In this month’s podcast episode I’m sitting down with Andrea Reeves of The Type C Creative to discuss ways that neurodivergent people can find more compassionate and rebellious ways of working and getting organized.
I love Andrea’s approach to finding tools and systems that work for each person’s unique needs, and her willingness to push back against the systemic factors that negatively impact all of us.
In this episode we cover:
Andrea’s own experience with neurodivergence and how it empowers her to do this work.
Some of the common challenges people with neurodivergence experience when it comes to organization and productivity.
Common misconceptions about neurodivergence and productivity.
The role self-care plays in supporting productivity.
Ways to set up our workspace and environment to support focused work.
How to navigate fluctuating energy and focus levels and how to work with, rather than against, these natural rhythms.
How loved ones, friends, colleagues and employers can support people with neurodivergence.
Connect with Andrea:
Additional Resources:
Andrea and I have a shared theory when it comes to productivity: sometimes its not your time that needs managing — it’s your energy! Here are two quick exercises + tools that can be helpful:
Energy Tracker: Make a list of the tasks you do most often, and assess how much energy they require of you on a scale from 1-10. When planning your day or how to use an available block of time, assess how much energy you have and go from there. Download the PDF here:
Happiness Guide: Create a “menu” of items that help you replenish your energy (reading, going for a walk, napping, eating a vegetable, calling a friend etc.). I like to organize them by sense (see, smell, taste, hear, see, etc). Tips: Try organizing from top to bottom of each category according to how much time they require to more easily build them into your day. It can also be helpful to make sure you identify things at a variety of price points. Download the PDF here:
Andrea’s Picks:
📚 READ: I love getting the Sunday edition of Nice News -- it's a great change of pace to the not-so-nice news I read throughout the week. It's a reminder that even in the midst of terror, genocide, natural disasters, there's still good happening in the world. I could always use that reminder.
📺 WATCH: Don't judge me, I'm still not over #momtok!! The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and its cast have had me in their grips for WEEKS; I am not a mom nor a wife nor a Mormon but I can't get enough of these women. As someone who grew up in a Christian home and ultimately left organized religion, I find the way they navigate life and the internet and their faith fascinating. Watch the trailer here.
🎧 LISTEN: Royel Otis caught my attention when their cover of Linger by The Cranberries went viral on TikTok over the summer. Otis' voice is heavenly and their music is a huge mood booster for me, especially as the weather gets cooler. Oysters In My Pocket is a personal favorite.
🧡 ENJOY: I've been encouraging myself to unplug after work by breaking out my favorite coloring books. Coloring keeps my hands occupied and my mind calm without staring at a screen. Coco Wyo has been a favorite of mine, and I love their relaxing coloring videos!
Andrea’s Tech Recs:
In the episode Andrea also shared three tech tools she is currently loving and how she uses them to stay organized.
Granola - This service can help take your meeting notes to the next level with the use of AI by adding more context and details (Mac only currently).
Tick Tick - A to-do list service that can be used to organize every aspect of your life.
M1 - Andrea uses this service for a business phone number (so she doesn’t have to share her personal #) and to facilitate “walk and talks” instead of video calls
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