The Neurodiverse End-of-year Crash_ Why December Hits Us Differently

December arrives with holiday lights, excited chatter, and an endless to-do list. It’s a time meant for celebration, but for those with ADHD or dyslexia, it can feel like a whirlwind of expectations and energy drains. In this episode, Stephen Martin offers practical advice for navigating the sensory overload and emotional fatigue that make December especially taxing.

He talks about why consistent routines matter, how family gatherings bring extra pressure to mask, and why we should give ourselves permission to do less. It’s not about cramming in more celebrations or tasks, but about finding stability and purpose during an otherwise exhausting month. If you’ve been dreading the holiday rush, this conversation might be your seasonal lifeline.

Why December Can Feel Even Harder

Most of us find December busy, but for neurodivergent adults, it can be overwhelming. Routine disruptions from work parties, family visits, or back-to-back errands quickly transform typical schedules into a scramble. Lack of daily structure triggers anxiety and chaos, which in turn can lead to emotional burnout.

On the podcast, Stephen Martin puts it plainly:

“December can be a chaotic swirl of gatherings, responsibilities, and invisible expectations that weigh heavily on neurodivergent minds.”

He encourages listeners to note how these disruptions pile up. Turning on the TV to unwind after dinner doesn’t quite cut it if your mind is already a tangled web of to-dos. Sooner than you think, stress morphs into fatigue. That’s why acknowledging your limits is the first step in making December feel less like a marathon and more like a month of self-care.

Embracing Stability and Anchor Habits

When things get out of hand, anchor habits provide a sense of calm. They’re simple, consistent actions you do every day, no matter what’s happening around you. Maybe it’s a morning cup of tea before checking your phone, or a five-minute gratitude journal before bed.

These acts seem small, but they’re powerful. They anchor you in the present moment and help you reset. If your routine is chaotic, having even one or two stable habits can keep you from spiralling. It won’t fix every challenge, but it’ll certainly lessen the impact. Think of it as a lifeboat in a stormy sea: not a full cruise ship, but enough to keep you afloat.

Stephen highlights the value of consistency in building these habits. When so much of December feels out of your control, a simple ritual that’s always there can reduce stress and emotional overload. Consistency acts like a gentle reminder that, even though the world is spinning faster than usual, you have something to hold onto.

Handling Social Gatherings and Masking

Family events or work parties can be both exciting and draining, especially when masking behaviours kick in. Masking means putting on a front to blend in or to meet social expectations. For neurodivergent folks, this often ramps up around holiday gatherings, where you might feel pressure to act more festive, talkative, or “normal.”

This mental load can be immense. You’re juggling conversations, paying attention to lights and music, and trying not to trip over your words. Sensory overload hits if you’re not careful. Stephen suggests setting up quick escapes. If you can slip away for a moment of quiet—a bathroom break or a walk in the garden—it helps reset your focus.

Sometimes, letting others know you need a breather is enough. It could be a gentle heads-up: “I might step outside for a minute if I need some air.” Small steps like these remind you that you have permission to prioritise your own comfort without apologising for who you are.

Reframing December as Recovery, Not a Race

A major theme in Stephen’s conversation is that December should be a month of recovery. If you’re imagining an exhausting sprint to 31 December, consider flipping that mindset. Nobody says you have to fix all your routines or finish every project before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Think of these holiday weeks as a time to rest, reflect, and simply exist. By giving yourself permission to do less, you might discover more energy for meaningful connections. Gratitude journaling can help combat any lingering feelings of inadequacy. Writing down a short list of things you’re thankful for can remind you that progress isn’t always a big leap—it can be a slow, steady climb.

January will roll around with new opportunities, so why exhaust yourself before it even starts? Take this month to refuel. Try mini-breaks, short walks, or quiet moments with a good book. You’ll be better prepared for whatever next year brings when you’ve given yourself the gift of rest now.

• December can be overwhelming for neurodivergent minds.
• Routine disruptions create chaos and fatigue.
• Masking at social gatherings amplifies emotional stress.
• Anchor habits offer stability during the holiday swirl.
• Giving yourself permission to do less is liberating.

If you’re eager to dive deeper, the full podcast episode is right at the top of this page. Stephen Martin explores these ideas in greater detail, sharing personal anecdotes and practical tips you won’t want to miss. Give it a listen and share your reflections!

Want extra support this season? Visit truthaboutdyslexia.com or check out our Facebook community at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia for daily insights. You can also join the club at rightbrainresetters.com and grab 20% off your first order at addednutrition.com.