Okay, so we can accept that self-care isn’t just strict routines, yoga and eating healthy.

But what about when it is even uglier than that?

It’s not just a lie in, candles, face mask – it might not even be a nice hot bath. Sometimes, it is a quick shower or setting a timer to remind yourself to eat: it’s the bare minimum.

For neuro-divergent individuals, it’s not just less than “Instagram-perfect,” it can be outright messy.

On some days, it is about survival.

By definition “self-care” is anything that is caring for yourself. So why can’t it be cancelling plans, having a nap, or wearing my noise-cancelling earplugs to the pub?

There have been days where for me it looks like a bowl of instant noodles, because eating something is still fuel and better than going hungry, even when I don’t have the energy for that to be a “proper meal.”

According to MedicalNewsToday, one of the key symptoms of neuro-divergent burnout includes a reduced capacity to live independently.

Everyday tasks like cooking, brushing your teeth, and eating might feel more difficult. It can also cause reduced tolerance to stimuli, meaning sensory sensitivities to light or sound can feel more severe.

This explains why bright bathroom lights, the sound of running water, and the sensation of wet hair might make showering feel impossible during burnout.

Ultimately, we all have something to learn from this kind of care. You don’t always have to go above and beyond; you just need to listen to your needs.

When you feel exhausted, upset, demotivated or anything in-between, it’s these basic things that really make all the difference to you feeling a bit better.

Even small steps are going in the right direction.

Image Credit: Hannah Foley