EP. 339: The Science of Feeling Better Without Fixing Yourself with Julia Hotz
Podcast:ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka Published On: Wed Jul 02 2025 Description: Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___What if your doctor could prescribe a fishing group instead of another medication? A birdwatching club for your anxiety. An art class for your depression. Welcome to social prescribing—a healthcare movement that's changing how we think about healing by focusing on connection, not just pills.Julia Hotz is a journalist and author of The Connection Cure, the first book to explore the science behind social prescribing. As someone who recognizes herself in ADHD symptoms—the scattered attention, the 10,000 browser tabs, the plates left out for days—she's discovered something fascinating: when do we feel our symptoms the least?In this conversation, Julia and Tracy dive into why ADHD brains are particularly sensitive to loneliness and disconnection, and how social prescriptions can be game-changing. From Dave's fishing group that helped him overcome addiction and ADHD symptoms, to forest bathing backed by Japanese research, to bibliotherapy that eases anxiety, Julia shares real examples of how connection-based healing works.They explore attention restoration theory, why 20 minutes in nature can work as well as Ritalin, and how moving from "what's wrong with you" to "what matters to you" can transform everything. Julia shows us how giving our brains what they actually need—connection, nature, purpose—can help us thrive alongside traditional treatments.Resources: Website: https://www.hotzthoughts.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotzthoughtsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-hotz-06510161 Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, start with my free training: Stop Trying to “Fix” Your ADHD. You’re Not Broken.ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem.That’s why most strategies don’t stick. They were not designed for how your brain actually works. If you’re ready to stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits, start with the free training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signupConnect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyotsukaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/heytracyotsukaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyotsuka/Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/adhd-bookVisit our website: https://tracyotsuka.com