Putting a Thanksgiving dinner takes planning and organization and for a women with ADHD. This can leave you feeling fatigued, discouraged and inadequate. Below are some strategies to help you remain calm and to spend the holiday with family and friends.
Give Yourself Permission – It is ok to switch your thoughts to self-care to feel guilty, irresponsible or even selfish. You need to give yourself permission. Allow yourself to do whatever you want to do. This is the start of self-care. Learn the importance of setting boundaries. Try to slow down from the holiday hustle and bustle and ask yourself, what do I want to achieve during the holiday season? How can I make this happen? What do I value the most
Take a walk – Fresh air exercise can help you clear your head and get focused. When you start to feel overwhelmed by all the chaos, take 10 minutes to go outside and take a walk. If you have a house full of kids bring along a few adults and let the kids blow off some steam. Your home may be calmer when you get back and you can focus on spending time with your family and friends.
Count to Ten – Some women with ADHD are known for saying things what they are thinking and when family gets together especially if you don’t get along with one of them, arguments can eject. Instead of telling Uncle Charlie what you really think of him, walk away, take a deep breath count to ten and remember that the day does eventually end.
involve Your Senses – Women with ADHD do not spend a lot of time thinking about our senses. Our senses are important for your self–care. For instance, think of the smell of a pie baking in the oven, this smell alone can bring back good memories. Have a scented bubble bath with aromatic products. Think of different ways to include all of your senses into your self-care can be refreshing for your body and soul.
Take care of you – Not getting enough sleep or not eating properly can increase stress. On Thanksgiving morning, make sure that you get enough sleep the night before and eat a good healthy breakfast. Thanksgiving Day seems to drag on and by the time dinner is served you may be hungry and cranky so be sure to take care of yourself throughout the day.