Winter is coming, and as a woman managing ADHD, a household, and everything in between, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the things needing attention. But through some uncomfortable lessons, I’ve learned that protecting my plumbing this winter with ADHD-friendly tips gives me grace. Here’s how I created a system that works with my ADHD brain instead of fighting it.
How I Learned To Winterize My Home (the ADHD Way)
A year ago, the pipes under my kitchen sink burst because I skipped a basic winterizing checklist. Dealing with a flooded kitchen and all the normal life duties was not a lesson I needed to learn again. As I mopped up the mess, I realized it wasn’t just forgetfulness—it was ADHD, and I needed a simpler, more forgiving system that could handle my wandering focus.
After that, I researched how to properly winterize your home and found some steps I could adapt for my ADHD brain. One key lesson I learned that works for me is to not plan to do it all at once. If I take small steps, I won’t experience burnout and give up.
My ADHD-Friendly Formula for Plumbing Protection
I schedule a morning (not late evening when my brain is shutting off for the day) to focus on pipe insulation. Grab pipe covers from the hardware store before beginning. Once I’m home and ready to work, I set a timer to stay on task because, yes, I will hyperfocus on unrelated tasks if I don’t.
I also set reminders or add notes to my phone’s calendar for those smaller steps that are easy to overlook. Think about adding notes to remind you about disconnecting hoses outside and shutting off exterior water valves; let my lesson learning be your saving grace.
Encouragement To Keep Going
There’s something deeply comforting about reclaiming control in areas where life spins off the rails. Protecting your plumbing this winter with ADHD-friendly tips has shown me how meaningful small victories can be. Each insulated pipe and completed task are a reminder that ADHD doesn’t define me—if anything, it equips me with the creativity and perseverance to manage life’s challenges.
To my fellow women managing everything life has thrown at you, don’t stress about doing everything perfectly or all at once. Start where you are. If you’re knee-deep in procrastination, know you’re not alone. I believe in progress, not perfection.
As I sip my coffee before my family wakes, I remind myself that managing my home (and, yes, my plumbing) is about grace, patience, and finding joy in the little victories. You’ve got this, friend.
