this post was submitted on 03 Mar 2026
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Autism

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[โ€“] AbsolutelyNotAVelociraptor@piefed.social 21 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I... have been there. Now I have learned to spilt plans (or days) into parts separated by well established checkpoints. If something goes wrong, I just need to survive to the next checkpoint where the plan "restarts" and it makes things way more bearable.

My solution has been to use time blocks and checkboxes. I have a plan for every single day, including occasional chores and water intake (because I forget to drink most of the time). I don't assign any time except for wake-up time and bedtime. My time blocks are titled "morning," "deep work," "movement," "chores," and "evening."

I use the Pomodoro method for deep work and just assign how many sessions I do, instead of the length of time, and force myself to take breaks to avoid burnout (I tend to struggle with letting go of a task before it's finished). I also use timers to help with other tasks, say no more than 15 minutes for chores or getting ready for the day.

I used to plan out very detailed schedules and get overwhelmed and frustrated when I inevitably didn't follow that routine precisely. I used to have meltdowns over doing a task a few minutes later than planned. I now allow myself to take as much time as I want, as long as I have around 80% of the checkboxes marked as done by the end of the day. I also repeat positive affirmations and journal at least 1 win every day to keep myself from criticising myself over minor details like not vacuuming that day.

This way, I don't have to focus on little details of my day and when, but on what needs to be done. I can mix up my time blocks however I want; what matters is that they get done. I've recently started this system of setting 3 goals for every 4 or so weeks, then breaking down those big goals into smaller actions, and then plan out gradual progress towards those goals each week (e.g. if my goal is to drink 1.3L of water, I work my way up each week). And every Sunday night, I plan out every day of the week, including my sample day (breakfast, shower, dinner, etc) and the goals (e.g. drinking 1 glass between blocks, going outside for a few minutes, occasional chores, etc) using time blocks. I know it seems like a lot of work and hyperfixation, but it's been saving me a lot of stress lately.

So if you're confused, my day typically looks like this:

  1. Morning
  • wake up at 07:30
  • read positive affirmations, stretch, meditate, etc.
  • have breakfast and 1 glass of water
  • brush teeth, cleanse face, get ready
  1. Deep Work
  • 2-4 Pomodoro sessions
  • 1 Pomodoro for goals
  • 1 Pomodoro for language learning
  • 1 glass of water
  1. Movement
  • posture stretching
  • exercise, depending on the day (walking, workout, cycling, etc)
  • 1 glass of water
  1. Cleaning
  • daily chores (dishes, wipe counters, quick vacuum, make the bed)
  • occasional chores (mop the floor, laundry, dust, etc)
  • 1 glass of water
  1. Evening
  • cook and have dinner
  • place medication nearby
  • have 1 glass of water
  • shower (and shave or wash hair if needed)
  • brush teeth, cleanse face, overnight haircare, etc.
  • turn off screens, hobbies, etc.
  • journal, plan the next day, relax, meditate, take medication, etc.
  • sleep at 22:30