What could self-care look like for neurodivergent writers?

• Asking for accommodations
• Help with deadlines
• Accountability support
• Exploring special interests
• Regular breaks and body awareness
• Hydration
• Vitamin D and outside time
• Clear guidance on deadlines and demands

These are all tools you can use in your day job, if you write for a living, or when you're bargaining with yourself to write! If you're employed, talk to your boss about these strategies and look into Access To Work if you're in the UK. If you work for yourself, then be a good boss to yourself!

Asking for accommodations

Advocating for yourself and asking for reasonable accommodations - this could be about creating the best possible work environment for you - away from others, quieter, less bright lighting.

Help with deadlines

Ask for reminders, regular check-ins, and help identifying possible blocks in your calendar.

Avoid overscheduling to stave off overwhelm and burnout.

Request that deadlines are put in writing, and display them somewhere you can see them, like a wall planner.

Accountability support

Explore techniques such as Book Doubling or body-doubling, and you can use services like Flown for group sessions., and lots of charities and coaches offer free online group accountability sessions.

Look at sticker charts, accountability buddies and tangible ways of noting your achievements.

Exploring special interests

You probably have deep knowledge in specific subjects - you can probably use that in your work. Remember that research can be a rabbit hole though - set time limits for when to move on.

Regular breaks and body awareness

When hyperfocus kicks in, we can absolutely ignore the world around us. Use alarms and reminders if you need to so you take breaks, leave your desk, get some fresh air and move your body.

Hydration

There are loads of hacks around how to hydrate but my favourite is the biggest clear cup or bottle you can find - so you know how much is left - and aim to finish it as early as you can.

Vitamin D and outside time

Honestly, I'm not sure that "being out in nature" - unless it's in cold water - float my boat but taking breaks and getting what Vitamin D you can is good for you.

What other self-care tips work for you?

I can help with accountability - and even remind you to drink water! Join me for a Book Doubling session if you want next-level accountability.