Winter break can be both a relief and a challenge for individuals with ADHD. Without the usual routines of school or work, it’s easy to feel unmoored, overwhelmed, or lonely. Mina Yoon, AMFT, shares practical advice for navigating this season with balance and joy:
Focus on Routine
Structure your days: Create a loose but flexible schedule to anchor yourself. Even small routines—like morning coffee or evening journaling—can help.
Prioritize hobbies and interests: Spend time doing what you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s painting, gaming, or baking. ADHD thrives when engaged in creative and stimulating activities.
Harness the Power of Spontaneity
Allow room for joy: Say yes to spur-of-the-moment opportunities, like joining a friend for a winter walk or trying a new holiday recipe. ADHD brains often light up with novelty and adventure.
Find meaning in small traditions: Whether it’s sipping hot cocoa while wrapping gifts or singing along to holiday playlists, lean into simple pleasures that make the season memorable.
Practice Self-Compassion
- Reframe self-criticism: Instead of dwelling on perceived shortcomings, focus on the fun and joy you can create this season.
- Be gentle with rejection sensitivity: If family gatherings or interactions feel overwhelming, take breaks and remind yourself it’s okay to protect your peace.
Winter break is a chance to reconnect—with yourself, your creativity, and your joy. ADHD can make the season feel challenging, but by balancing structure with spontaneity and practicing self-kindness, you can turn it into a time of renewal and growth.
🎧 Listen now:
If this resonates with you or someone you know, dive deeper into these strategies with Mina Yoon, AMFT, in the latest mini-episode of the Yellow Chair Collective podcast.
Explore the unique challenges of ADHD during the holiday season and learn practical tips to make the most of your break. Mina shares insights on self-compassion, routine, and finding meaningful connections.
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Remember, you don’t have to face challenges alone. Seeking help from a therapist or joining a supportive community is a courageous first step toward healing.
Seek An Individual Therapist at Yellow Chair Collective in Los Angeles or New York
If you are seeking therapy specifically tailored to your needs, consider reaching out to the therapists at Yellow Chair Collective. We understand that there may be unique contextual factors that may influence your experiences.
At our Los Angeles, CA, and New York City, NY-based therapy practice, we have many skilled, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive therapists who can provide an empowering therapeutic experience. For your added convenience and simplicity, we offer online therapy for anyone in the state of California or New York. We know that navigating neurodivergence can be challenging, and we want to support you on your journey. Follow the steps below to begin.
- Fill out the contact form to get connected with us.
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- Start the next step in your healing journey today.
Other Services at Yellow Chair Collective
There are many options for treatment using online therapy in California and New York, it just depends on what you’re needing. And while we certainly service Asian American folks, we also work with individuals from other cultures, too. So, whether you’re needing support in overcoming anxiety, burnout, trauma, or PTSD, we can help. Likewise, we serve teens and couples in need of support, too. So when you start online therapy with us, you can bring your whole self, including past struggles, cultural impacts, and more.
