This is that crazy, rushed, over the top busy time of year. Here are five tips that might make things easier, and you can probably use them the rest of the year, too!
!. Get rid of stuff. If you celebrate Christmas or any other gift giving holiday this time of year, you’re about to get a great big influx of new stuff into your home. Prepare now by getting rid of some stuff now. Maybe you can find some gently used clothing that you no longer wear that could be donated to charity. Maybe you’ve got some stuff past it’s prime that just needs to be tossed. Try repeating this each month and see how much different things are next year.
2. Take some quiet time as often as you can. This is a good idea for the whole family. Instead of rushing from one thing to another, take an evening or a whole afternoon and stay home. Plan something low key that’s fun for everyone. Maybe hanging out in your jammies while you watch a few good movies and sip hot chocolate. And if your kids are all grown, there’s no reason you can’t hang out in your jammies and sip some wine while you watch a good movie. 😉
3. Get enough sleep. Getting enough rest on a consistent basis is good for you and your ADHD symptoms, but this time of year – cold and flu season – more rest might give you extra fighting power against getting sick.
4. Adopt a more positive attitude. Extend that Christmas spirit out to everyone you meet and then be sure to include yourself. Think good thoughts about yourself, stop that negative self talk, and find one new thing each day that makes you glad to be you.
5. Look ahead and look back. Maybe you don’t have time for this one right now, but in the afterglow of the holidays, you will. Start a list or a journal, listing all of the highs and lows of this year. Were there things you could have done differently? No judgement here – remember – adopt a more positive attitude. But what can you learn from those experiences? What do you hope for in the new year? What can you do to get there?
This craziness will all be over in a couple of weeks. Don’t wear yourself out or beat yourself up. Simplify a little this year. And enjoy.