If you’re neurodivergent like me, this is paradise to us.

I spend a lot of time thinking. I think a lot.

• Solving problems

• The future

• Work

• Family

A lot of things take place in my mental workshop. Honestly, it’s a circus.

The Challenge

And at times it’s a challenge staying focused. When a lot is going on, it’s difficult to think straight. One might appear:

• Absent-minded

• Not present

• On another planet

Because I’m thinking of something else. Lost in deep thought, where I’ve associated one thought with another thought and now I’m lost in my own universe.

When there are deadlines and deep work is required, this is the last thing I wanna experience.

Why Time & Space Matter

Us neurodivergents have a different operating system from the neurotypicals. I liken it to:

• iOS = neurodivergents

• Windows = neurotypicals

My brain craves time and space to:

• Solve problems

• Calm down from busyness

• Process things

I like and have to create environments that enable me to operate at my best, and that includes thinking clearly! Environments where there’s less “noise.”

My Strategies

So I might do the following to aid my mental clarity:

1) Go “missing” for a moment

When I’m in the office and things are a bit tense, be it noise, distraction, or sensory overload, I’ll pop into one of those meeting booths.

The lights are dimmer, and there is less noise. It’s easier to get stuck in and do some work.

Once I’m satisfied, I’m sharper and ready to tackle the next task.

2) Travel to work off-peak times

Check that your workplace allows flexible working

When commuting to the office, it’s important for me that I travel when the mode of transport is relatively quiet. I’m able to:

• Get a seat

• Think, and sometimes meditate, getting ready for the day ahead

I hope that I don’t stumble across a colleague or anyone that I know. As it kinda interrupts this ritual (Sorry!).

On the way back home is equally important. Winding down and reflecting on the day. Thinking about:

• What went well

• Learnings

So by the time I arrive home, I’m present for my family and I’ve left work at work. - -

• Physically and mentally

• Enabling me to switch off

3) Use noise-canceling headphones

When I can’t escape the noise, I put on my noise-canceling headphones. They block out the chaos, letting me focus on one thought at a time.

It’s like building a quiet bubble around my mental workshop, even in a busy space.

Final Thoughts

Those close to me know that I call this “gone to the mountains.”

This is where I clear my head, deep think, and my out-of-the-box thinking occurs.

These moments recharge me, letting me return sharper, ready for work, family, and life’s demands.

What do you do to find your mental clarity? Share your tips with me. I’d love to hear them!

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Lastly,

Stay Different,

The AuDHD Exec

Disclaimer: I am not your psychiatrist, coach, doctor. Neurodiverse Diary does not provide medical services or professional counselling and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Everything I publish represents my opinions, experience, not advice.