If holiday gift-giving stresses you out, you need to listen to this one. In this episode, I talk about why gifting can be so overwhelming (executive dysfunction, decision fatigue, social pressure) and how to make it easier. I share simple ways to lower the mental load, like using gift categories, anchoring to one idea, and giving yourself permission to give late (or not at all). I also created a few curated, neurodivergent-friendly gift guides to help you shop with less stress. Listen now and take some pressure off your season! Gift Guide Links: Kitsch, Bookshop, Appointed

Jen's Gift Guide Affiliate Links:

• Kitsch
• Bookshop
• Appointed
• Hugimals
• UnHide

Sources Used:

• The Psychology of Gift Giving
• A Quick Guide to Gifting With ADHD
• Understanding the Brain Science Behind Giving/Receiving Gifts
• The Art & Science of Gift Giving

Using shopping for a quick hit of dopamine is definitely an emotional regulation issue, and trying to fill any empty hole in our soul with stuff is a very deep situation. BUT that's not what this episode is about. Sometimes, being organized about how we spend money can bring us into reality where we can clearly see how much we spend (if we overspend) or how quickly we make decisions to spend (if we are impulsive with spending) and from there we can make changes. But we have to get organized first so that we can analyze our habits.

I'm giving some very easy and quick tips for staying organized and accountable to yourself so that you can spend in a way that won't end up causing you stress or debt. 🎁❄️ Happy Holidays! Please take me up on this GIFT of one FREE month of Patreon (did I mention FREE?) at Tier 1 giving you access to the entire archive, video episodes, 4 extra episodes per month, body double sessions, and more!

To get on the waitlist for the lowest price for jen's How to R.I.D.E Out Panic Attacks course click here: Get on the Panic Attack Waitlist

Show Notes:

• Click to Get Jen's Free Guide How To R.I.D.E Out Panic Attacks
• Jen's Monthly Action Club Just $19.99
• You Are A Lot Podcast On Patreon 7 Day Free Trial
• You Are A Lot Podcast Website & Blog
• Follow Jen's ADHD/AuDHD Tips on Pinterest
• Jen's Every 10 Day Newsletter: "This Is A Lot"
• "You Are A Lot" Black Tote Bag
• "You Are A Lot" coffee mug & travel mug
• "You Are A Lot" black long-sleeved tee
• 30 FREE DAYS to BRAIN FM Wire Your Brain For Focus!
• Jen's Book Recommendations With 20% Off
• Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com

Sources Used:

• 16 Ways To Better Manage Your Money: ADDitude Magazine
• ADHD Overspending & Impulsivity: ADHD Specialist
• Managing Money & ADHD: CHADD Org

Feeling drained, foggy, or emotionally tapped out during the holidays? You're not alone.

In this episode, you'll learn what empathic burnout is, how it shows up in your body, and why certain times like the holiday season can increase the risk due to higher emotional exposure, shifting routines, and layered relational dynamics. Whether you're neurodivergent, highly sensitive, or just carrying too much, this episode will help you understand why self-compassion is the most powerful (and most misunderstood) tool for recovery. I'll walk you through specific self-compassion strategies like "in for me, out for you" breathing, micro-movements, grounding touch, and internal phrases to help you stay steady especially when you don't have the option to step away. Mindful Self-Compassion For Burnout: Kristen Neff (20% off with this link to Bookshop dot org)

SHOW NOTES:

• Mindful Self-Compassion For Burnout: Kristen Neff (20% off with my link to Bookshop)
• Click to Get Jen's Free Guide How To R.I.D.E Out Panic Attacks
• Jen's Monthly Action Club Just $19.99
• You Are A Lot Podcast On Patreon 7 Day Free Trial
• You Are A Lot Podcast Website & Blog
• Follow Jen's ADHD/AuDHD Tips on Pinterest
• Jen's Every 10 Day Newsletter: "This Is A Lot"
• "You Are A Lot" Black Tote Bag
• "You Are A Lot" coffee mug & travel mug
• "You Are A Lot" black long-sleeved tee
• 30 FREE DAYS to BRAIN FM Wire Your Brain For Focus!
• 20% off everything on Jen's Holiday Gift Guide Bookshop dot org
• Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com

SOURCES USED:

• Mindful Self-Compassion For Burnout: Kristen Neff (20% off with this link to Bookshop dot org)
• The Mindful Self Compassion Workbook: Kristen Neff