Essential Survival Tips for Sisters This Holiday Season!
Top Tips for Managing the Christmas Season with ADHD: A Guide for Women 🎁
The Christmas season can be both magical and overwhelming, especially for those of us with ADHD. Between the hustle and bustle, endless commitments, and sensory overload, it can be hard to find balance. But with a few mindful strategies, you can reduce the stress and embrace the season with more joy and sanity!
Here are my top tips to help you manage and ENJOY the Christmas season:
1. Make Time for What Brings You Joy 💖
The holidays can quickly become a checklist of obligations and expectations. But amidst the chaos, it’s essential to carve out time for activities that bring you true joy.
Tip: Don’t just do things because you feel you ‘should.’ Instead, prioritise activities that genuinely nourish and energise you. Whether it’s watching a favourite Christmas movie, going on a wellbeing day retreat, or spending time with your ginger doggie! make sure you’re scheduling in moments that nourish your soul. The holidays should be about time out, joy, connection, and creating memories - not perfection and obligation.
2. Don’t Overbook Your Calendar: Learn to Say '“Let Me Get Back to You” 📅
It’s easy to get carried away during the holidays. We often say “Yes” out of excitement, guilt, or a sense of obligation, but overcommitting can lead to overwhelm and burnout.
Tip: Instead of impulsively agreeing to every invitation or request, take a step back. Say something like, “Let me check my diary and get back to you.” This gives you space to consider whether you have the energy, time, and mental bandwidth for another event. Prioritise the things that truly matter to you, and don’t feel pressured to say yes right away.
3. Embrace Online Shopping: Next day delivery to the Rescue! 🛍️
Shopping for presents can quickly become overwhelming, especially when dealing with crowds, long lines, and decision fatigue. Instead of stressing over it, turn to online shopping to save time and energy.
Tip: Make use of online retailers to streamline your gift-buying process. Shopping online lets you take your time, avoid crowds, and have everything delivered to your door. Plus, it’s easy to stick to a budget when you can shop from the comfort of home!
4. Skip the Holiday Cards (and Other Extra Pressures) 💌
The holidays come with a lot of expectations, and sometimes we add extra pressure by feeling obligated to do everything, including writing and sending Christmas cards. But this can quickly become another stressor on your already full plate.
Tip: If writing Christmas cards feels like too much, give yourself permission to skip it! Change your expectations for yourself -don’t try to do everything. I often start writing cards but don’t always finish or send them! This year, we are sending cards from our Big Sister team to our clients, and then focusing on sending my friends personalised messages on WhatsApp instead. I can still make it meaningful and festive, and it takes away that extra thing / pressure on the to-do list!
5. Get Outside: Nature Can Help Rebalance Your Nervous System 🌿
When the weather turns cold and dark, it's easy to stay inside and become disconnected from nature. But spending time outdoors, even for a short period, can be incredibly grounding.
Tip: Try to get outside every day, even if it's just for a brief walk or some fresh air in the winter sun. Nature has a natural calming effect on the nervous system and can help us regain focus, clarity, and balance.
6. Escape the Noise: Take 20-Minute Power Breaks 🛋️
Social events can be noisy, chaotic, and sensory overload for anyone, especially those with ADHD. Constant stimulation can leave you feeling drained and anxious.
Tip: Make time for short, frequent breaks to recharge. Even just a 20-minute power nap or a quiet moment away from the crowd can work wonders for your nervous system. Step outside for some fresh air - I have found myself in the past sitting on the loo for an extra 5 minutes!
7. Manage Alcohol Mindfully (especially When Hormones Are Involved)🍹
Christmas often means more socialising and managing alcohol can be tricky for those of us that drink. I find alcohol tends to be ‘short term gain’ 🥂 ‘next day a lot of pain’! especially when hormones are at play. 😣
Tip: If you're drinking, stay hydrated! Our nutritional coach, Milda, always recommends having a pint of water next to you. It helps keep you hydrated and can prevent the overindulgence that often comes with social pressure or holiday stress.
Final Thoughts 💖
Managing the Christmas season doesn’t have to be a stressful, chaotic experience. By setting realistic expectations, prioritising self-care, and making mindful choices, you can enjoy this time without feeling so overwhelmed. ✨
What Are Your Holiday Survival Tips?
Do you have any strategies that help you stay grounded during Christmas? I’d love to hear what works for you! email us at hello@theadhdbigsister.com 💌