Tag: routine

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The Power of Structure

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Alright, you beautiful chaos machines, let’s talk about the magical world of structure – because nothing says “I’ve got my shit together” quite like a color-coded schedule and a to-do list longer than your last therapy session. The Power of Structure: How It Benefits Us Neurodivergent Disasters
Living with a brain that’s wired differently is like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded while riding a unicycle. But fear not, my fellow hot messes, because structure is here to save our collective asses. Let’s dive into why slapping some order onto our chaotic lives might just be the secret sauce we’ve been missing.

  • Predictability: Because Surprises Are Overrated
    For those of us who treat unexpected changes like a cat treats a bath, having a structured routine is like a warm, cozy blanket for our anxiety-riddled souls. Knowing what’s coming next means fewer chances for our brains to play the “What If?” game at 3 AM.
  • Time Management: Or, “How to Adult Without Losing Your Mind”
    Let’s face it, time management for us is like herding cats – theoretically possible, but usually a disaster. A structured schedule helps us pretend we’re responsible adults who don’t lose track of time scrolling through memes for three hours.
  • Focus: Squirrel! …Wait, What Was I Saying?
    Maintaining focus when your brain treats every thought like a new, shiny toy is a challenge. Structure gives us guardrails to keep our minds on track, or at least in the general vicinity of where they should be

  • Emotional Regulation: Because Feelings Are Hard
    For those of us who experience emotions like we’re on an endless roller coaster, having a structured routine that includes “Don’t Have a Meltdown” time can be a lifesaver. It’s like giving your emotions a nice, predictable map to follow.
  • .Independence: Fake It Till You Make It
    Structure helps us pretend we’re functioning members of society who can adult with the best of them. It’s like training wheels for life, but with less scraped knees and more “Holy shit, I actually remembered to pay my bills!”

Implementing Structure Without Losing Your Mind:
Now, before you run off to color-code your entire life, remember that structure doesn’t mean turning into a robot. It’s about finding a balance that works for your unique brand of chaos. Start small – maybe try setting a consistent wake-up time (and by consistent, I mean within a two-hour window). Schedule regular meals, because apparently, we’re supposed to eat more than just coffee and anxiety.
Remember, flexibility is key. Your structured routine should be more like yoga pants than a straitjacket – stretchy enough to accommodate life’s curveballs and the occasional “fuck it” day.

Final Thoughts
Structure might not cure our neurodivergence (and let’s be honest, would we want it to?), but it can make navigating this neurotypical world a bit less like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole while blindfolded and on fire. So embrace the power of structure, you beautiful disasters. Create a routine that works for you, even if that routine includes scheduled time for staring blankly at the wall. Because hey, at least you’re staring at the wall at the designated time, right?
Now go forth and structure the hell out of your life. And remember, if all else fails, there’s always coffee and sarcasm to get you through the day. Hope you beautiful people are all happy and had an awesome weekend, take care of yourself and each other!

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Is it blindness if we choose not to see it?

JoLeave a comment

Tonight lets talk about something SUPER fun for people who are NORMAL procrastinators, or people who are just chronically punctual, this shit makes my eye twitch. I want to be on time, but I am ALWAYS either embarrassingly early or unforgivably late, I just can’t find a way to strike a happy medium. I was surprised to learn of the other ways time blindness presents itself in my life, its not just about not being on time. So lets dive into the wild world of time blindness. You know, that delightful phenomenon where your brain treats the concept of time like a cruel joke? Yeah, for those of us with autism or ADHD, keeping track of the chronological flow of existence is about as easy as herding cats on meth.

Let’s start with our autistic homies. For them, time blindness can manifest in a few gloriously confusing ways:
First up, we’ve got the struggle to grasp the very concept of past, present, and future. It’s like the abstract notion of time is an ancient language only understood by neurotypical scholars. “What do you mean, this moment won’t last forever? Blasphemy!”

Then there’s the complete obliviousness to how much damn time has passed. You could be happily stimming away, lost in your own little world, only to emerge hours later wondering where the hell the day went. Time? What’s that? A construct created by the neurotypical elite to oppress us?

And let’s not forget the sacred routines. Stray from the schedule even a smidgen, and it’s like the world is ending. Spontaneity? Never heard of her. Rigidity and predictability are our jam, thank you very much.

But wait, there’s more! Our ADHD brethren also get to experience the joys of time blindness in their own unique ways:

Impulsivity and time management? What a delightful oxymoron! Thinking ahead and considering consequences is for the weak. We prefer to live life on the edge, making split-second decisions without a care for that pesky thing called “time.”

Procrastination is our middle name. Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow, next week, or maybe even next year? Prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines is so overrated when you could be hyperfocusing on reorganizing your sock drawer instead.

Speaking of hyperfocus, that’s another fun ADHD party trick. One minute you’re trying to be a productive member of society, the next you’re utterly consumed by whatever random interest has captured your brain’s fleeting attention. Time? What’s that again?

At the end of the day, both autism and ADHD involve executive function challenges that make time management about as easy as walking a tightrope while juggling chainsaws. But hey, at least we’re keeping things interesting, right?So embrace the time blindness, folks. Lean into the chaos and confusion. After all, who needs to follow the neurotypical construct of time when you can march to the beat of your own delightfully disordered drum? Til next time gang, take care of yourself, and each other!