Tag Archive for: Finding calm in the holidays with adhd

Happy Holidays Where All Is Calm, All Is Bright

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happy holidays where all is calm and all is bright for those with adhd

Holiday gifting, meal planning and travel all require executive function skills with planning and execution. Because of this, holidays can be anything but calm and bright for those with ADHD.  Use these eleven holiday reminders to keep merry all season long.

Start with a list

An overtaxed working memory is the flaw of ADHD. Why tax it more during the holidays when you can make a list?  While your lists may have lists, it is the best way to manage all you have to do for the holiday season. Once you have the list, be sure to prioritize. Taking things off the list keeps you from having too much to do and too little time.

 

Prioritize with a calendar

Your calendar is your guide to holiday fun. Get organized with a family calendar month at a glance calendar posted where everyone can see it.  Meet together for a family meeting to capture all the details.

 

Decide what NOT to do this holiday season.

Edit your holiday activities by prioritizing. Rate what were the best moments and worthy of repeating this year. If this is the year to let go of mailing or emailing cards or limit special activities, take something off your activity list.

 

Delay additional activities to January

Window washing, room renovations, and any other big or small projects can be delayed to after the holidays. Having your home company ready can mean hiring a cleaning service to help you.

 

Bring on extra help

There is too much to do during the holidays and so many ways to get extra help. Hire teens who want to gift wrap to earn extra money, getting curbside delivery, and having outside help hang your exterior decorations are all ways to get help. You earn extra time to do other tasks this way too.

 

Do a little decluttering

Before holiday gifts arrive, take one hour to declutter in the kitchen, toy room and closet.  Give everyone in your family a bag and have them declutter what is not used or loved. Drop these off at local philanthropies right away. Taking the time to have less in a space will free up your home when gifts come in.

 

Streamline your gifting

Editing your holiday gift list is a first step to streamlining. Next, find ways to share meaningful gifts with a variety of similar items, such as books, gift certificates, or homemade treats. The same applies to hostess gifts with holiday hand soaps, coffee pods, and flowers.

 

Make it joyful

Listen to your favorite holiday playlist throughout the holiday season. Music brings us joy and lightens our loads.

 

Enjoy the outdoors

Get out and exercise, take a walk at night to see the lights and get moving. Brains work best when you exercise and exercise lowers stress.

Take time for you

When we are most stressed and there is less time, that is the most important time to be sure we take care of ourselves. That is setting aside time for a walk, bath, early bedtime,  or nap.

 

Try just one of these eleven ADHD friendly tips to have a calm and joyful holiday season. Give yourself the opportunity to do less and enjoy more.