Combating Neurodiversity Decision Fatigue and Avoiding Burnout

Authored by JoyGenea & ChatGPT AI

Being neurodiverse comes with unique strengths, but it can also lead to challenges like decision fatigue and burnout.

This article offers tips to help you thrive as a neurodiverse individual and not allow your ADHD, dyslexia, or autism to take the fun out of things.

 

I recently did this to myself in the middle of the day and I know better. It snuck up on me.

There I was sitting at my desk with a timer to do ten minutes of emails, well one of those emails led to a training session and that training video had so much information, and I couldn’t write fast enough to catch all of the details.

Also, one of the speakers had a tick stutter, they would repeat the start of almost all of their sentences two or three times. The video was over fifty minutes long and I was exhausted after fifteen, plus I didn’t get my emails cleaned up, and I was late for a meeting.

After that meeting, I had a screaming headache and almost no ability to focus. I had started the day off strong and productive.

Once the headache was strong enough, I stopped all work and went and rested. There was no other option. Even I forget that I can overdo it at times.

It was a good reminder that I need to schedule time to learn and time to be productive and they are not at the same time.

The next day I made sure to stick to my best-me routine and it was another successful day with little fatigue or stress.

 

I encourage you to figure out your routines and start to slowly implement them. No skipped meals, no sitting or laying in one spot all day.

Those small routines are what take you from being a person struggling with a neurodiversity to a person thriving with a neurodiversity.

Your talents deserve to shine bright in the world and one of the ways to not burn out is to understand this more and have some boundaries with yourself.

 

Understanding Decision Fatigue:

  • Our brains have a limited capacity for making decisions. Each choice, big or small, uses up mental energy. (Some people like to say you start the day with 20 spoons and as the day goes on all of these decisions use up spoons and once you are out of spoons, you are done functioning well.)
  • Neurodiverse individuals may be more susceptible to decision fatigue due to factors like chronic stress or information overload.

Coping Mechanisms:

  • Prioritize rest: Listen to your body’s cues and take breaks when needed.
  • Minimize unimportant choices: Establish routines for everyday tasks like meals or clothing.
  • Plan and batch decisions: Schedule decision-making for times when you’re feeling fresh.
  • Nourish yourself: Eating healthy meals helps maintain your brain’s energy levels.

Preventing Burnout:

  • Pacing: Identify your limits and distribute tasks throughout the day to avoid overwhelm.
  • Recognize your warning signs: Increased anxiety, fatigue, or social withdrawal can indicate impending burnout. Extra crabby? That’s a sign.
  • Embrace self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. By understanding your neurodiversity and implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage decision fatigue and avoid burnout. Let’s create a life that works for you!

Do you ever have to deal with fatigue?
What are your tips and tricks?

Keep up the great work of getting to know yourself and your brain better. You make an even better team when you are working together.

JoyGenea

 

Additional Resources:

This article provides a starting point. Consider exploring these resources for further guidance:

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