People with ADHD don’t relax in the usual way, so vacations can have an opposite effect and make you feel stressed out.

Many people can relax on the beach with just a bottle of sunscreen, a beach chair and a good novel. That’s not the case for most with attention deficit disorder. Laying around in the sun all day reading can be stressful. To relax, a surfboard, snorkeling gear, a Frisbee or two, and half a dozen beach-game balls and paddles is needed.

People with ADHD don’t relax in the usual way — which is why vacations don’t always relax us. Here’s how to ensure that your summer vacation provides the breather you need.

You can’t fully relax on vacation if you’ve left loose ends at home. For example, if you haven’t paid the gas bill before leaving, you may find yourself at the beach worrying about a late fee or cutoff notice.

Before you go away, make a list of things that need doing and then do them, even if it means spending one less day at the resort. The extra day spent in preparation will make you more at ease while you’re away.

Children with ADHD often squirm, fidget and twirl their hair. As adults, these behaviors may be replaced by a vague sense of discontent and restlessness. In order to relax, you’ll need to find positive ways of responding to these feelings.

That’s why you shouldn’t feel obligated to snooze by the pool after a busy day of sightseeing, just because that’s what your friends and family do to rejuvenate. You may need to sacrifice some “together time” to do what’s best for you.

Going to the gym for an intense physical workout can help relax the restless adult with ADHD. Endorphins — brain chemicals released during intense exercise — are soothing to body and mind. If you’re feeling particularly tense, try picking up the pace.