The smell of pine trees and gingerbread, twinkling lights, and cheerful music all around…it's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But for many of us, the holidays are stressful, with disruptions to our daily routines, endless to-do lists, and sensory overload.

Living with ADHD can feel like you're constantly misunderstood and having to explain yourself—trying to make others understand why your brain works the way it does. You know you're not lazy or forgetful, studies have found that the ADHD brain is different.

You start your day with a plan, a to-do list, and a commitment to stay focused. But as the day goes on, distractions pile up, and those simple tasks suddenly feel impossible. For many people with ADHD, this overwhelming feeling is all too common.

For ADHDers, feelings of overwhelm can be a frequent and debilitating experience. The way the ADHD brain is wired often leads to challenges with emotional regulation, sensory processing, and managing co-occurring conditions - factors that worsen susceptibility to overwhelm.

Exercise plays a key role in brain health and function that can help manage ADHD symptoms. The benefits goes beyond physical fitness. For ADHDers, engaging in regular exercise can help improve focus, attention span, mood regulation, and overall cognitive function.

Juggling busy schedules, social gatherings, and the push to keep up with festive traditions all amp up the stress. Whilst a happy season, the holidays can be challenging for ADHDers and Autists.

Have you ever felt disconnected from the present moment where it was much harder to get out of than daydreaming? Where you sense a separation from your surroundings or yourself, almost as if watching your life from the outside? This state extends past the usual mental drift and is known as dissociation

That persistent nagging voice. The one that says you're a fraud – that you’re not good enough and one day you'll be exposed. If this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with imposter syndrome

Approaching ADHD treatment holistically is essential. It helps to enhance your quality of life and realise your full potential. You can learn what your executive functions are and how ADHD affects them, enabling you to effectively manage your condition.

I am truly honoured to join forces with The Burnt Chef Project for my latest blog, exploring ADHD within the hospitality and private service industry.

Waiting lists for ADHD diagnosis and treatment on the NHS are extensive. Fortunately, the government introduced a new law in 2018 giving patients with suspected ADHD the “Right to Choose” providers if they felt they were waiting too long for treatment.

What is the link between executive function and ADHD? Executive function is a set of cognitive processes that help us plan, organise and manage our time and resources effectively.

The UK government recognises ADHD as a mental health condition, which means you may be eligible for a grant of up to £62,900 per annum.