At 50 years old, I’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition (AF) where my heart goes absolutely mental for no reason. I LOVE and live for my hikes, runs, bike rides and walks and I was ready to quit the lot and eat pies when i found out but mentally, I need the exercise and when the cardiologist said the most important thing for me to do is to exercise, that was the best news i ever heard. Enjoy it while you can Stephen. Do what you enjoy mate
Don't underestimate the foods you are eating. Don't assume you know what is healthy if there is a possibility of an allergy or inflammation. These things change with age. I had a blood test to determine food inflammation and found out some foods I ate often were actually causing me problems. Such as broccoli, cabbage, green beans. It's different for everyone so don't assume those are bad for you, but they are for me. Among lots of other things. I've had multiple health issues clear up since I changed my diet.
As someone that has met you on a number of occasions... wholly not surprised at the ADHD, though a little surprised that it wasn't flagged with you a long time ago. That unconscious dealing with things is 'masking', our second eldest does it and it can leave her wrecked after a tough day at school. It does cause stress and unless someone helps you identify when it is happening then you may never know about it - and the stress it builds up - so it is great that you are now aware and hopefully doing something to help. It probably was only all the work stuff that was causing it - the running, camping, hiking (healthy stuff) releases dopamine in a good way which some other sources (sugars, fatty foods, drugs) can have very negative effects.
As a child I remembered being referred to as “hyperactive”, in school I often got in trouble for not paying attention, fidgeting etc. signs were all there throughout school. I can distinctly remember in primary school some teachers being annoyed by me. But one teacher went out of her way to help me, which I think helped me a lot academically so my grades while not amazing, weren’t terrible. In secondary school I had days off fairly frequently for what became referred to as “brain fatigue”. Days where I just kinda felt unwell and didn’t want to go to school. Feels very obvious looking back now.
Haha I love this, actually show the true experience when sudden weather change, things that dont go as planned etc.. typical camping trip unlike the other perfect ones you see.
I’m 49 and started a new career 2 years ago. Being diagnosed with ADHD has made life much easier as it’s given me a bit of a road map and the agency to address what I’d thought was “normal”. I mean for me it was but medication and behavioural changes have been hugely impacting. Getting back to running and learning to manage my phone (instead of the other way round) has made me calmer, happier, and (frankly) less of a twat. 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks for the comment Chad! Interesting to know there’s a combo that can be used. I won’t be able to get meds unless formally assessed which I’ll likely need to pay for. So weighing up pros and cons of that. Definitely good knowing what you are dealing with.
Great to see you're getting a handle on it. ADHD can be a bonus and a curse. I'm probably ADHD. Having spent many years working with special needs kids, many with ADHD, it's not much of a stretch to imagine that I have it. The getting out and doing stuff is probably the best thing for it. And DEFINITELY dis-connecting from technology will help a lot. I'm an old guy, so it's not too hard for me. But younger people seem to find it a lit more difficult - to the point of having a panic attack if you tell them to put the phone away for an hour or so. What works for me a bit is taking a day, or several days, when there is nothing you need to do but run, or bike or walk or whatever. You don't check emails, you don't use your phone, you don't even make videos. You just get moving and immerse yourself in the day. I find I feel so much better afterwards. If you can stretch that out for a few days, so much the better. As a weird 'challenge' try this - do a two (or more if you can get the time) night stay somewhere on a beach, in the mountains, in a glen, somewhere quiet and remote-ish. And do nothing. just sit there and watch the day roll past. There is nothing you need to do all day. Snooze in the sun (if you get some). Talk with the sheep. Fossic on the streams. Be a ten year old again for a couple of days. Don't think about work or adult stuff. don't check your phone - apart from telling your good wife you are ok. Take all the pressure off to DO anything. Fiddle with bits of kit. Play with things for as long as you feel like it, then out it down and pick up something else. Don't try to focus on stuff, just let your mind wander, and then follow it. It will get you into loads of trouble, but that's part of the fun ;-) Best of luck and let us all know how things are going. And... I don't expect a reply. So once you're read this, put your phone down and go and tickle Louise. Go on. You know you want to! ;-)
Several days with no phone! 😱 are you mad?! I’d love to try a proper digital detox sometime, but unfortunately just not possible with my work 🫤 Or at least would be tricky. Sounds great though just dandering around doing nothing.
this is basically how my brain operates 24/7 not so much the immune system hit but the lack of sleep and skipping around love the content brother keep it up
I applaud your bravery to open your heart like this on a public video. Although not quite the same, I'm watching and thinking ...well, the stress and overworking part, desire to focus on things that aren't the focus. I don't think any of us are truly "normal" or "ADHD" - I think its a scale and we all fit somewhere on it. Your experiences give me something to think about...
Nice to hear you are on the mend mate, we'll done for bringing it out with your doc, my GP also referred me once few years back and I got the same advice as yourself, and three years on still working, if I don't go mountain biking, camping, hiking or kayaking after a while I feel bag and uncomfortable under my skin instead of feeling sick like yourself, the wife said "if only I go camping as much as watching camping videos on RUclips, ...." So there is some truth to that, enjoy and look after yourself mate, tnx for the vid
Meditation may help settle your mind and reduce your stress. I don't have ADHD but I'm an over-thinker and suffer from anxiety. I've been practicing meditation for about 5 years now and it's been a massive help. Learning to detach from the constant chatter in your mind (thoughts) is a really powerful tool
I wise person once said to me "you are not required to set yourself on fire just to keep other people warm" and there is a lot of sense in that. If you need to take some time out your subscribers will understand. I love your videos but you MUST put yourself first and listen to your body. Good luck x
Thanks for sharing how things are going. Very brave of you, if you don't mind me saying. All the best to you mate. Keep doing what you love doing. And don't feel the need to reply 👍
I’m not an ADHD suffer (I don’t think) but I have a similar sickness issue. The worst bit is a phantom lump in my throat that gets worse when Im under some form of pressure. So bad sometime, my body tries to be sick to get rid of it. Turned out to be stress related. Hope you come out the other end in the end.
@@StephenJReid it was incredible.met lots of people doing the cape wrath trail. luckiky there wasn't any midges about. terrain is difficult and boggy mostly. but also very enjoyable.
Adding to the well wishing comments already shared here. The 'not knowing' can add to the stress so I'm glad to hear you're getting a better understanding of what's going on with your body, and a potential diagnosis down the line. Best of luck implementing your new strategies for managing things.
Thanks Thomas! Yeah literally just having a professional tell me what the likely cause is immediately changed my mood. Better the enemy you know and all that.
catching up - glad you are finding out things. I think it is always better to know your opponent. Best wishes on finding a plan to better health and well-being. always enjoy your content and perspective on life, so thanks for sharing you.
Much better. Main 2 things I’ve learned in the meantime: 1. My health and energy levels massively affected by my anxiety/stress levels. 2. I can be stressed without realising it. Simply having too much input, doing too much, reading too much, being on a screen too much all is part of it. 3. Now totally convinced I’ve got ADHD. Still no official diagnosis. But I’m more aware now of traits I have that are connected. And when I do the things that help ADHD, my health is better, my energy better, my focus better etx
sometime a diagnose isnt really gonna help much. If you are aware what you can do yourself to improve thats more than half the battle. stay safe @@StephenJReid
I used to wake up with a sore throat and headache often. Turns out it is acid reflux. Now I always sleep with the head of my bed (whatever that bed may be, in camping, hotels, where ever) raised at least 4 inches.
More bike packing videos! I'm glad you can keep on doing what you love. Keep on keeping on! If you don't mind me asking what does B-Roll mean? Or in the context of this video. Have a great weekend 👍
B-roll is supporting footage that adds context and richness to a video. For example, all the shots with no talking in them. Shots of the landscape, animals, close ups of objects. That kind of thing.
I know this is a old video but sore throat and feeling unwell could simply be allergy related. Stress might not help but it does not exclude other things
Hi Steven , yes I’m self employed have been most of my working life , think as you say Iv been stressed on and off most of the time , lately Iv just not been up to a run or cycle , guess Iv been lucky because I’m so busy just now but as I’m in my 60 s I want to cut back but just can’t say no , I’m saying to myself end of this year I’m going part time , hopefully I can stick to that, also depends on being able to still pay the ever increasing bills , that’s the same for most of us , you take care , best wishes 👍
My grandfather was self employed his whole life, was talking to him in his 90s and he said he always regretting how much time he spent in the evenings working. Kinda stuck with me. It’s weird how things of little long term consequence can seem so important at the time.
I have inattentive ADHD and my Dr diagnosed me with high levels of stress recently. They recommended meditation and acupuncture for my stress - perhaps it's something to look into? Fresh honey and lemon are great for the throat; I always have a little tub premade for when I go hikes. And drink plenty of water. I'm really happy you're making progress on your health journey. I love your videos (the views, the editing, the humour - all of it) but I feel sad that you are dealing with so much stress. Please be kind to yourself. There's only one YOU. You don't have to respond to this. No pressure... 👀 Just have fun with what you do and we'll have fun too. All the best, Stephen.
I know the farmer that rents that land personally and I would not camp there 🤣🤣. He knew me and didn’t recognise me one day and started shouting and had a shotgun on his quad 🤣🤣. Needless to say when he got close he calmed down. No need for a reply 🤣🤣🤣.
Yeah I remembered you telling me that 😂 we picked a strategic date and time. Zero impact, left zero trace. Having heard the issues with dogs up there, I can kinda understand it.
I’m an autistic ADHDer and I find running so helpful. I do actually have a bunch of physical health conditions too, but my rheumatologist is completely behind me running because the net benefit for me is so much higher than the negative side of extra fatigue. Agree it’s not a superpower, but it’s also not a huge negative and please try not to buy into the medical deficit narrative. Meds have hugely helped me, but they aren’t for everyone. I hear you with not being able to do things that don’t interest you - I’ve taken it a step further and I’m doing a PhD on the topic that interests me the most 😂. Unlike most people I’m going to say congrats on your diagnosis. You can become reacquainted with yourself now and give yourself a break when needed.
Welcome to the adhd club man! 😊 I’ve been eating the huel meals on occasion. I want to try the Mac and cheese now. Good video as always. Awesome your doing bikepacking, I’m filming my first one this weekend❤
@@StephenJReid I’m gonna ride on Santa Catalina island here in Southern California and do an overnight. About 52 miles with some elevation ..some 14% grades I’m anxious about tho🤔
Love your content Stephen. 😊 Really glad to hear your doctor has some answers for you. Having even an inkling of what you may be dealing with is sooo helpful! I'm in my 50's and was branded a "hyperactive" child. 3 of my 5 kids have been diagnosed with autism/aspergers, and I think that is probably what I'm dealing with myself. Though I remain "hyper" to this day! 😂 My body seems to know that being in constant motion is the thing it needs to calm my brain, and I'm ok with that! 😊 Take care of you.
I guess it can’t be a bad thing having a condition that forces you to keep active! I wasn’t allowed to eat certain colours of food as a child as they would drive me hyper.
Exactly! I'm like a bee in a bottle if I can't get out and do stuff! 😂 Same for me on the foods...red and blue food colouring were the devil as far as my poor mum was concerned!
I am ADHD, at 47 I was diagnosed when it was relatively new and I kinda thought you were. It is what it is. Just get on with life, mate. You will figure it all out.
Thanks for the advice. I intend to keep at it, just need a few management techniques. If you don’t mind me asking did you ever try medication? I’ve heard mixed results and part of me would prefer to just figure it out myself as you say
Hope you get it all sorted out, ADHD is manageable, I know a few who have it and they are doing good. Stress on the other hand can be worse. Love the vid but I'm truely sorry for Conner not getting his coffee.
Good to know what you're up against; now you can take counter measures and/or try out things to alleviate it. Gotta ask: why oh why did you need to go over that barbed wire with the bikes? And don't tell me it was to get to the other side!
Yippee more camping videos to come 😀 btw who doesn’t keep their tent pegs in the tent bag lol, was there anything Connor didn’t forget? btw a lot of your symptoms sound like being run down
I forget something every time 🤦🏻♂️ - tent pegs and pole I usually do keep in the tent bag but had taken them out to try and compress the tent in my bikepacking bags
Good to see you have an idea now what was making you sick. Means more content for us as well (you will be giving Paul M a run for his money with all this camping ).🙂 . That's a good wee spot there you camped at (will keep it a secret though ) . Was actually walking that way couple of days ago(me and a mate were actually discussing would we drink out of that river through a filter , but the dead sheep upstream put us off lol . Would be good to get out camping again some time with you . Give me a shout anytime . (don't reply to this comment !!!) lol
Thanks! Shall see what happens! I’m a lot less focused than Paul with my output 🤪 Glad I didn’t spot a dead sheep in the river! 🤢 that’s why I use a filter though.
as a high spectrum ADHD'r I highly recommend cutting out all dairy, and limiting meat, fish and eggs as much as possible. Balance hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline is much easier on a plant based diet, aka: less stress. Also focusing on whole foods like steamed potatoes and oats gets complex carbohydrates into your brain for more efficient functioning. I also recommend the videos by Dr Barkly
Oh hai. I'm neurodiverse too, likely autistic, I've suspected for a long time and friends and various tests have confirmed it - I need to start the official diagnosis. I actually briefly mention this in a video I've recorded as a joke aside cos I made a script and a spreadsheet for it, which was TOTALLY autistic. I go very deep in my hyperfocus and research, and really struggle less so with doing tasks (although I think I am Persistent Demand Avoidant, which has had a major problem with my career - so less ADHD jumping to multiple tasks, more I have to have control over my tasks and work). Social stutf is the big stuff I struggle with, interaction with strangers, social occasions, etc, which means I am fine being alone doing things, which helps this sort of thing. But my ND stuff is a BIG reason why wild/stealth camping freaks me out, and why I haven't done more camping, the planning and anxiety before doing it is stressful for me...I was to do more, but simply sometimes it's just not going to happen, prevarication is a big part of my neurodiversity. I knew that the anxiety and depression wasn't really the usual causes. And I can confirm exercise and keeping busy can help a lot - it's why I do my artwork, it's for me, it keeps me sane.
Hi I’ve been watching you for a while, can I get your doctors name and a prescription from him so I can show my wife I need to go out more, seriously I hope you get sorted I enjoy your sense of humour on your videos. Thanks Paul.
I see this has been a while back so probably things are a bit different or balanced for you…hopefully 🤞 but stress and burn out are really things and neurodivergent people do experience this quicker as much you don’t want to jump on a trend which I completely get the wiring is just different and these people have to find different routines and balancing than neurotypical people…it’s always individual journey but knowing certain things are wired by your brain can help to help the brain feel a bit more on ease…at the end of the day you do not have to please everyone as long you’re doing what brings you joy and people find you regardless…social media can be a bit daunting and pressuring in the sense of always being on top of things and answer everyone…good luck on your journey!
You might want to consider more closely what type of foods you eat while on your camping/hiking trips. I can see you use a huge amount of energy. I've watched a lot of your videos and have noticed some of the foods you eat seem very lightweight to me... like a dehydrated mac and cheese. I'm sure you eat a lot more than that, but I would have thought all your snacks and meals should be more concentrated around protein, preferably meat or eggs, to give you sufficient energy to even keep warm at night. If our bodies drop too low in temperatures it won't have what it needs to fight of viruses.... that might be why you feel so unwell after. It is possible to have a virus floating around and the body takes some time to kill it... in the meantime you have no specific symptoms but can feel mildly unwell and lacking energy. I've suffered from ME for many years and have learned if I don't eat enough protein and carbs before I leave the house, if I'm walking around my city for a couple of hours I can very quickly run out of energy and feel terrible the following day. I've been forced to be energy conscious! My favourite food to eat is scrambled eggs as that seems to keep me going for a long time and on the veggie side a sweet potato soup is packed with energy too. Cheese is also a great energy boost, but junk food powdered cheese like you had with your meal... not going to give you any energy. I get that you don't want to be weighed down with too much heavy food, but if your body needs it, find other ways to make your rucksack lighter. There are some brilliant canned chicken foods now... curries and creamy sauce that combined with some naan bread or ready cooked rice would be far more energy boosting than some of those army emergency rations... they really do nothing for me energy wise and don't taste as nice as the canned foods. On the subject of ME/chronic fatigue, don't assume if your doctor says you haven't got that, they are right. I know many people who were misdiagnosed on ME for up to seven years because they appeared only mildly affected, and as there is no test to prove if you have it, doctors can often be wrong. They are also often not keen on admitting patients have ME because they can't treat it, and doctors hate illnesses they can't treat. ADHD can be a convenient excuse for doctors to explain away something they can't prove and prescribe medication and hope it all just goes away. I know this might sound very negative, but please trust me when I say "I've had a lot bad experiences with doctors in denial".😕 I sincerely hope you don't have ME... maybe it's just a temporary thing and if keep up the rich foods when out and about you'll feel more energy the next day. Please don't feel you need to reply to me... don't wear yourself out with replies late at night... gets some good rest and some wholesome food and hopefully you will be feeling your good self very soon. I wish you all the best Stephen... I enjoy your videos... love your sense of humour too. Take care!🤗
Hey thanks Suzy. Sorry to hear you suffer from ME, my dad had it bad for 10years and he started getting symptoms around my age now so on my mind. I've found that regular exercise and diet improvements and also limiting tech time definitely seem to be helping so I'm hoping it was just stress related. Maybe also just a bit of seasonal depression. hard to know. Good advice on easting protein. I do get plenty of protein, have 3 eggs for breakfast quite regularly and a lot of chicken and other. That Mac and cheese I was eating was actually proper nutritionally designed food would you believe and quite high in protein. Wasn't a cheap one. Made by Huel. I do love cheese! 😁 Hope you keep well!
Tricky one tbh. Depends on experience. If you’ve never tried it at all, best to start an official campsite. If it’s wild camping. Probably the easiest and most common spot is Annalong wood up from carricklittle in Mournes. Loads of people camp there.
At 50 years old, I’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition (AF) where my heart goes absolutely mental for no reason.
I LOVE and live for my hikes, runs, bike rides and walks and I was ready to quit the lot and eat pies when i found out but mentally, I need the exercise and when the cardiologist said the most important thing for me to do is to exercise, that was the best news i ever heard.
Enjoy it while you can Stephen. Do what you enjoy mate
Thanks Rich and hope you can keep getting out there too 🙂
That's great to hear you're making progress Stephen. I suspect your doctor is actually a huge fan of your content and just doesn't want you stop!
Haha he didn’t mention my channel, must have been keeping quiet 😂😂
I’m so pleased your getting sick is nothing sinister - what a blessing that the cure is doing what you love best! Enjoy your healing journey
Thanks! 🙂 feeling a lot more energised lately
Just found your channel today. Love your sense of humor. Subscribed.
Thanks Lucky🙂
Don't underestimate the foods you are eating. Don't assume you know what is healthy if there is a possibility of an allergy or inflammation. These things change with age. I had a blood test to determine food inflammation and found out some foods I ate often were actually causing me problems. Such as broccoli, cabbage, green beans. It's different for everyone so don't assume those are bad for you, but they are for me. Among lots of other things. I've had multiple health issues clear up since I changed my diet.
Good advice!
At 47 I am finally in the process of getting diagnosed (ADHD). I feel your pain - sounds very, very familiar.
Best of luck Stephen with managing your health, we are all a work in progress!
Thanks Nigel!
As someone that has met you on a number of occasions... wholly not surprised at the ADHD, though a little surprised that it wasn't flagged with you a long time ago. That unconscious dealing with things is 'masking', our second eldest does it and it can leave her wrecked after a tough day at school. It does cause stress and unless someone helps you identify when it is happening then you may never know about it - and the stress it builds up - so it is great that you are now aware and hopefully doing something to help.
It probably was only all the work stuff that was causing it - the running, camping, hiking (healthy stuff) releases dopamine in a good way which some other sources (sugars, fatty foods, drugs) can have very negative effects.
As a child I remembered being referred to as “hyperactive”, in school I often got in trouble for not paying attention, fidgeting etc. signs were all there throughout school.
I can distinctly remember in primary school some teachers being annoyed by me. But one teacher went out of her way to help me, which I think helped me a lot academically so my grades while not amazing, weren’t terrible.
In secondary school I had days off fairly frequently for what became referred to as “brain fatigue”. Days where I just kinda felt unwell and didn’t want to go to school.
Feels very obvious looking back now.
@@StephenJReid now... I must admit, part of me was hoping you wouldn't reply to any of these comments for at least a week! 😄
Glad to hear you'll still be getting out, have a friend with the same diagnosis. ❤❤❤
Thanks Alan
Haha I love this, actually show the true experience when sudden weather change, things that dont go as planned etc.. typical camping trip unlike the other perfect ones you see.
Thanks John
Yes to more bike packing adventures!!
😁😁😁 incoming
I’m 49 and started a new career 2 years ago. Being diagnosed with ADHD has made life much easier as it’s given me a bit of a road map and the agency to address what I’d thought was “normal”. I mean for me it was but medication and behavioural changes have been hugely impacting. Getting back to running and learning to manage my phone (instead of the other way round) has made me calmer, happier, and (frankly) less of a twat. 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks for the comment Chad! Interesting to know there’s a combo that can be used. I won’t be able to get meds unless formally assessed which I’ll likely need to pay for. So weighing up pros and cons of that.
Definitely good knowing what you are dealing with.
Great to see you're getting a handle on it.
ADHD can be a bonus and a curse. I'm probably ADHD. Having spent many years working with special needs kids, many with ADHD, it's not much of a stretch to imagine that I have it.
The getting out and doing stuff is probably the best thing for it. And DEFINITELY dis-connecting from technology will help a lot.
I'm an old guy, so it's not too hard for me. But younger people seem to find it a lit more difficult - to the point of having a panic attack if you tell them to put the phone away for an hour or so.
What works for me a bit is taking a day, or several days, when there is nothing you need to do but run, or bike or walk or whatever. You don't check emails, you don't use your phone, you don't even make videos. You just get moving and immerse yourself in the day. I find I feel so much better afterwards. If you can stretch that out for a few days, so much the better.
As a weird 'challenge' try this - do a two (or more if you can get the time) night stay somewhere on a beach, in the mountains, in a glen, somewhere quiet and remote-ish.
And do nothing. just sit there and watch the day roll past. There is nothing you need to do all day. Snooze in the sun (if you get some). Talk with the sheep. Fossic on the streams. Be a ten year old again for a couple of days.
Don't think about work or adult stuff. don't check your phone - apart from telling your good wife you are ok.
Take all the pressure off to DO anything.
Fiddle with bits of kit. Play with things for as long as you feel like it, then out it down and pick up something else. Don't try to focus on stuff, just let your mind wander, and then follow it.
It will get you into loads of trouble, but that's part of the fun ;-)
Best of luck and let us all know how things are going.
And... I don't expect a reply. So once you're read this, put your phone down and go and tickle Louise. Go on. You know you want to! ;-)
Several days with no phone! 😱 are you mad?!
I’d love to try a proper digital detox sometime, but unfortunately just not possible with my work 🫤
Or at least would be tricky. Sounds great though just dandering around doing nothing.
this is basically how my brain operates 24/7 not so much the immune system hit but the lack of sleep and skipping around
love the content brother keep it up
Thanks Jesse!
I applaud your bravery to open your heart like this on a public video. Although not quite the same, I'm watching and thinking ...well, the stress and overworking part, desire to focus on things that aren't the focus. I don't think any of us are truly "normal" or "ADHD" - I think its a scale and we all fit somewhere on it. Your experiences give me something to think about...
Thanks Paul. Yeah definitely it’s a scale, some people have it so bad they can’t hold down a job and everyone is different
Nice to hear you are on the mend mate, we'll done for bringing it out with your doc, my GP also referred me once few years back and I got the same advice as yourself, and three years on still working, if I don't go mountain biking, camping, hiking or kayaking after a while I feel bag and uncomfortable under my skin instead of feeling sick like yourself, the wife said "if only I go camping as much as watching camping videos on RUclips, ...." So there is some truth to that, enjoy and look after yourself mate, tnx for the vid
Thanks Abed 🙂 keep getting out there! 😁😁
Meditation may help settle your mind and reduce your stress. I don't have ADHD but I'm an over-thinker and suffer from anxiety. I've been practicing meditation for about 5 years now and it's been a massive help. Learning to detach from the constant chatter in your mind (thoughts) is a really powerful tool
I could definitely do with calming down the noggin. Best thing that works for me currently is just being in an outdoors space. Sitting and looking.
This was hysterical! I really thought you'd ride it down! Massive effort mate, great camp !
Haha, I don’t want to die! I’m nowhere near skilled enough on a bike to even attempt that 😂
I wise person once said to me "you are not required to set yourself on fire just to keep other people warm" and there is a lot of sense in that. If you need to take some time out your subscribers will understand. I love your videos but you MUST put yourself first and listen to your body. Good luck x
I nearly set myself on fire last night in the tent, but I’ll reveal that in a future video 😂 wise words though and thanks for the comment!
Great stuff .. your Dr is right - movement outdoors is key! Hope things settle down soon.
No need to reply 👍✅
Replying before 8pm 😂 thank you 🙂
Thanks for sharing how things are going. Very brave of you, if you don't mind me saying. All the best to you mate. Keep doing what you love doing. And don't feel the need to reply 👍
Thanks Richard 🙂 getting the replies in before 8pm 😂
What a talent, you just made sleeping on a wet sheep infested hill look fun. Glad you're making progress, looking forward to the next one.
I’m not sure it looked fun David, interesting maybe 😂😂 Thanks for the help 🙂
I’m not an ADHD suffer (I don’t think) but I have a similar sickness issue. The worst bit is a phantom lump in my throat that gets worse when Im under some form of pressure. So bad sometime, my body tries to be sick to get rid of it. Turned out to be stress related. Hope you come out the other end in the end.
That’s no fun, I know someone with something like that and I’ve seen them gagging with anxiety. It’s horrible. Hope it gets better. 🙂
Just did my first multi day hike from glenfinnan to inverie. look forward to seeing your adventures. praying for you as well regarding your sickness
Thank you! 🙂 how did it go, any midges?
@@StephenJReid it was incredible.met lots of people doing the cape wrath trail. luckiky there wasn't any midges about. terrain is difficult and boggy mostly. but also very enjoyable.
Great to see you in Co Antrim!!
Thanks! I live in County Antrim but haven’t really made many camping videos here before for various reasons. But a few planned this year
U make ppl see how beautiful our wee country is
Thanks Chris
@@StephenJReid ur welcome buddy
Beautiful place to camp. Id give it a go
all the best with your health, Stephen 💪
looking forward to your Scotland adventure videos 🙂
Newish subscriber enjoying the back catalog, just a small contribution to say thanks! cheers
Wow! Thanks so much Chris! That will part cover my transport costs for an upcoming video 🙂🙂🙂
Glad to have you here. Which video did you find first?
Best of luck, stay hip and look after yourself. Goes without saying, don’t even think of replying 🙏
It’s before 8pm 🙂 thanks
Adding to the well wishing comments already shared here. The 'not knowing' can add to the stress so I'm glad to hear you're getting a better understanding of what's going on with your body, and a potential diagnosis down the line. Best of luck implementing your new strategies for managing things.
Thanks Thomas! Yeah literally just having a professional tell me what the likely cause is immediately changed my mood. Better the enemy you know and all that.
catching up - glad you are finding out things. I think it is always better to know your opponent. Best wishes on finding a plan to better health and well-being. always enjoy your content and perspective on life, so thanks for sharing you.
Thanks Ken
How are you feeling now 5 months later ? Delighted for you that your doctor told you to be outdoorsy :) Hope you feel better.
Much better. Main 2 things I’ve learned in the meantime:
1. My health and energy levels massively affected by my anxiety/stress levels.
2. I can be stressed without realising it. Simply having too much input, doing too much, reading too much, being on a screen too much all is part of it.
3. Now totally convinced I’ve got ADHD. Still no official diagnosis. But I’m more aware now of traits I have that are connected. And when I do the things that help ADHD, my health is better, my energy better, my focus better etx
Well diagnosed or not I am glad you figured out how to keep a balance and feel better!! Happy hiking. Stay safe.
sometime a diagnose isnt really gonna help much. If you are aware what you can do yourself to improve thats more than half the battle. stay safe @@StephenJReid
I used to wake up with a sore throat and headache often. Turns out it is acid reflux. Now I always sleep with the head of my bed (whatever that bed may be, in camping, hotels, where ever) raised at least 4 inches.
I always try to camp with my head upslope in general
More bike packing videos! I'm glad you can keep on doing what you love. Keep on keeping on!
If you don't mind me asking what does B-Roll mean? Or in the context of this video. Have a great weekend 👍
B-roll is supporting footage that adds context and richness to a video. For example, all the shots with no talking in them. Shots of the landscape, animals, close ups of objects. That kind of thing.
@@StephenJReid Thank you
I know this is a old video but sore throat and feeling unwell could simply be allergy related. Stress might not help but it does not exclude other things
I love your doctor's advice. I think we could all do with a little less phone time. I can't wait to see your vids from your backpacking trip!
Thanks Martha 🙂
Hi Steven , yes I’m self employed have been most of my working life , think as you say Iv been stressed on and off most of the time , lately Iv just not been up to a run or cycle , guess Iv been lucky because I’m so busy just now but as I’m in my 60 s I want to cut back but just can’t say no , I’m saying to myself end of this year I’m going part time , hopefully I can stick to that, also depends on being able to still pay the ever increasing bills , that’s the same for most of us , you take care , best wishes 👍
My grandfather was self employed his whole life, was talking to him in his 90s and he said he always regretting how much time he spent in the evenings working. Kinda stuck with me.
It’s weird how things of little long term consequence can seem so important at the time.
I have inattentive ADHD and my Dr diagnosed me with high levels of stress recently.
They recommended meditation and acupuncture for my stress - perhaps it's something to look into?
Fresh honey and lemon are great for the throat; I always have a little tub premade for when I go hikes. And drink plenty of water.
I'm really happy you're making progress on your health journey. I love your videos (the views, the editing, the humour - all of it) but I feel sad that you are dealing with so much stress. Please be kind to yourself. There's only one YOU.
You don't have to respond to this. No pressure... 👀
Just have fun with what you do and we'll have fun too. All the best, Stephen.
I know the farmer that rents that land personally and I would not camp there 🤣🤣. He knew me and didn’t recognise me one day and started shouting and had a shotgun on his quad 🤣🤣. Needless to say when he got close he calmed down. No need for a reply 🤣🤣🤣.
Yeah I remembered you telling me that 😂 we picked a strategic date and time. Zero impact, left zero trace. Having heard the issues with dogs up there, I can kinda understand it.
You told me this story Steve but neglected to mention the fact that it was where we were actually camping 😂
I’m an autistic ADHDer and I find running so helpful. I do actually have a bunch of physical health conditions too, but my rheumatologist is completely behind me running because the net benefit for me is so much higher than the negative side of extra fatigue.
Agree it’s not a superpower, but it’s also not a huge negative and please try not to buy into the medical deficit narrative. Meds have hugely helped me, but they aren’t for everyone. I hear you with not being able to do things that don’t interest you - I’ve taken it a step further and I’m doing a PhD on the topic that interests me the most 😂.
Unlike most people I’m going to say congrats on your diagnosis. You can become reacquainted with yourself now and give yourself a break when needed.
Thanks Kat! Always helps knowing I’m not the only one.
Welcome to the adhd club man! 😊 I’ve been eating the huel meals on occasion. I want to try the Mac and cheese now. Good video as always. Awesome your doing bikepacking, I’m filming my first one this weekend❤
Sounds like a very disorganised club 😂 Really like the max and cheese, had it again last night. Nice! What’s the plan?
I did another one last night
@@StephenJReid I’m gonna ride on Santa Catalina island here in Southern California and do an overnight. About 52 miles with some elevation ..some 14% grades I’m anxious about tho🤔
Love your content Stephen. 😊
Really glad to hear your doctor has some answers for you. Having even an inkling of what you may be dealing with is sooo helpful!
I'm in my 50's and was branded a "hyperactive" child. 3 of my 5 kids have been diagnosed with autism/aspergers, and I think that is probably what I'm dealing with myself. Though I remain "hyper" to this day! 😂
My body seems to know that being in constant motion is the thing it needs to calm my brain, and I'm ok with that! 😊
Take care of you.
I guess it can’t be a bad thing having a condition that forces you to keep active! I wasn’t allowed to eat certain colours of food as a child as they would drive me hyper.
Exactly! I'm like a bee in a bottle if I can't get out and do stuff! 😂
Same for me on the foods...red and blue food colouring were the devil as far as my poor mum was concerned!
I am ADHD, at 47 I was diagnosed when it was relatively new and I kinda thought you were. It is what it is. Just get on with life, mate. You will figure it all out.
Thanks for the advice. I intend to keep at it, just need a few management techniques. If you don’t mind me asking did you ever try medication? I’ve heard mixed results and part of me would prefer to just figure it out myself as you say
Thanks for sharing and very interesting 👍
This may help me manage stress, always feel happiest when active. genuinely thank you
Thanks Chris and amazing to hear you might find it useful!
Hope you get it all sorted out, ADHD is manageable, I know a few who have it and they are doing good. Stress on the other hand can be worse.
Love the vid but I'm truely sorry for Conner not getting his coffee.
Haha Connor has since upgraded his camp coffee setup so he never forgets 😂😂
Love your videos
Thank you!
i love the way you tackle ADHD.
🙂
Good to know what you're up against; now you can take counter measures and/or try out things to alleviate it.
Gotta ask: why oh why did you need to go over that barbed wire with the bikes? And don't tell me it was to get to the other side!
The gate was twice the height 😱
Yippee more camping videos to come 😀 btw who doesn’t keep their tent pegs in the tent bag lol, was there anything Connor didn’t forget? btw a lot of your symptoms sound like being run down
I forget something every time 🤦🏻♂️ - tent pegs and pole I usually do keep in the tent bag but had taken them out to try and compress the tent in my bikepacking bags
@@connormcc I’m forgetful too, that’s why I have my checklist lol
@@DavidDoyleOutdoors oh I do have a checklist but I left my coffee cup sitting beside where I was packing 😂
@@connormcc 😂
I’m definitely run down. It’s the cause that I’ve been trying to figure out. Just glad it’s not going outside!
Good to see you have an idea now what was making you sick. Means more content for us as well (you will be giving Paul M a run for his money with all this camping ).🙂 . That's a good wee spot there you camped at (will keep it a secret though ) . Was actually walking that way couple of days ago(me and a mate were actually discussing would we drink out of that river through a filter , but the dead sheep upstream put us off lol . Would be good to get out camping again some time with you . Give me a shout anytime . (don't reply to this comment !!!) lol
Thanks! Shall see what happens! I’m a lot less focused than Paul with my output 🤪
Glad I didn’t spot a dead sheep in the river! 🤢 that’s why I use a filter though.
@@StephenJReid adds a bit of flavour to the water 😂😂
as a high spectrum ADHD'r I highly recommend cutting out all dairy, and limiting meat, fish and eggs as much as possible. Balance hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline is much easier on a plant based diet, aka: less stress. Also focusing on whole foods like steamed potatoes and oats gets complex carbohydrates into your brain for more efficient functioning.
I also recommend the videos by Dr Barkly
But other advice I read said to eat more eggs 🙈 definitely I think more whole foods can’t be a bad thing
Oh hai. I'm neurodiverse too, likely autistic, I've suspected for a long time and friends and various tests have confirmed it - I need to start the official diagnosis. I actually briefly mention this in a video I've recorded as a joke aside cos I made a script and a spreadsheet for it, which was TOTALLY autistic. I go very deep in my hyperfocus and research, and really struggle less so with doing tasks (although I think I am Persistent Demand Avoidant, which has had a major problem with my career - so less ADHD jumping to multiple tasks, more I have to have control over my tasks and work). Social stutf is the big stuff I struggle with, interaction with strangers, social occasions, etc, which means I am fine being alone doing things, which helps this sort of thing.
But my ND stuff is a BIG reason why wild/stealth camping freaks me out, and why I haven't done more camping, the planning and anxiety before doing it is stressful for me...I was to do more, but simply sometimes it's just not going to happen, prevarication is a big part of my neurodiversity.
I knew that the anxiety and depression wasn't really the usual causes. And I can confirm exercise and keeping busy can help a lot - it's why I do my artwork, it's for me, it keeps me sane.
I think We all spend half our lives just trying to figure ourselves out never mind anyone else! I hate packing for trips, takes me forver
Did Connor actually say chicken fried rice & gravy?
Hi I’ve been watching you for a while, can I get your doctors name and a prescription from him so I can show my wife I need to go out more, seriously I hope you get sorted I enjoy your sense of humour on your videos. Thanks Paul.
haha, should have asked for a paper prescription for "Active outdoors recreation therapy" 🤣
Oh breakfast in bed! How luxurious 😂😂
Spared no expense
You’re a top guy. Love your videos. Your positive attitude is inspiring. Keep doing what you do.
And…..
Don’t reply to this!
Ok I won’t…
Oops
In my defence it was before 8pm
In the Netherlands wild camping is not allowed so the only solution was pills
Yikes!
I have three kids with autism and adhd do I can relate to you
Wish I’d known when I was younger! I just got labelled “hyperactive”
@@StephenJReid I wish u well on ur journey of ur adhd diagnosis buddh
I knew it! ADHD Just let me! Everybody said the same thing when i got diagnosed! Welcome 😊
I see this has been a while back so probably things are a bit different or balanced for you…hopefully 🤞 but stress and burn out are really things and neurodivergent people do experience this quicker as much you don’t want to jump on a trend which I completely get the wiring is just different and these people have to find different routines and balancing than neurotypical people…it’s always individual journey but knowing certain things are wired by your brain can help to help the brain feel a bit more on ease…at the end of the day you do not have to please everyone as long you’re doing what brings you joy and people find you regardless…social media can be a bit daunting and pressuring in the sense of always being on top of things and answer everyone…good luck on your journey!
Just face it, yer sick, but the plus side, yer not dead.
Most stress/pressure is self-imposed.
True sometimes for me, other times it’s hard to acoid
Follow the dopamine, brother. ADHD sucks but it can be managed.
Stephen likely has ADHD - No one was surprised by that. 😂
does explain a few other things
You should study the effect of insuline resistence of your body together with stress and your diet. Nice video though...
You might want to consider more closely what type of foods you eat while on your camping/hiking trips. I can see you use a huge amount of energy. I've watched a lot of your videos and have noticed some of the foods you eat seem very lightweight to me... like a dehydrated mac and cheese. I'm sure you eat a lot more than that, but I would have thought all your snacks and meals should be more concentrated around protein, preferably meat or eggs, to give you sufficient energy to even keep warm at night. If our bodies drop too low in temperatures it won't have what it needs to fight of viruses.... that might be why you feel so unwell after. It is possible to have a virus floating around and the body takes some time to kill it... in the meantime you have no specific symptoms but can feel mildly unwell and lacking energy.
I've suffered from ME for many years and have learned if I don't eat enough protein and carbs before I leave the house, if I'm walking around my city for a couple of hours I can very quickly run out of energy and feel terrible the following day. I've been forced to be energy conscious! My favourite food to eat is scrambled eggs as that seems to keep me going for a long time and on the veggie side a sweet potato soup is packed with energy too. Cheese is also a great energy boost, but junk food powdered cheese like you had with your meal... not going to give you any energy. I get that you don't want to be weighed down with too much heavy food, but if your body needs it, find other ways to make your rucksack lighter. There are some brilliant canned chicken foods now... curries and creamy sauce that combined with some naan bread or ready cooked rice would be far more energy boosting than some of those army emergency rations... they really do nothing for me energy wise and don't taste as nice as the canned foods.
On the subject of ME/chronic fatigue, don't assume if your doctor says you haven't got that, they are right. I know many people who were misdiagnosed on ME for up to seven years because they appeared only mildly affected, and as there is no test to prove if you have it, doctors can often be wrong. They are also often not keen on admitting patients have ME because they can't treat it, and doctors hate illnesses they can't treat. ADHD can be a convenient excuse for doctors to explain away something they can't prove and prescribe medication and hope it all just goes away. I know this might sound very negative, but please trust me when I say "I've had a lot bad experiences with doctors in denial".😕
I sincerely hope you don't have ME... maybe it's just a temporary thing and if keep up the rich foods when out and about you'll feel more energy the next day. Please don't feel you need to reply to me... don't wear yourself out with replies late at night... gets some good rest and some wholesome food and hopefully you will be feeling your good self very soon. I wish you all the best Stephen... I enjoy your videos... love your sense of humour too. Take care!🤗
Hey thanks Suzy. Sorry to hear you suffer from ME, my dad had it bad for 10years and he started getting symptoms around my age now so on my mind.
I've found that regular exercise and diet improvements and also limiting tech time definitely seem to be helping so I'm hoping it was just stress related. Maybe also just a bit of seasonal depression. hard to know.
Good advice on easting protein. I do get plenty of protein, have 3 eggs for breakfast quite regularly and a lot of chicken and other. That Mac and cheese I was eating was actually proper nutritionally designed food would you believe and quite high in protein. Wasn't a cheap one. Made by Huel.
I do love cheese! 😁
Hope you keep well!
Hi stephen mate can you recommend any good spot to go camping for me and the miss
Tricky one tbh. Depends on experience. If you’ve never tried it at all, best to start an official campsite.
If it’s wild camping. Probably the easiest and most common spot is Annalong wood up from carricklittle in Mournes. Loads of people camp there.