The Moment I Realized That I Needed to Approach Health Differently
For years, I tried everything. The meal plans, the workout programs, the morning routines that promised to change my life. I followed the advice of health experts who made it look effortless—like all I had to do was wake up at 5 AM, eat kale, and journal my way to enlightenment. But no matter how hard I tried, nothing ever stuck. I felt like I was constantly failing, unable to do what seemed so easy for everyone else.
Then, everything changed.
Burnout, Shutdown, and the Breaking Point
When my youngest turned three, I hit a wall. And not just a little "oops, I’m tired" kind of wall—I’m talking full-body shutdown mode. Exhausted. Overwhelmed. Checked out. Looking back, I now realize I was deep in neurodivergent burnout, made even worse by the isolation and chaos of the COVID shutdowns.
The strategies that worked for neurotypicals? Yeah, those just made me feel like an even bigger failure. I couldn’t keep up with rigid meal prepping, intense workouts, or self-care routines that required me to have my life together. One day, I just sat there, completely drained, wondering why the hell nothing was working.
And then it hit me: I wasn’t the problem—the approach was.
A Health Plan That Works for My Brain
So I did what any desperate, over-it person would do—I started digging. Researching health and wellness through a new lens—one that actually made sense for my neurodivergent brain. I learned about executive dysfunction, sensory sensitivities, and the link between gut health and mental health. And you know what? It all started making sense. If I wanted real, lasting change, I had to approach health in a way that worked for my brain, my energy levels, and my reality.
Instead of forcing myself into health routines designed for people with perfect dopamine levels, I started experimenting with gentle, sustainable habits that didn’t make me want to scream or cry:
Simplifying food choices – I made a list of go-to meals that don’t require me to think too hard (because, let’s be real, decision fatigue is a thing).
Making movement easy – Structured workouts? Nope. I started focusing on movement that’s actually enjoyable—dance breaks, walking while ranting to myself, and stim-friendly exercises.
Prioritizing rest – No more guilt about needing extra downtime. Resting is productive. Fight me.
Managing stress differently – Instead of pushing through sensory overload like a champ (aka self-sabotage), I have started learning how to regulate my nervous system before I hit the meltdown stage.
What I Created
Once I started making these changes, I felt better than I had in years. But I also realized that so many other neurodivergent folks were out here struggling, trying to force themselves into routines that weren’t made for their brains. That’s why I created this checklist and my holistic health approach: to help you stop the cycle of burnout and start actually feeling good—without the guilt, the overwhelm, or the nonsense.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at health, let me tell you right now: You’re not broken. You’re not lazy. You just need a plan that works with your brain, not against it. And I’m here to help you figure that out.
Let’s do this—on our terms. 💛
