Your ADHD Holiday Survival Kit
As we head deeper into the holiday season, the hustle and bustle can be overwhelming, especially for those of us managing ADHD. After continuing our ADHD discussion from our main feed episode this week, I wanted to share some more practical tools that my co-host Cristina and I have discovered, which can help make the holiday madness a little more manageable.
A Reality Check and New Approaches
Let's be real for a moment. Many of us feel the pressure to do it all during the holidays, and while it's tempting to give into that pull, it's crucial to find ways to let go and simplify our lives. One approach is to embrace visual tools, which can be lifesavers for managing tasks daily. Whether it's sticky notes, a whiteboard, or digital tools like Notion (the favorite of our colleague Casey), finding what works best for you is key.
Personal Organization Strategies
Both Cristina and I prefer a blend of analog and digital systems. I lean heavily on visual aids—a big whiteboard in my office and personal to-do lists—and Cristina integrates both paper and digital calendars to manage her family and work life. The crossover is aimed at reinforcing memories through multiple formats. We also talked about the importance of writing things down; even a simple grocery list can prevent the chaotic scramble of forgetfulness.
Implementing and Evolving Systems
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all system. Our systems evolve continuously; something that worked six months ago might not be as effective today. It’s important to trial various strategies with the intent to adjust rather than get it perfect on the first try. Scheduling self-care is equally essential—literally placing plans for downtime on our calendars, just as you would with any other crucial meeting.
Practicing Saying No and Setting Boundaries
Understanding personal limits and the power of saying "no" is transformative. Cristina shares how prioritizing necessary tasks over stretching oneself too thin has made a world of difference. Selecting specific contributions to activities (like providing paper goods instead of cooking) is a practical application of this principle. Alongside advocating for oneself, it's essential to employ help from partners or family members and acknowledge that delegation is not only necessary but beneficial.
Synchronizing Calendars
Syncing personal and family calendars helps prevent double-booking and ensures smoother day-to-day execution. It’s amazing how a simple practice like this can reduce a lot of stress and keep everyone on the same page about commitments.
Breaking Down Batching
Batching tasks is often touted as a time-saving strategy, but it’s not for everyone, especially those juggling ADHD. For instance, trying to lump meal planning, groceries, and prep into one full day is unrealistic for most of us. Instead, consider "task prep" as Cristina suggests: clean the refrigerator one day, meal plan the next, and shop the following day. This step-by-step process eases the load and prevents burnout.
Final Thoughts
With these tools and an attitude of self-compassion, you can make the holiday season feel less daunting. It's okay to adjust plans and adapt strategies. By knowing yourself and your needs, utilizing your phone's full potential, and sharing the mental load, you can find ways to better interpret and manage the chaos of the holidays.
Remember, it’s about finding what works for you and being open to ongoing evolution in your methods. As always, feel free to share your systems and tips—every little nugget of wisdom helps us all grow. Here's to a manageable and peaceful holiday season!
