That’s actually really helpful though, because “not doing things” is vague and unactionable, while once you break it down you can figure out which ones you struggle with (all of them?) and create a list of strategies for each function, like so:
- make the task nice (make senses happy)
- think about doing it for your future self
- identify what needs you have that haven’t been met
- identify any barriers and create a plan to deal with those
- identify any scary or overwhelming bits and create a plan to deal with those
- did you get enough sleep, food (fat, protein, fiber, vegetables?), physical activity (pre-work), and a good level of social interaction?
- identify the reason why doing the task matters to you
- set a timer for a short amount of time and promise yourself you can stop after that
- address sensory needs (are your clothes comfy? Would it help to play music?)
- set a timer for work period and break period
- did you get enough sleep, food (fat, protein, fiber, vegetables?), physical activity (pre-work), and a good level of social interaction?
- did you get enough sleep, food (fat, protein, fiber, vegetables?), physical activity (pre-work), and a good level of social interaction?
- think how much future-you is going to appreciate that this task is done
- caffeine and other safe and legal for you stimulants
- positive self-talk and reframing
- did you get enough sleep, food (fat, protein, fiber, vegetables?), physical activity (pre-work), and a good level of social interaction?
- do things that are nice for your senses- warm beverages, crunchy snacks, spike ball for feet, elastic band for legs, comfy clothes, music that makes you happy, etc
- access your reaction and proportionality, as well as alternate explanations for people’s (including your own) behaviors
- and with caution and intentionality, put it in a box to deal with later
- put in calendar with alerts
- write it down and stick it on your phone
- take a picture and send it to yourself with written explanation
- ask people to remind you
- respond to people quickly so the ball is in their court
- say it to yourself over and over until you’ve done it or written it down
- assign a spot for important things (like keys) and practice putting them there. Like, LARP it.
- did you get enough sleep, food (fat, protein, fiber, vegetables?), physical activity (pre-work), and a good level of social interaction?
- make your own chore list
- write out routine and put it where you’ll need it
- set timers for breaks, assess how it’s going mentally, emotionally, and physically.
- celebrate progress and action internally and/or externally
- did you get enough sleep, food (fat, protein, fiber, vegetables?), physical activity (pre-work), and a good level of social interaction?
- check to-do list/road map
- practice monitoring, checking, and/or recognizing internal states, like ‘hunger’, 'itchy’, 'back is hurting’, 'overstimulated’ and 'bored/understimulated’ (and make plans for each)
- use (pleasant) alarms to guide you through your day, for example “get out of bed”, “make and eat breakfast”, “walk dogs”, “You need to leave in 5 minutes” etc.
Also if people have more specific strategies, coping mechanisms, techniques, etc, I’d love to see them!
baratheonpilled
ellievsbear
dailybridgerton
kianamaiart
vaporwave
