As the year winds down, I prepare for my annual break—something I’ve been practicing for the past three years. Typically, I block off the time between Christmas and New Year’s, a week dedicated to unplugging, savoring family moments, organizing my workspace, enjoying the magic of holiday lights, and cozying up with a warm cup of cocoa by the fire. This year, though, I’m viewing this season with new eyes. My colleague Samantha Pickering recently shared a term that ...

As the days shorten and the temperature drops, many of us feel the seasonal changes more intensely. For those who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), especially in winter, lower energy and mood can make connection—both with ourselves and others—feel “off.” This season can also bring holiday gatherings, which may amplify feelings of either inclusion or isolation, affecting our sense of belonging. In The Recharge newsletter this month, we’re focusing on ...

With the season of thanks here, how will you recharge your sense of gratitude? What's Inside: This November, as the season of thanks surrounds us, we’re diving into powerful ways to nurture gratitude and belonging. Inside, you’ll find a quick recharge exercise perfect for grounding, a worksheet to identify your core values, and a personal reflection on gratitude for our bodies—even in challenging times. Plus, don’t miss the weekly check-in prompts to help you feel more ...

In this article, we’ll explore four common struggles: a lack of personal time, an inability to disconnect from work, difficulty maintaining focus and productivity, and the challenge of balancing leadership with day-to-day tasks.

This month, we're centering all our efforts on something near and dear to our hearts—Community and Connection. Why? Because no one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone, especially when those challenges can feel isolating and overwhelming. October is filled with crucial awareness campaigns—from Disability Employment Awareness Month to ADHD Awareness Month, and from Breast Cancer Awareness Month to National Bullying Prevention Month. In each of these areas, many have experienced pain, isolation, or silence due to illness, difference, or trauma.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of your high-stress profession? Do you sometimes find yourself feeling isolated, even when surrounded by colleagues? Discover how community and connection can significantly decrease stress, reduce loneliness, increase well-being, and improve performance for professionals like you. Emotional Support: Imagine a comforting shoulder to lean on during tough times. Sharing your challenges with others provides that much-needed comfort and understanding. ...

Are you feeling the sleep deprivation struggle? 😴💤 Over 30% of US adults aren't getting enough sleep, and it's taking a toll on our health and well-being. Want to know if you're one of them? Check out my latest article on the signs of sleep deprivation and how to improve your sleep quality. #sleepdeprivation #sleephealth #wellbeing #productivity #selfcare #healthtips #wellness #mentalhealth

In today's fast-paced world, chronic exhaustion has become an all-too-common experience, especially in high-demand environments like healthcare, IT, education, and leadership roles. Understanding the signs of exhaustion and integrating self-care practices into your daily routine is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. This guide explores five key aspects of a misaligned steady state, offering practical self-care tips to help you optimize your steady state for more energy each day.. #1 ...

Introduction Experiencing burnout can be overwhelming, especially for those in high-demand environments like healthcare, IT or for neurodivergent and disabled adults. This comprehensive guide aims to provide self-care strategies that go beyond the basics of sleep, nutrition, and exercise. By incorporating these methods into your daily routine, you can begin to master your energy, restore vitality, foster innovation, and optimize performance. Understanding Burnout & Self Care Definition and ...

If this list feels like what you are experiencing, and you’re ready to get your “mojo” back, go to STEP 1 and Take the Spicy Pepper Burnout Quiz and find out what level of burnout you are in right now so you can get the fastest path out. Are you a Poblano Pepper Level 1 with just a bit of heat or are you a Ghost Pepper Level 5 when "you're so hot, you're not."

After realizing that for years I'd been pushing through exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed, and convinced that if I just powered through the next task, "then" everything would be fine, I understood it was all a lie I'd been telling myself. This "then" belief was just a lie I kept believing.

Whether it's a disagreement over holiday plans, family traditions, or just the stress of the season, conflicts are bound to happen. This holiday season, let's explore a guide to understanding and navigating these conflicts by delving into five common conflict styles.

Burnout can manifest in various ways that impact how people manage their money. When you’ve spent a majority of your adult life in some degree of burnout, this element of impact can show up in ways that you may not have realized before, but after reading the 10 areas of impact on your money below, you may have a moment of breakthrough.

In the midst of November's chilly embrace, many of us are no strangers to the discomfort that cooler temperatures can bring, especially if you're dealing with conditions like EDS (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), Hypermobility, or MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome). It's as though the changing weather is mirrored in our joints, leaving us in search of relief. But what if I told you that you might already have a powerful tool in your hands – your favorite songs? Recent research published in the ...

Unlock your career potential with personalized job search strategies. Find your professional niche for success and fulfillment as an ADHD/Autistic Professional. I am thrilled to introduce you to an insightful article penned by Scott Birkhead, a distinguished guest writer for The Brain Dump Blog and a recent guest on the Beyond Autistic Burnout talk show, which I had the privilege of hosting alongside him yesterday. Scott's wealth of experience as a 30-year veteran recruiter shines through in ...

Challenges and Solutions in the Workplace  Shared from over 40 ADHD Autistic Professionals In today's diverse workforce, it's crucial for organizations to create inclusive environments that value and support all individuals. We gathered insights from over 40 ADHD, Autistic, Dyslexic Professionals and their years of experiences in finding, working and keeping jobs. From these responses, several common themes and challenges emerged that can provide valuable insights for managers, human ...

Are you tired of the chaos in your personal or work space? Do you often find yourself searching for misplaced items or feeling overwhelmed by clutter? If so, you're not alone. Many of us grapple with disorganization, and it can have a significant impact on our daily lives and our burnout restoration. In our upcoming episode of "Beyond Autistic Burnout," we'll explore the transformative power of organization with our guest, Kanan Tekchandani. We'll discuss the natural organizing tendencies of ...

Life is a symphony of sensations – the textures you touch, the scents you inhale, the sounds that surround you – they all play a part in shaping your experiences. Just like adding a pinch of spice can transform a dish, understanding your sensory profile can bring a new flavor to your journey of burnout restoration. Have you ever thought about how your senses guide your day? It’s not just about what you see or hear, but also how you interact with the world around you. We often ...

Discover the remarkable journey of Carole Jean Whittington, founder of Mind Your Autistic Brain, shortlisted for the Neurodivergent Achiever of the Year award. From overcoming burnout to championing Neurodiversity, her story is an inspiration. Dive in now! #Neurodiversity #CNDAwards23 #Inspiration

Carole Jean Whittington will share step-by-step strategies on how to support burned-out team members without falling into the burnout trap yourself as their manager.