The Ups and Downs

I experience both highs and lows in my daily life. Some days, I feel invincible—writing several articles, catching up on reading, making progress on my novel (more on that later), and even tackling household chores. Life feels great! But then, the next day can plummet like a roller coaster…

For those of us who are neurodivergent, it’s vital to understand that what we often label as laziness is frequently just a result of our uniquely wired brains. While my neurotypical friends also face burnout, the ways in which neurodivergent individuals manage burnout and daily stress differ significantly.

As someone on the autism spectrum, my experiences may not mirror yours exactly. Please take this advice with an open mind and adapt it to fit your own circumstances. I hope you find it helpful!

Step 1: Practice Self-Compassion

In a previous piece, I shared my journey towards self-acceptance. The first step to becoming a better version of yourself is learning to embrace who you are and recognizing your unique wiring. Understand your limits and avoid berating yourself for having a difficult day! I know it’s not always straightforward, but self-criticism won’t help you cope with challenges.

Embrace positivity about yourself. Use affirmations to remind yourself that a tough day doesn’t define you and that tomorrow can be better. If there's one takeaway from this discussion, it’s the importance of having a flexible schedule. Since I can't predict whether tomorrow will be good or bad, I avoid overloading my plans with tasks, hoping that I’ll be ready to face the day’s challenges.

When I set goals for the next day, I keep them adaptable. I might not finish all my cleaning, but accomplishing even one task means progress. Whether I aim to write a few articles or tackle a chore, I remain open to the reality that some days will be harder than others. As long as I make some progress, I consider myself productive.

Photo by Anastasiia Krutota on Unsplash

Step 2: Identify Your Energy Drainers

Recognizing what drains your energy is crucial. For instance, shopping without my headphones can lead to sensory overload, leaving me feeling drained and anxious. It’s not enjoyable!

I’ve learned that being around more people increases stimuli, which can overwhelm me. Therefore, I try to avoid busy roads during peak hours. Understanding what affects you allows you to navigate life’s challenges while minimizing stress. It took time for me to grasp this concept, but being gentle with myself and acknowledging when I need a break has made me more effective during my productive times. I hope this resonates with you!

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Step 3: Embrace the Need for Rest

Sometimes, life can be tougher than we expect, leaving us feeling burnt out. If you're exhausted, it might simply be a sign that your body needs rest. Personally, I find that reducing stimuli—like relaxing in a dark room with calming music—works wonders. If Step 1 is about self-kindness, Step 3 is about recognizing that it’s perfectly normal to desire rest after a challenging day.

Remember, quality matters more than quantity when it comes to rest. A soothing cup of tea and some melatonin can promote better sleep than scrolling through your phone all night, which I know can be tempting. Prioritizing good-quality sleep will always trump ten hours of poor sleep. Admittedly, I’m still navigating this area, so feel free to share your tips in the comments!

Photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash

It's Going to Be Okay

This sentiment rings true. Amid all the burnout, stress, chaos, and sensory overload, things will eventually be alright. Life is shaped by our attitudes, and being gentle with your neurodivergent brain can guide you through daily challenges. While I may make it sound simple, I’m sharing insights that I wish I had known much earlier.

My goal with this platform is to impart the lessons I wish someone had shared with me. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to connecting with you in future articles.

Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

Burnout Recovery Strategies: This video outlines three effective strategies for overcoming burnout, tailored specifically for neurodivergent individuals.

Understanding Autistic Burnout: Dr. Service discusses autistic burnout, offering insights on how to recover and prevent it effectively.