From the Vault: How to avoid feeling overwhelmed at Christmas
Dec 18, 2024
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Henry Shelford, an expert from ADHD UK, shares invaluable insights on navigating the holiday chaos with ADHD. He discusses the unique stressors that the Christmas season brings, emphasizing practical strategies like self-care and planning. With a focus on communication and adaptability, Henry highlights ways to alleviate holiday overwhelm. He also covers how to manage ADHD without medication, encouraging self-awareness and the value of support networks. Listeners are reminded to embrace flexibility and enjoy the festive season without the burden of perfection.
Organizing tasks into manageable segments and having a detailed plan are essential strategies to reduce holiday overwhelm for those with ADHD.
Establishing a supportive network of understanding friends and family can greatly enhance the holiday experience for individuals with ADHD.
Deep dives
Managing Overwhelm During the Holidays
Christmas is often a time of heightened stress, especially for individuals with ADHD due to various expectations and social obligations. The pressure to fulfill multiple roles and ensure that everyone enjoys the holiday can feel overwhelming, making it crucial to approach these duties in an organized manner. For instance, breaking tasks into manageable segments and creating a detailed plan can alleviate some emotional strain. It is also beneficial to recognize that not meeting every expectation does not equate to failure and acknowledging one’s limits can lead to a more enjoyable experience.
Importance of Self-Awareness and Strategies
Self-awareness is a vital strategy for managing ADHD symptoms, particularly during the busy holiday season. Individuals are encouraged to identify their triggers and recognize when they feel overwhelmed or exhausted. For example, planning breaks during social gatherings can help recharge and reduce nervousness, with some opting for brief escapes under the guise of needing a nap. This approach ensures that individuals can handle social interactions more comfortably while managing their mental and emotional health.
Leveraging Support and Planning for Social Interactions
Establishing a support system during the holidays can make a significant difference for those with ADHD. Identifying allies among family or friends who understand one’s needs can provide essential support when navigating social settings. Having a game plan for potentially challenging situations, such as setting boundaries or choosing games that do not cause anxiety, helps create a more positive experience. It is also practical to prepare by bringing snacks and maintaining routine meal times to ensure physical energy levels remain steady throughout the day.
It's come around again... Christmas! It can be really stressful. There are so many different things to think about, so many gifts to organise, food to buy and so little time to get everything sorted. Add ADHD into the mix and it becomes even harder. By Christmas day, you can end up feeling totally exhausted. But there are ways to make things easier and more enjoyable.
In this episode, originally released for Christmas 2023 (but as relevant as ever), Henry Shelford from ADHD UK joins Sam and Katie to answer your questions on Christmas. They share their top tips and strategies, so you can enjoy the festive period without feeling like it's all too much.
For more information and resources, go to ADHD UK's website: www.adhduk.co.uk
Get in touch by sending your questions and stories to ADHDpodcast@global.com
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