December 11, 2023
Navigating the Holidays: an ADHDer’s guide to a stress-free season
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As the holiday season approaches, I’ve been reflecting on how it’s often considered the most wonderful time of the year, portrayed through nostalgia and media as a time for joy and relaxation.
However, for some, especially those with ADHD, it can be overwhelming and more stressful than magical.
Embracing the holiday spirit often involves managing lots of responsibilities, many of which seem so easy for other people and so challenging for me. I used to really struggle with the holidays, and now I have two christmas’ as my husband’s family celebrate on a different day, in a different country. So I knew I had to find something to help me this year!
So whilst the holiday season is a mixture of joy and obligations. It also prompts introspection on how to manage expectations and personal well-being. Balancing the festive excitement while respecting individual needs requires a nuanced approach.
This journey involves discovering adaptable strategies to weave through the holiday intricacies. One of which is Tiimo!
The upcoming festivities, marked by a commitment to prioritize and set boundaries, signify a departure from the norm. These insights are what I am using to create a season not just endured but embraced, creating a sense of fulfillment and joy.
In this article, we'll explore 5 practical tips and how Tiimo, a daily planner app designed for neurodivergents by neurodivergents, can make the holidays less overwhelming and more enjoyable. And how I’ve configured my app to support me through this season!
Join me as I embark on a new style of celebrations: A newfound confidence in managing decision fatigue and embracing the festivities!
Working in project management, I've relied on spreadsheets for personal planning for years (since 2008 to be precise). The visual planning feature is a game-changer. It breaks down big tasks into manageable ones, saving so much time and stress. The app's AI creates a checklist based on your input, allowing you to customize your holiday to-dos.
It also allows you to schedule intentional breaks, vital for recharging without guilt amid numerous obligations.
Maintaining a balance between festive obligations and personal well-being is a common struggle during the holidays. The boundary-setting feature allows clear distinctions.
You can designate specific times for holiday preparations or schedule moments for self-care, like writing a gratitude note. There is a pre configured option for that. I have also included communicating with my family and friends.
Incorporating mindfulness techniques, such as box breathing sessions, helps manage stress and stay grounded.
Time management is challenging during the holiday rush, especially for individuals with ADHD. The countdowns and reminders act as gentle prompts, keeping you on track. I've set up countdowns for various tasks, from a train journey to buying presents within a pre-communicated budget. I’m using this to give me a boost to wrap my presents!
The holiday season bombards us with choices, leading to decision fatigue, particularly for individuals with ADHD. I can streamline my choices, providing clarity without overwhelming you. The app has helped me figure out commitments, add tasks, remove unnecessary ones, and communicate my holiday plans. To give me a plan I can stick to over the holidays, with enough wiggle room for my added flair and impulsiveness for a walk in the middle of the day.
As the holiday season approaches, I’ve been reflecting on how it’s often considered the most wonderful time of the year, portrayed through nostalgia and media as a time for joy and relaxation.
However, for some, especially those with ADHD, it can be overwhelming and more stressful than magical.
Embracing the holiday spirit often involves managing lots of responsibilities, many of which seem so easy for other people and so challenging for me. I used to really struggle with the holidays, and now I have two christmas’ as my husband’s family celebrate on a different day, in a different country. So I knew I had to find something to help me this year!
So whilst the holiday season is a mixture of joy and obligations. It also prompts introspection on how to manage expectations and personal well-being. Balancing the festive excitement while respecting individual needs requires a nuanced approach.
This journey involves discovering adaptable strategies to weave through the holiday intricacies. One of which is Tiimo!
The upcoming festivities, marked by a commitment to prioritize and set boundaries, signify a departure from the norm. These insights are what I am using to create a season not just endured but embraced, creating a sense of fulfillment and joy.
In this article, we'll explore 5 practical tips and how Tiimo, a daily planner app designed for neurodivergents by neurodivergents, can make the holidays less overwhelming and more enjoyable. And how I’ve configured my app to support me through this season!
Join me as I embark on a new style of celebrations: A newfound confidence in managing decision fatigue and embracing the festivities!
Working in project management, I've relied on spreadsheets for personal planning for years (since 2008 to be precise). The visual planning feature is a game-changer. It breaks down big tasks into manageable ones, saving so much time and stress. The app's AI creates a checklist based on your input, allowing you to customize your holiday to-dos.
It also allows you to schedule intentional breaks, vital for recharging without guilt amid numerous obligations.
Maintaining a balance between festive obligations and personal well-being is a common struggle during the holidays. The boundary-setting feature allows clear distinctions.
You can designate specific times for holiday preparations or schedule moments for self-care, like writing a gratitude note. There is a pre configured option for that. I have also included communicating with my family and friends.
Incorporating mindfulness techniques, such as box breathing sessions, helps manage stress and stay grounded.
Time management is challenging during the holiday rush, especially for individuals with ADHD. The countdowns and reminders act as gentle prompts, keeping you on track. I've set up countdowns for various tasks, from a train journey to buying presents within a pre-communicated budget. I’m using this to give me a boost to wrap my presents!
The holiday season bombards us with choices, leading to decision fatigue, particularly for individuals with ADHD. I can streamline my choices, providing clarity without overwhelming you. The app has helped me figure out commitments, add tasks, remove unnecessary ones, and communicate my holiday plans. To give me a plan I can stick to over the holidays, with enough wiggle room for my added flair and impulsiveness for a walk in the middle of the day.
The app supports scheduling, organizing thoughts, and setting timers and reminders. When it comes to having conversations around my needs, I write down what I need to say, practice with a friend, and schedule it for added confidence.
The most important thing for me to remember: Breathe
Box breathing is my favorite technique. Remembering the number 4!
Breathe in for 4
Hold for 4
Breathe out for 4
Hold for 4
Do this 4 times.
If you feel comfortable, close your eyes and visualize a square. Trace each line of the square as you go through the cycle.
Navigating the holidays with ADHD involves finding a balance between embracing the festive spirit and honoring individual needs. Tiimo provides comprehensive support for holiday planning. Setting it up was super simple, and I look forward to a less stressful festive season.
Concluding this exploration sets the stage for a redefined holiday experience. The commitment to prioritize, establish boundaries, and navigate the season with intention symbolizes a departure from past struggles. As I embrace this newfound approach, stay tuned for updates on how these personalized strategies unfold in shaping a more meaningful and enjoyable festive season.
Wish me luck with my new found trusty virtual support as we embark on a new style of holidays.
As the holiday season approaches, I’ve been reflecting on how it’s often considered the most wonderful time of the year, portrayed through nostalgia and media as a time for joy and relaxation.
However, for some, especially those with ADHD, it can be overwhelming and more stressful than magical.
Embracing the holiday spirit often involves managing lots of responsibilities, many of which seem so easy for other people and so challenging for me. I used to really struggle with the holidays, and now I have two christmas’ as my husband’s family celebrate on a different day, in a different country. So I knew I had to find something to help me this year!
So whilst the holiday season is a mixture of joy and obligations. It also prompts introspection on how to manage expectations and personal well-being. Balancing the festive excitement while respecting individual needs requires a nuanced approach.
This journey involves discovering adaptable strategies to weave through the holiday intricacies. One of which is Tiimo!
The upcoming festivities, marked by a commitment to prioritize and set boundaries, signify a departure from the norm. These insights are what I am using to create a season not just endured but embraced, creating a sense of fulfillment and joy.
In this article, we'll explore 5 practical tips and how Tiimo, a daily planner app designed for neurodivergents by neurodivergents, can make the holidays less overwhelming and more enjoyable. And how I’ve configured my app to support me through this season!
Join me as I embark on a new style of celebrations: A newfound confidence in managing decision fatigue and embracing the festivities!
Working in project management, I've relied on spreadsheets for personal planning for years (since 2008 to be precise). The visual planning feature is a game-changer. It breaks down big tasks into manageable ones, saving so much time and stress. The app's AI creates a checklist based on your input, allowing you to customize your holiday to-dos.
It also allows you to schedule intentional breaks, vital for recharging without guilt amid numerous obligations.
Maintaining a balance between festive obligations and personal well-being is a common struggle during the holidays. The boundary-setting feature allows clear distinctions.
You can designate specific times for holiday preparations or schedule moments for self-care, like writing a gratitude note. There is a pre configured option for that. I have also included communicating with my family and friends.
Incorporating mindfulness techniques, such as box breathing sessions, helps manage stress and stay grounded.
Time management is challenging during the holiday rush, especially for individuals with ADHD. The countdowns and reminders act as gentle prompts, keeping you on track. I've set up countdowns for various tasks, from a train journey to buying presents within a pre-communicated budget. I’m using this to give me a boost to wrap my presents!
The holiday season bombards us with choices, leading to decision fatigue, particularly for individuals with ADHD. I can streamline my choices, providing clarity without overwhelming you. The app has helped me figure out commitments, add tasks, remove unnecessary ones, and communicate my holiday plans. To give me a plan I can stick to over the holidays, with enough wiggle room for my added flair and impulsiveness for a walk in the middle of the day.
Georgina is an ADHD coach and digital leader who champions kindness. She became a manager at 19 and has spent the last over a decade creating safe, brave spaces for colleagues to thrive. She knows what it feels like to be labelled as a ‘failure’ but at the same time led mission critical programmes of work that (almost) everyone in the UK would have used.
After finding ADHD coaching - her life changed. She has coached founders, tech leaders and companies like the Financial Times and 10x Banking. Finding ways to harness her strengths and limit self debilitating beliefs.
Georgina setup KindTwo to empower as many people as possible to work with Neurodiversity - not against it.
The app supports scheduling, organizing thoughts, and setting timers and reminders. When it comes to having conversations around my needs, I write down what I need to say, practice with a friend, and schedule it for added confidence.
The most important thing for me to remember: Breathe
Box breathing is my favorite technique. Remembering the number 4!
Breathe in for 4
Hold for 4
Breathe out for 4
Hold for 4
Do this 4 times.
If you feel comfortable, close your eyes and visualize a square. Trace each line of the square as you go through the cycle.
Navigating the holidays with ADHD involves finding a balance between embracing the festive spirit and honoring individual needs. Tiimo provides comprehensive support for holiday planning. Setting it up was super simple, and I look forward to a less stressful festive season.
Concluding this exploration sets the stage for a redefined holiday experience. The commitment to prioritize, establish boundaries, and navigate the season with intention symbolizes a departure from past struggles. As I embrace this newfound approach, stay tuned for updates on how these personalized strategies unfold in shaping a more meaningful and enjoyable festive season.
Wish me luck with my new found trusty virtual support as we embark on a new style of holidays.
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