User Story: Taming ADHD Struggles: Den's Hydration Story with Plants
Den, a passionate nurse and fitness enthusiast, struggled to stay hydrated due to ADHD.1 While seeking effective ways to alleviate dehydration, she discovered Plant Nanny, a hydration reminder app on a social forum. Tending and nurturing virtual plants reminded her to drink water and track her fluid intake. This change has transformed her lifestyle, bringing about many positive impacts.
Exploring the Impact of ADHD on Hydration Habits
Recounting her experience, Den, a full-time nurse, said she has struggled with hydration since childhood, with her poor drinking habits resulting in a series of health problems. For example, she suffered a urinary tract infection in high school due to inadequate water intake and excessive snacking. In the same year, she was further diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
For individuals with ADHD,remembering to drink water can be quite challenging.2 Their frequent lack of focus makes it difficult to remember tasks, and their intense concentration can cause them to lose track of time, leading to neglect of basic bodily needs such as hydration.
Den explained that to avoid dehydration, she had to put in extra effort to track her water intake. While exploring ADHD-related communities for solutions, she came across a post from another user recommending a water reminder app. The user specifically suggested Plant Nanny because of its innovative features, such as the plant care mechanism and personalized hydration reminders. Intrigued, Den promptly downloaded the app and embarked on a 14-day subscription trial.
Nurturing Plants for Effortless Hydration
After downloading and using the app, Den quickly became enamored with cultivating adorable virtual plants. Excitedly, she expressed how she could finally plant without worries. Unlike real plants that would wither due to her forgetfulness to water or drown from excessive watering, these virtual companions posed no such challenges.
While joyfully tending to her digital garden, "Plant Nanny" also assisted Den in maintaining her hydration throughout the day. Whenever the app's thoughtful reminders popped up, signaling her plant pals' call for hydration, Den promptly ensured both herself and her virtual plants were replenished. Witnessing the plants flourish with a radiant smile and emitting playful sounds due to the hydration brought her happiness and delight. This continuous flow of positive emotions served as her constant motivation to persist.
"I assumed I'd lose interest quickly, but the app has held my attention, showing real improvements in my hydration." - Den.
Strengthening Intrinsic Hydration Awareness
Through the timely reminders of Plant Nanny, Den managed to stay hydrated throughout the day, even when deeply engrossed in her activities. Despite occasional ADHD-induced lapses in recording her intake, her commitment to the virtual plants sustained her motivation. She refused to give up from accidental interruptions in her record-keeping. This commitment continually fuels positive thoughts about self-care and well-being!
Den opted for a simple yet enjoyable method to ensure her hydration needs were met, thereby avoiding dehydration symptoms. This approach allows her to focus more on her work and exercise pursuits. Additionally, she could cool her body by sweating adequately during workouts. In return, she had longer exercise sessions even in high temperatures. She has come to recognize the significance of maintaining hydration during physical activities.
“I've become competitive about my hydration. I'd surely continue using the premium features of Plant Nanny,” Den enthused.
For Den, being a "Plant Nanny" has turned a lifelong challenge into a delightful daily ritual, with virtual plants symbolizing her hydration achievements.
Are you, as a user of "Plant Nanny," experiencing a similar transformation?
Feel free to share this story with your friends, family, and colleagues battling with staying hydrated, especially those diagnosed with ADHD. Encourage them to embark on a delightful journey of daily hydration and experience!