Hey hey!
This week, we’re diving into week 2 of Surviving the Holidays and talking about something that often goes ignored this time of year: honoring your energy and capacity.
November is in full swing, and with it comes the slow creep of holiday invites, gatherings, and traditions. Before you know it, your calendar could be packed—and for ADHD brains, that can easily turn into overwhelm, burnout, and a whole lot of people-pleasing. So this week, let’s take a beat to notice our own energy and actually honor our limits.
Want to dive deeper into your specific “brand” of ADHD?
Why This Works for ADHD Brains:
Many of us are quick to say yes to everything, out of excitement, obligation, or just not wanting to miss out. But here’s the thing: when we say yes to everything, we end up exhausted, resentful, or in full avoidance mode, especially during busy seasons. By noticing our energy and capacity, we give ourselves permission to say yes only where it counts and to give an empowered “no” where we need to.
Key Habits for Honoring Your Energy:
- Check Your Calendar and Commitments
Take a look at everything coming up, from family gatherings and work events to holiday activities and personal plans. As you review, ask yourself: What do I actually want to attend? What energizes me, and what drains me? Notice where you feel resistance, and make a note to reevaluate those. - Identify Your No-Gos and Must-Dos
Instead of committing to everything, try dividing plans into must-dos (the events that feel meaningful to you) and no-gos (the ones that drain you or feel like obligations rather than true priorities). Your no-gos can be big or small—even if it’s just saying no to a smaller task that feels like one thing too many, let yourself practice the power of the “no.” - Be Okay with the FOMO
Saying no often brings a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out). But remember: honoring your limits might mean missing out on a few things to save your energy for what matters most. Try reframing FOMO as a form of self-care, a way of saying yes to yourself instead of overloading your plate. - No is the New Yes
Have you ever had one of those “superhuman” days when you’re feeling amazing? In that moment, it’s easy to think future-you will be just as full of energy, so you say “yes” to everything, thinking you’ll be fine when the day arrives. But often, when that time comes, you’re overextended, exhausted, and either end up bailing (cue guilt) or forcing yourself to go (cue more burnout). Remember: saying no now can be an act of kindness to your future self. Try to evaluate invites based on your usual energy, not on your most optimistic day!
Action Step for This Week:
Take 10 minutes to list out your upcoming holiday invites and gatherings and keep coming back to this list over the next few weeks. (Maybe have a note in your phone or a list in your Reminders app). Circle the ones you’re excited for and put a question mark next to the rest. Give yourself permission to turn at least one of those “maybes” into a “no.” Sometimes, a small boundary now is all it takes to calm the chaos later. 💆🏻♀️
P.S. If you’re looking for more strategies to stay grounded and sane this season, don’t forget to join me for my Surviving the Holidays workshop on November 13th. We’ll dig deep into ADHD-friendly strategies for handling holiday chaos without losing yourself in the process.
Catch you next week with more holiday sanity-savers!
Leah 🌶