The holiday season is here, and it brings a lot of fun but also a big change from our regular routines, which can be tricky for those of us with ADHD. Today, we'll talk about a smart trick called scaffolding that helps us stay organized and ready to jump back into work after the New Year.
What is Scaffolding?
Think of scaffolding as building a temporary support system that helps you reach and maintain your goals during busy times, like the holidays. It’s about setting up little helpers for ourselves so that we can stay on track even when our normal schedule gets mixed up.
Why Scaffolding is Important During the Holidays
The holidays can mess with our usual schedules. There are more activities, family gatherings, and different tasks that aren’t part of our day-to-day lives. Having a good plan or scaffolding can help us manage these changes without feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Simple Scaffolding Tips for the Holiday Season
Here are some straightforward tips to help you keep everything running smoothly during the holiday season and make the transition back to work easier:
1. Plan Your Activities Early
How to Do It: Write down all your holiday plans and responsibilities on a calendar or in a planning app.
Why It Helps: Seeing your plans visually can help you remember everything and feel more in control, instead of feeling like everything is happening all at once.
2. Know Your Limits
How to Do It: Decide ahead of time how much you can handle in terms of social events and holiday tasks. Share these limits with your family and friends.
Why It Helps: Knowing and communicating your limits helps you enjoy the season without becoming too tired or stressed.
3. Create Transitional Routines
How to Do It: Develop small routines that help you switch from holiday fun to work mode. This might mean organizing your workspace the day before you return to work or starting the day with a task list.
Why It Helps: These routines help signal to your brain that it’s time to shift focus, making the transition smoother.
4. Use Visual Reminders
How to Do It: Keep visual reminders like notes, lists, or pictures in places where you’ll see them. This could be about tasks you need to do during the holidays or when you return to work.
Why It Helps: Visual reminders can keep you focused on what’s next and reduce the chance of forgetting important tasks.
5. Schedule Buffer Days
How to Do It: After the holidays, allow yourself one or two days without plans to relax and regroup before going back to work.
Why It Helps: These days can help you ease back into your work routine without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Using these simple scaffolding strategies can help you manage your time and energy during the holiday season and make returning to work afterward less stressful. At Agave Health, we’re here to support you with tips and tools to manage your ADHD effectively. Enjoy your holidays, and here’s to a smooth and successful start to your New Year!
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