Feelings vs Emotions: What's the Difference and Why It Matters for ADHD & AuDHD
Mon Feb 02 2026
It's Feelings February, on the "You Are A LOT" podcast, and I'm starting the first episode of the month with a basic question: what's the difference between an emotion and a feeling? Emotions are real-time body signals—racing heart, tight chest, clenched jaw, shallow breathing. Feelings are what you become aware of and can name after your brain interprets those body signals. For ADHD and AuDHD humans, there's often a lag between the emotion happening and the feeling "forming," (due to our issues with interoception) which can make it hard to answer a simple question like "What's wrong?" I explain how to use a Feelings Wheel and why naming the body state can sometimes ground you more than naming a feeling too fast.
Show Notes: Join Jen's Accountability Club!
A highly interactive monthly membership where you meet with me live every week for accountability, body-double sessions, journaling, and monthly Q&A. It's designed for ADHD/AuDHD brains that need connection and support taking action — so you're not doing it all alone. Membership is $19.99/month, with an annual option currently available at 31% off (that's over three months free) with code 2AD87. Offer expires 2/1/26.
Brain.fm — A Focus Tool I Use Every Day
It's not music, or binaural beats. Brain.fm is science-backed sound made for ADHD brains and it's genius! I listen while I work and I can feel my brain lock in, no distractions. I want you to try it for 30 days free, with my link! No catch. Cancel anytime.
Hugimals — Weighted Comfort for Kids & Adults
I own Hugimals, give them as gifts, and love that they're made by a neurodivergent founder who understands nervous system needs. These weighted stuffed animals and pillows help with anxiety and overwhelm, and you can get 15% off anytime using my link and code JENKIRKMAN (it never expires).
Appointed — Planners, Notebooks & Desk Goods
Appointed notebooks are my go-to — I buy my spiral notebooks and Le Pen pens from them and use them daily for lists, journaling, and planning. You can get notebooks monogrammed and save 15% off with my link and code JENKIRKMAN.
Bookshop.org — Books I Recommend
I love Bookshop.org because every purchase supports independent bookstores, not Amazon, while still shipping directly to you. I've curated book lists on ADHD/AuDHD and mental health, and you can get 20% off everything when you shop using my link.
UnHide — Soft, Weighted Comfort
I love UnHide's products — their vegan weighted blankets, pillows, robes, and socks are incredibly soft and calming, especially if you're neurodivergent and soothed by gentle weight and cozy textures. You can get 20% off with my link and code JEN20.
The Time Timer - a Cute Visual Time Tool!
I use my Time Timer every single day. I have a pink one from the MOD collection. I use it to help me visualize time during work blocks, breaks, and completing tasks. There's no discount, but when you use my link I earn a percentage that goes directly into supporting this podcast.
Sources Used:
The Difference Between Feelings And Emotions: Wake Forest University
The Feelings Wheel: The New Happy Blog
Toxic Positivity: Book, Whitney Goodman (20% off)
More
It's Feelings February, on the "You Are A LOT" podcast, and I'm starting the first episode of the month with a basic question: what's the difference between an emotion and a feeling? Emotions are real-time body signals—racing heart, tight chest, clenched jaw, shallow breathing. Feelings are what you become aware of and can name after your brain interprets those body signals. For ADHD and AuDHD humans, there's often a lag between the emotion happening and the feeling "forming," (due to our issues with interoception) which can make it hard to answer a simple question like "What's wrong?" I explain how to use a Feelings Wheel and why naming the body state can sometimes ground you more than naming a feeling too fast. Show Notes: Join Jen's Accountability Club! A highly interactive monthly membership where you meet with me live every week for accountability, body-double sessions, journaling, and monthly Q&A. It's designed for ADHD/AuDHD brains that need connection and support taking action — so you're not doing it all alone. Membership is $19.99/month, with an annual option currently available at 31% off (that's over three months free) with code 2AD87. Offer expires 2/1/26. Brain.fm — A Focus Tool I Use Every Day It's not music, or binaural beats. Brain.fm is science-backed sound made for ADHD brains and it's genius! I listen while I work and I can feel my brain lock in, no distractions. I want you to try it for 30 days free, with my link! No catch. Cancel anytime. Hugimals — Weighted Comfort for Kids & Adults I own Hugimals, give them as gifts, and love that they're made by a neurodivergent founder who understands nervous system needs. These weighted stuffed animals and pillows help with anxiety and overwhelm, and you can get 15% off anytime using my link and code JENKIRKMAN (it never expires). Appointed — Planners, Notebooks & Desk Goods Appointed notebooks are my go-to — I buy my spiral notebooks and Le Pen pens from them and use them daily for lists, journaling, and planning. You can get notebooks monogrammed and save 15% off with my link and code JENKIRKMAN. Bookshop.org — Books I Recommend I love Bookshop.org because every purchase supports independent bookstores, not Amazon, while still shipping directly to you. I've curated book lists on ADHD/AuDHD and mental health, and you can get 20% off everything when you shop using my link. UnHide — Soft, Weighted Comfort I love UnHide's products — their vegan weighted blankets, pillows, robes, and socks are incredibly soft and calming, especially if you're neurodivergent and soothed by gentle weight and cozy textures. You can get 20% off with my link and code JEN20. The Time Timer - a Cute Visual Time Tool! I use my Time Timer every single day. I have a pink one from the MOD collection. I use it to help me visualize time during work blocks, breaks, and completing tasks. There's no discount, but when you use my link I earn a percentage that goes directly into supporting this podcast. Sources Used: The Difference Between Feelings And Emotions: Wake Forest University The Feelings Wheel: The New Happy Blog Toxic Positivity: Book, Whitney Goodman (20% off)