Holiday hangover: Getting back into routine

(NC) After the hustle and bustle of December, many of us crave the routine and order that we’ve become used to in our day-to-day lives. But jumping back into our 9-to-5 routine can be a challenge.

While we tend to think of our workday as the time of day when we should be most productive, it’s essential to look at a day holistically and develop a routine that supports all our waking hours. The following tips can help you get back to both your personal and work: 

Pause and prioritize: Take a moment when you wake up to take stock of what needs to happen before you leave for work or school. Tackle the largest tasks first, giving yourself buffer time while you ease back into the swing of things.

Lay it out: All of us can struggle with routine, but it’s especially difficult for those living with ADHD, whose symptoms can include difficulty with time management and trouble with organization. A family calendar can help with this. Colour code it by family member, so that everyone is on the same page and can work together to ensure they are prepared for the day ahead.

Make time for rest: Schedule time for additional rest throughout the transition. Give your mind extra rest so that you are energized and able to maximize focus on tomorrow’s tasks.

Set an alarm: Maintain an e-calendar to keep track of what needs to be done tomorrow and set reminders to help stay on task.

Learn more about how ADHD may be impacting your whole day and check out tools to help you manage symptoms at beingmewithadhd.ca.