my neurodivergent self care confessional and 5 random ways you can care for yourself (even on your lowest days)
the dishes are undone. a pile of laundry in the corner of my room adds an oppressive weight to the air. ive been camping on the couch for a week and my hips are naggging me through gritted teeth.
when it comes to disability and neurodiversity, i belive that we need to meet people exactly where they're at. in this post, i'll be sharing tools in which to care for yourself and others in a way that promotes independency and self confidence.
1. dry shampoo
when im at my absolute lowest, i struggle to shower. if this sounds like you or someone you know, dry shampoo is your new bestie. and if you're a garbage critter like myself, you'll soon realize that setting powder or plain old corn starch does the job in a pinch. we don't judge here.
2. baby wipes
baby wipes are a simple and sensory friendly way to keep yourself clean between full wash days. i use them for removing makeup when my night routine is just too much and for full body wipedowns during depressive episodes. i keep a pack in the bathroom, in my nightstand, and in my car at all times.
3. eat junk if you have to
if you can't cook, order out. buy microwave meals and ready to eat snacks. if youre struggling this bad, who cares!
my weekly grocery run for the past month and a half has consisted of grapes. pre-cut watermelon. pre-assembled yogurt parfaits. block of cheese. bread. milk. cereal. uncrustables. if i had a microwave you'd best believe i'd have popcorn and taquitos on this list too.
4. safe clothing
i am one of those people that has a rocky relationship with my clothes. tags, seams, and certain fabrics are decidedly my enemy. when i find a piece of clothing i like, i buy it in every color.
that part was a joke, i dont do color.
i own 5 black sweatshirts, two of the same hoodie, grey and navy respectively, 5 pairs of black leggings, 3 pairs of the same jeans, 20 pairs of identical undergarments and socks. as a bonus, it makes laundry day an absolute breeze.
now for three entire tips about laundry. yes, it is that daunting.
5. downsizing can simplify your laundry day
i hang 5 shirts and 2 hoodies. i fold 3 pairs of jeans. the rest can live in my laundry bag until the end of time for all i care.
6. HANGERS
folding a shirt takes roughly 10 seconds. hanging a shirt takes 1 (and considerably less mental calculation as far as im concerned.)
7. wash & fold service
the sweet lady at my local laundromat runs a wash & fold service where i can get my clothes laundered for $15-20. yes she has turned a couple of my shirts pink, but she's also saved me precious energy i couldn't afford to spare.
and please remember to ask for help and practice saying "i need help." when it comes to hygeine and self care, it's better to do it bad than to not do it at all.
i love u.