Building a Daily Routine to Help Neurodivergent People Manage Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is something many neurodivergent people have become accustomed to in their day-to-day lives. They not only feel tired after a long day, but most say they usually have a constant tiredness that just doesn’t go away.

The causes of this fatigue are simple things the rest of us take for granted, like bright lights, loud noises, or trying to keep up with conversations, which may make them feel overstimulated and drained. Socializing, even for a short time, takes a lot of energy, and so does the great effort they have to use every day to hide some parts of themselves so they can meet social expectations.

For many, it feels very much like they have to perform for the world all the time.

The best way to help is to support them in creating a daily routine that fits their needs is one way to handle this tiredness. With the right habits and spaces, it’s possible to create a routine that feels safe, refreshing, and normal for each person.

What does it mean to be neurodivergent?

In simple terms, neurodivergent people think and experience the world differently from what is considered typical. So, conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia fall under this umbrella. But contrary to what many people think, being neurodivergent isn’t a flaw; it’s simply a different way of processing life.

When thinking about neurodivergence, we need to focus more on the actual person, not just the label of their condition.

This is especially important when side effects like chronic fatigue become a part of someone’s daily life, which is when they will need practical and helpful support the most. There are many ways we can help guide a neurodivergent person into coping with these daily challenges that are less obvious to others.

Common Ways Neurodivergent People Can Reserve Their Energy

• Avoiding noisy or crowded places to reduce sensory input.
• Using headphones or sunglasses to block out loud noises or bright lights.
• Spread out social activities and leave time in between to recover.
• Taking time alone after social events to rest and recharge.
• Getting lost in hobbies or activities that bring them comfort.
• Use visual timers or checklists to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
• Build routines with enough space for breaks and changes as needed.

These are some helpful ways many people use to save energy often sapped by noise, social pressure, and daily tasks. The problem is that most traditional daily habits and routines everyone else uses don’t always work for neurodivergent people.

They need some routines to facilitate an environment where they can find stability and peace.

Even with a good routine, some people might still feel tired or overwhelmed all the time. If this happens, it can help to find a professional to go to for help. Therapists, occupational therapists, or coaches who specialize in working with neurodivergent people are trained to give the best advice and ways for managing fatigue and emotional stress.

If you live or work with someone who has a neurodivergent condition and are unsure how to help them live their best life, reaching out to a professional is a huge step.

Contact us to learn more and to schedule a meeting with one of the many mental health professionals listed here today.