You've heard the adage "The best things in life are free". I truly believe this. I took some time off over the Christmas period to relax and spend more time with my family, and catch up with friends.

Quality time with family

I needed that time out from the hustle and bustle of work. I had two weeks off, and it was great! As an ADHDer, I've always found resting difficult, even if my body is resting, my mind struggles to rest, due to constant racing thoughts. My mind can operate like a hamster wheel at times.

I took the opportunity to be more present for my kids. They're innocent humans and all they wanted to do was spend quality time with their dad.

Ain't nothing wrong with that, right? This meant:

• Putting the phone down

• Watching movies & shows with them

• Playing games with them

Essentially more engagement with them. My engagement rate was 100% 🙂 (Something neurodiversediary can accomplish in the future)

I learn more about myself in times of 'forced rest' if I'm honest.

Preference for walking

I didn’t do as much exercise as I would've loved to, over the Christmas break, but what I did do was lots of walks around ponds and a lot of greenery. It was amazing, the best part? It cost me absolutely nothing!

In all honesty, I actually prefer walking over a full-blown workout. Not because it's easier, but because I like to spend alone time with my “wondering thoughts”.

If I'm at the gym, cycling, or running I usually have music or a podcast I'm listening to. With walking it's just me and my mind getting lost.

A lot of my divergent thinking where I'm connecting the dots comes into play here:

• What I'm gonna write about in my newsletter

• A problem to solve at work and in life

Walking for me is essentially the best form of exercise that enables effective brainstorming. My brain's all fired up.

Nothing beats a 30-minute walk in fresh air!

If I ever get stressed out while working from home, a quick walk around the block tends to calm me down.

Breathwork

I've said this before, but I initially thought the concept of deep breathing was a gimmick!

I found out that when I'm stressed I tend to tense up! Doing regular breathwork enables me to loosen up, think straight, and help me keep a cool head.

I do one of three methods:

1. Regular deep breaths: Inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth

2. Inhale for five seconds, hold your breath for five seconds, and exhale for a further five seconds.

3. Double inhale through the nose and a long exhale through the mouth

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Lastly,

Stay Different,

The AuDHD Exec

Disclaimer: I am not your psychiatrist, coach, doctor. Neurodiverse Diary does not provide medical services or professional counselling and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Everything I publish represents my opinions, experience, not advice.