Product recommendations include affiliate and referral links. At no extra cost to you (and with a special reader discount, in some cases!), I’ll receive a small commission or other rewards to help support An Ideal Life. Dismiss
For those of us dealing with ADHD, autism, or general sensory processing issues, fidgets or sensory tools are vital. Depending on your favorite toy or tool though, they’re not always appropriate to bring out in the office or while out and about. That’s where subtle sensory tools come in: toys or fidgets that you can…
If you’ve been following An Ideal Life for some time, it likely comes as no surprise that I swear by my morning routine—and my mindful morning must-haves! When I stick to my routine, I find my whole day is a little more organized and a whole lot more joyful! Alarm Have you tried a few…
When you’re chronically ill, neurodivergent, or a super fun combination of the two, there are days when even the softest routine feels impossible, and the idea of self-care sounds more like a chore. If you’re a fellow spoonie, you know exactly what I mean. But that doesn’t mean we don’t still deserve care. We just…
Living with ADHD means we’re constantly navigating brains that don’t exactly want to play by the same rules as typical productivity gurus. Time moves weirdly, objects disappear, and motivation can trike at 2 in the morning…if it strikes at all. While I’m learning to work with my brain (rather than against it), I still rely…
Personal hygiene is a seemingly basic part of daily life, but for many of us—whether due to chronic illness, disability, sensory sensitivities, or simple fatigue—it can be a challenge. The good news? There are plenty of tools and adaptations available for more accessible personal hygiene routines, whether you need to conserve energy, avoid pain triggers,…
If you’re anything like me, fidgeting is a necessity. Whether it’s to manage focus, relieve stress, or just keeping my hands busy, I’ve built up quite the collection. Looking over some of my favorites, here are some of the best fidgets in my collection! Read more: our Neurodivergence archive Tangles If there’s one fidget I…
When it comes to making someone with autism comfortable, thoughtfulness and understanding are priority number one. Small actions, like adjusting a noisy environment or being mindful of how you communicate, can create a sense of ease that goes a long way. As an autistic person myself, I’ve learned how much small considerations can matter. A…
Autistic burnout is best described as a state of intense physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that often leaves individuals unable to function as they typically would. Unlike general fatigue or workplace burnout, autistic burnout has a unique root cause: the relentless effort of masking and adapting to a world that isn’t made for us. Masking,…
Self-care is a vital part of maintaining both our physical and mental health. It’s about consciously doing things that promote well-being and reduce stress. It’s quite literally saving my life amidst my most recent bout of severe burnout. But, for trauma survivors, extenuating circumstances can make self-care hard. What Is Trauma? Before considering just what…
When choosing the best gifts for someone with PTSD, the key is to provide comfort, promote relaxation, and show understanding and support. Thoughtful gifts can be a wonderful way to express care and contribute to their healing journey.
