Top 5 Ways for an ADD Adult to Have a Happy Holiday

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Top 5 Ways for an ADD Adult to Have a Happy Holiday

By ADD Management Coach Koretsky

Holidays have the potential to send an adult with Attention

Deficit Disorder (ADD) into overload. Too many details to

plan, kids to manage, and family to cope with can turn a

good day into a stressful one. The following suggestion can

help adults manage ADD during the holidays.

1. Know Your Own ADD and Plan Ahead to Deal with It

You know yourself better than anyone, so ask yourself " How

does my ADD affect me on the holidays? " Make a list of all

the things that tend to stress you out on the holidays, and

make a plan to deal with them.

Do you tend to say impulsive things that you later regret?

Plan to take a deep breath before answering questions, so

that you can think about your words before you speak them.

Do hyper kids overwhelm? Plan to excuse yourself and take a

brief walk when the kids are so noisy that you can't think

straight.

Does a family member really make you mad when s/he starts

nagging or becomes critical? Plan a simple response that

won't fuel the fire, like " I'm sorry you feel that way. I'd

rather talk about a great book I'm reading right now. "

Do you get antsy after a long day? Plan to end the day

early, so that you don't reach the point of irritability.

2. Don't Expect Perfection

Accept that the day won't be perfect. Nothing is! Whether

you are hosting the holiday, going to a friend or family

member's, or visiting a restaurant, realize that something

is bound to go wrong. That's life. Don't hold it against

yourself, or the people around you. Whatever it is, do your

best to move on and let it go.

3. Ask For Help/Accept Help

If you're hosting the holiday, ask for help in the kitchen.

This is perfectly acceptable, and most people are happy to

help out where they can. If you're offered help, accept it

with gratitude! You don't have to do it all on your own.

If you're a guest, offer to take over a task that you're

good at or don't mind doing. That doesn't necessarily mean

offering to cook or serve, it can mean keeping the kids

occupied! (Or, in my family, keeping the dogs out of the

kitchen!)

4. Remember That People Do The Best They Can

Long days with family members can often end in frustration

and hurt feelings. Try to remember that people do the best

they can with the skills and tools they have. Hurtful

comments probably aren't meant to be hurtful. If someone

says something to you that you find hurtful or offensive,

ask yourself " What is this person's intention? " The answer

will most likely be " to be helpful. " Don't hold it against

friends and family members who may not have the necessary

skills to express themselves effectively.

5. Smile!

Set the tone for those around you by being positive, smiling

often, and enjoying yourself!