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Hey friend,
If your executive function is already tap dancing on its last nerve and it’s not even mid-December yet… you are not the problem.
The combo of holidays + end of year is basically an Olympic event for your brain:
More decisions.
More social stuff.
More clutter (physical, emotional, calendar…).
Plus all the regular life things that did not magically pause for the holidays.
So if you’re dropping balls, procrastinating, doom scrolling instead of doing the thing, or staring at a to-do list like it’s written in ancient code—this is your nervous system doing its best to survive, not you “failing at adulting.”
Let’s break it down a bit.
Why Executive Function Tanks This Time of Year
Executive function is the part of your brain that handles:
Planning
Prioritizing
Starting tasks
Staying on track
Finishing things
Now add:
Holiday events
Gifts (what to buy, when, for who, how much to spend)
Work deadlines
Kids’ school stuff
Money stress
Family dynamics
That’s a lot of tabs open.
If your brain already runs on low dopamine, ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, or just pure exhaustion… December can feel like one giant traffic jam in your head.
You Don’t Need a Perfect Plan. You Need a Simple One.
Here are a few ways to make executive function a little less brutal right now:
1. Shrink the “all-or-nothing” energy. Instead of: “I need to get everything ready for the holidays this weekend,” Try: “What’s the next right step for the next 20 minutes?” One drawer, one email, one phone call, one online order. That’s it.
2. Externalize your brain. This is not the season to rely on memory. Write it down. Use a notes app, a paper list, sticky notes, a whiteboard—whatever. If it lives in your head, it’s heavy. If it lives on paper, it’s manageable.
3. Pre-decide your “bare minimum.” What does a “good enough” holiday look like for you this year?
Maybe 2 events, not 7.
Maybe store-bought cookies, not homemade.
Maybe one thoughtful gift instead of five. Pick your non-negotiables and let the rest be extra, if you have the spoons.
4. Time-block in tiny chunks. Executive function loves structure, but not rigid perfection. Try:
15 minutes for “life admin” (bills, emails, forms).
15 minutes for holiday tasks.
15 minutes for REST. (Yes, that counts as a task.)
Set a timer. When it goes off, you’re done. No gold stars for suffering longer.
5. Build in recovery time like it’s an appointment. If you know social events drain you, don’t stack them back-to-back without space to decompress. Plan for:
One “nothing” night after a big event.
A reset ritual: shower, comfy clothes, blankie, show, silence.
You’re not weak for needing recovery time—you’re just human and honest about your capacity.
You’re Allowed to Do This Year Differently
End of year can stir up so much:
“I didn’t get enough done.”
“I’m behind.”
“Everyone else has their life together but me.”
Let me say this clearly: your worth is not measured in tasks completed, presents wrapped, money made, or how festive your house looks.
If all you manage this season is:
Keeping yourself alive
Showing up for the people who matter to you in tiny, real ways
Doing one thing a day to make life a bit softer
…that counts. That’s success in a nervous system that’s been through some things.
A Tiny Challenge for This Week
Pick one of these:
Make a “bare minimum December” list: 3 things you must do, 3 things you’re officially letting go of.
Set a 15-minute timer and do one nagging task you’ve been avoiding.
Schedule a rest block in your calendar and treat it like a real appointment.
Reply and tell me which one you’re trying—I genuinely want to know how you’re navigating this season with your beautifully busy brain.
Oh, and… Tomorrow We Start Something Fun 🎁
Quick reminder before I let you go:
Tomorrow, December 1st, we kick off our Email Advent Calendar!
From December 1st through December 25th, you’ll get:
A little surprise in your inbox every day
25 days of freebies, tools, and gifts
Contributions from some of my favorite business buddies
All designed to support your mental health, your neurospicy brain, and your life
Think of it as a “you survived this year” love letter in 25 parts.
So make sure you’re opening your emails—your first Advent Calendar goodie lands tomorrow.
You deserve nice things, especially now.
Love Always, Amy Your Mental Health Warrior & Neurodivergent Advocate 💚
P.S. If you want to join a community of like-minded individuals who all understand what it's like to be neurodivergent and / or have mental health diagnoses, you need to join my new SKOOL community. We’re building something special — and you belong there. Check it out! Free for the next 51 members. I might start charging after we reach 100 members: click here.
To subscribe to my newsletter please enter your e-mail address below. You will be kept in the loop about all new podcast episodes, get information on how life living with mental health and neurodiversity struggles can be and some tips on how to make it easier. You will receive sales e-mails as well for my digital products or e-mail coaching. You can unsubscribe at any time if you decide this is no longer for you.
