Firstly quick apologies for being missing from my blog recently, I had to take some time away due to having a broken laptop but I have myself a new shiny laptop now which I love and means I can be writing as much as I want again.
Recently there has been a few changes in my life, I have a new job and it’s a new pub I work in now so with that things are changing and getting figured out as needed, with this as well means things like how I get to and from work has changed well, since it’s more local I usually drive or walk instead of bus into the city centre. With changing jobs means there is people who are new to my life like new work team that I am getting to know. In general lots of new but positive changes however I am still autistic and struggle deeply with changes and transitions. Here are a few steps I am doing to help me deal with all of these changes and new things in my life to reduce risk of me having a meltdown or ending up in burnout.
Taking all the alone time my body needs. Yes this does mean I am spending alot of alone time in my bedroom around my work hours and days. This alone time is important for me to recharge and needed so I can use my energy to function at my new job. While alone I may be watching comfort shows or gaming on my switch or some form of comfort hobby that doesn’t require my brain to work hard or have too many demands.
Sleeping when I can. Yes along with extra alone time I am also prioritising extra sleep. It’s not easy to make sure I do sleep as I am working closes and generally get home after midnight, and try to sleep in through the morning or have naps on my days off.
Making time for fun things to give positive things to look forward to. For me this is a week today I going round my friend’s house to game, chill, and some pamper/skincare day. A fun positive but low spoon energy activity for both of us after a long week of work and hectic life.
Keeping my safe foods well stocked. For me right now these are birds eyes chicken burgers and Chicago deep dish frozen pizzas. When I get overwhelmed the first thing for me to stop doing is not to eat, or forgetting to eat. When I forget to eat I then get hangry and it makes me even more mentally drained and can easily be factor leading me to a meltdown. Having a safe food always available and ones that are easy to prepare and don’t take much time or mental energy, even better.
Keeping my safe safe clean and organised. In a crazy busy world and there is so many things I cannot control or demands of me socially and sensory wise making sure my safe space which is my bedroom, always feel controlled, organised and clean definitely helps me feel like I am in control of something. This allows me to be able to relax and fully unmask in my own safe space as this is my space that none else is allowed to control or enter.
Making sure my comfort clothing is always clean and available. This goes along with having a clean and safe space, as even though my new work uniform is literally plain black tee shirt and whatever I want, which usually is my comfy baggy jeans and trainers and fidget jewellery. Making sure my pj bottoms and my oversized tee shirt or soft grey hoodie is always clean and smells of my safe washing scent, and is easy to grab as soon as I get in the house and easy to access as soon as I am home from anywhere is very important so I always have those comfort items ready to be used.
Those are a few of the things I do to help me adjust with changes and big transitions in my life to hopefully avoid meltdowns and burnout mode. What are some things my fellow autistic readers do that help you with dealing change and new things-tell me in the comments and we can chat about them 🙂
