Holidays Information

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


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!

About The Author

© Copyright 2004

Jennifer Koretsky is a Professional ADD Management Coach who helps adults manage their ADD and move forward in life. She offers a 90-day intensive skill-building program, workshops, and private coaching. Her work has been featured in numerous media, including The New York Times Magazine and The Times (UK). To subscribe to Jennifer's free email newsletter, The ADD Management Guide, please visit http://www.addmanagement.com/e-newsletter.htm.

jennifer@addmanagement.com


MORE RESOURCES:

FASTSIGNS(R) News: Greet the Holidays With Signs and Graphics
MarketWatch - Nov 21, 2008
Despite the weakened economy, throughout stores, businesses, schools and churches, signs and graphics are everywhere, generating excitement for the holiday ...


Expanded train service offered for holidays in NJ
Newsday, NY - 6 hours ago
NEWARK, NJ - New Jersey rail travelers will have more options than usual over the Thanksgiving holiday. NJ Transit is offering expanded early getaway ...


Straits Times

Kohl's to Offer Wider Price Cuts For Holidays
Wall Street Journal - Nov 19, 2008
Associated Press Last year on Black Friday, the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, the retailer didn't cut prices on its most expensive, ...
Kohl's to offer wider price cuts for holidays- WSJ Reuters
colorado voices Be apart of Christmas Denver Post
Brown: Maybe this year we should skip Thanksgiving Daily News Tribune
WCTV - Daytona Beach News-Journal
all 504 news articles


Royal Oak parade kicks off holidays
DetNews.com, MI - 1 hour ago
ROYAL OAK -- Unicycles, rock bands and Santa Claus were highlights of the seventh annual Holiday Parade on a chilly but sunny Saturday morning. "It is cold. ...


Montauk lighthouse brighter for the holidays
Newsday, NY - 16 hours ago
Almost 3000 small white bulbs will be mounted on the 110-foot tower and adjacent keepers' quarters, outlining the structures for the holidays. ...


Holidays Won’t Bring Much Cheer for Retailers
Wall Street Journal Blogs, NY - Nov 21, 2008
The low point coming squarely within the holiday season will mean a particularly brutal period for retailers, a new Conference Board survey shows. ...


Investment Firm President Encourages Charitable Giving During the ...
MarketWatch - Nov 21, 2008
Heifer International -- Since 1995, FBB has given its clients an "Ark" from Heifer International each holiday season. This Gift Ark donates 15 pairs of ...


Expect Wii Shortage for Holidays, Gamestop Says
PC World - 2 hours ago
Wii shortages during the holiday season are nothing new, having occurred for the past two years, but nevertheless the trend is expected to continue again ...


How to help during the holidays
Detroit Free Press, United States - 4 hours ago
Give the gift of food or time to those who are in need. Please see the list below for Detroit area organizations that are in need of support. ...


Los Gatos groups stress need for holiday volunteers
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 23 hours ago
The traditions of the Thanksgiving holiday go back centuries. However, its roots are not only in the big, juicy turkeys we serve each year; the holiday's ...

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