Tips for Adults with ADHD to Relieve Holiday Stress

If you're looking for ways to relieve stress over the holiday period, start by creating a list of all your family's activities from last year, ranging from religious services to local light exhibits. Request each family member to rate these activities on a scale from 1 (being very important) to 3 (being unimportant). Aim to incorporate the activities rated 1 and potentially some rated 2 into your holiday plans, while forgetting about those rated 3.

Designate a particular day to send out holiday cards. Use your computer to make the activity enjoyable and simple by sending charming, interactive email cards.

Maintain shopping at a bare minimum by opting to buy similar items for everyone, for instance, books, gift cards or clothing from the same catalog or website. Also, consider amassing decorative candles or wine bottles to give as hostess gifts.

Save yourself a few hours by postponing unnecessary activities like getting an oil change until after the holiday period. Another tip to save time is by reducing the number of hours spent in the kitchen. This can be accomplished by purchasing ready-made meals from your local grocery store or preparing and freezing double-portion meals whenever time allows.

Allocate a single day in November — and maybe in December as well — to declutter your house within an hour. Equip everyone in the family with large garbage bags to get rid of unnecessary or unwanted items. Use masking tape to label these bags to track which room they came from and store them in your garage or basement until the holidays have passed.

Exercise generates endorphins, the brain's feel-good chemicals which help improve stress management and increase your overall well-being. When there isn't enough time to exercise, note down your concerns on paper to help clear your mind and better proceed with your tasks.

Anticipating guests? Split preparations into achievable daily tasks over a week's time.

7 Days to Go: Collect and wash formal dishes. 6 Days to Go: Empty the fridge for large dishes. 5 Days to Go: Launder sheets and towels for guests. 4 Days to Go: Dust and vacuum. 3 Days to Go: Clean all bathrooms. 2 Days to Go: Clean kitchen. 1 Day to Go: Carry out a brief decluttering exercise.

For individuals with ADHD, seeking help can be challenging as they might feel like it's admitting a loss of control. There are so many tasks to complete over the holidays that it's impossible for one person to manage alone. Don't hesitate to ask for others' assistance.

Make sure to allocate time for relaxation activities like walking, soaking in a hot bath, meditating, praying, visiting friends, taking naps or spending time with your spouse or children.

Consider whether a five-course feast is necessary or if a potluck dinner would suffice? Ease your perspective to truly enjoy the holiday season.