areas linked to focus, calm, and impulse control.

With consistent practice, Neurofeedback can help:

• reduce inner restlessness,

• stabilize emotions,

• strengthen the ability to “pause” before reacting.

My goal through Neurofeedback is to help people with ADHD regain balance, stability, and freedom in their reactions — in a natural and sustainable way.

✨ Impulsivity may be part of ADHD, but it does not have to define you. With the right tools and approaches, it can be managed, channeled, and even turned into a source of strength.

✨ Feel free to contact me if you want to work on identifying your triggers, implement concrete strategies to regain self-control through coaching, and complement this work with neuronal regulation using the combined Neurofeedback approach.