If you live with Autism, ADHD, POTS, dysautonomia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), or other chronic conditions, you’ve probably noticed that your energy levels don’t always match your to-do list. Some days you feel capable and focused and on others, even basic tasks feel impossible.

You know that feeling when you want to do the thing… but every cell in your body says, “Nope”? Whether it’s folding laundry, sending an email, or getting started on a project, the mental wall between intending to do something and actually doing it can feel impossibly high.

If you’ve ever looked around your house, felt overwhelmed by the mess, and thought, “Why can’t I just do it?” — you’re not alone. Many neurodivergent adults, including women diagnosed later in life, experience challenges with executive function.

When thinking of the term ‘sensory’, most people think of the five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell) but occupational therapists know there’s more to the story.

For many neurodivergent adults, self-care isn’t about bubble baths or spa days — it’s the daily hygiene tasks that can feel surprisingly hard to stay consistent with. Things like showering, brushing teeth, or keeping up with laundry may sound simple, but when executive dysfunction, sensory sensitivities, and time blindness get involved, these routines can become overwhelming.