Take The Pressure Off This Holiday

For those of us that celebrate Christmas, the pressure is on! There's less than one week left to prepare for the holiday and, unless you're a Super ADDer who managed to get it all done early, then chances are you're feeling a little stressed right now.

One thing we all need to understand about life with adult ADD is that pressure and stress increase ADD symptoms and challenges. The more pressure you feel right now, the more you'll experience overwhelm, moodiness, disorganization, poor time management and lack of focus.

So the key to enjoying yourself this holiday is to find ways to take the pressure off. Here are some examples:

Problem: You still haven't mailed those Christmas cards.
Solution to Take the Pressure Off: Send e-cards.
Or: New Year's cards instead.

Problem: You haven't finished your Christmas shopping yet, and you dread the thought of enduring the mall crowds for hours this weekend.
Solution to Take the Pressure Off: Buy gift cards for the remaining people on your list.

Problem: You're hosting Christmas (or New Year's Eve) dinner even though you really don't feel like cooking this year.
Solution to Take the Pressure Off: Visit your local grocery store to order a pre-made meal that simply requires heating up.
Or: Move the party to a restaurant.

Problem: You love the idea of Christmas (or ANY holiday) with your family, but it's always difficult due to your ADD (among other things.)
Solution to Take the Pressure Off: Don't place any expectations on the day, or on yourself. No expectations means no disappointments.
And: Excuse yourself whenever you feel overwhelmed.
And: Relax. Enjoy yourself. Laugh off any ADD moments that arise. Whatever you do, don't beat yourself up on the holidays!

Do you have any other tips or ideas to take the pressure off? Is there anything in particular stressing you out right now? I invite you to share your thoughts here on my blog.

Happy Holidays!

Comments

[Haley Joy]

Good advice Jennifer. I used to think gift cards were a poor gift because they show lack of thought.But then my niece asked me for a gift card for ITUNES so I don't feel guilty anymore. I thought hey I would love a gift card for ITUNES! When we stop to think it makes sense to get gift cards because most people like to be able to buy whatever they want and not have to pretend to like a gift don't. Think about it! I don't want someone to buy me a top I would rather pick it out for myself and try it on. This is what I tell myself now so I don't feel guilty or worry about gifts. Merry Christmas!

[Alison]

Thanks for the tips! I am very late getting most things mailed out this year (big surprise) and am really feeling the pressure. I can't do gift cards because we don't have any extra money, but luckily I thought ahead and started gathering gifts earlier this year. It also helps some that I have my own online store (this is cheating, I know). I must mail my dad's gift in the morning and didn't even know what to send him, then realized that I can just take a Ralph Lauren polo shirt out of my store inventory, and he'll be happy with that. Anyway, I have one tiny tip to share with everyone. Tonight I finally finished at least getting everything down on paper, and just that one simple step is really helping me to feel like I CAN get through this. I now have a list of everyone that I need to send things to, most of their addresses, what they sent us, and what I either have sent or plan to send them. So that's my tip! Write yourself a simple numbered list, and you'll feel better at least being able to see all of the information you need organized on one piece of paper. :)

[Janice]

Good ideas! Thanks for sharing. Last night, I realized that by simply accepting the help of my husband, and letting him "do it his way" the stress of having things "done my way" could have disappeared. Talking together, with a sensitivity to the other's need might have avoided the "explosion." Anyway, it was a good night for a very long walk - with exercise and time to clear my head of those "what should have been done" thoughts. Merry Christmas and A Happy New year with reduced stress! Each day starts a 'new year.'

[mklmsw]

My holiday stressor is financial. I got my 3rd and 4th speeding tickets recently and have paid for those and for the school to get my provisional drivers license. That robbed my budget and now, payday, anything I spend over $200.00 on Christmas, gas and food until my next paycheck in 2 weeks will come right out of the rent due on the 1st. Which means asking my guy for a loan to pay rent and get me through until pay day. Again. Always paycheck-to-paycheck, never any for savings. I usually spend 100-200 on my guy, then there's my 2 sons, sister and her husband, 2 nephews, niece, nephew-in-law and niece-in-law. Tonight I took care of depositing my check, filling the gas tank and buying little things for secretaries at work and my principals. No Christmas tree yet, the one son who is home from college already works nights and we cross like ships passing in the night. Our tradition is to go cut it down together. I've pulled out a few decorations so far. I can't find my wreath for the life of me, so there is nothing on the house to show we celebrate Christmas!! No lights, nothing.
Its not that I'm all that stressed out about it, its just a little unfortunate/sad!

[Janis]

Hi, everyone -

I just used a courier service to send a school project to my professor's office. I would have needed to take a long bus ride plus a cab. The $30.00 saved me hours and I have time to finish my final exam due mmidnight tonight. I am grateful I listened to my friend; my ADD was already triggered at the post office today.
Janis