habits – Astro Autistic

The Freedom to Respect My Limits

The most valuable skill I’ve learned since moving out from my mother’s house is paying attention to my limits. I’ve finally had the opportunity to notice the point at which I’m pushing myself too hard and will burn out. This is because I’ve been able to live in a supportive environment where I’m allowed to say “no” when I can’t safely do something.

What Do My Neurodivergent Habits Look Like?

As a neurodivergent person, I struggle a lot with building habits. It’s hard for me to do the tasks that I want to become habits. It’s hard for me to continue to do those tasks consistently for any length of time. And most of all, they never become automatic. Perhaps a neurotypical wouldn’t consider the end result a “habit,” but you can’t get far as a neurodivergent person by trying to adhere to neurotypical standards.

So, what do my habits look like?

You’ll Be Able to Do It Without Thinking— and Other Lies

One thing I’ve always struggled with since moving out and starting university has been self care. Eating healthy, exercising, showering, brushing my teeth, socializing, keeping a clean home. Most of these likely come naturally or easily to neurotypical students but, to me, they are all a massive and draining undertaking.

I’ve consistently been told by my therapists and psychiatrists that the key to solving my difficulties is to build habits and routines. The concept they can’t seem to grasp is that I can’t do things without thinking.