This idea stems from my inability to begin tasks when I actually do have time to do them. My mind goes blank and all I end up doom-scrolling for hours instead of literally anything productive. Whilst scrolling, haha, I saw a TikTok video for neurodivergent folks with trouble remembering or having the ability to eat/prepare food. The idea was to keep a tray of zero prep items that you know you will actually eat in the fridge at all times. This list is my “tray” of tasks, I can choose which I would like to take a bite of (ie what I feel is manageable) at that time without having to think of which tasks I should be working on. These are those things that I think of when I am super busy and say to myself “Gee, self, I sure wish I had time to do this thing.” Or the things that I put off first when things get busy, as life does with kids and jobs and such.
For neurospicy folks, the mentality of this list offers more grace than a traditional to-do list. And we need all the grace. I mixed in basic self care/hygeine tasks (in case I’ve forgotten to do them recently), household management tasks that always exist/can be worked on, and fun things I want to do. They are intentionally not numbered as it is not more important to work on one thing than another, it is a motivational list meant to be a jumping off point. Ideally these are tasks that help future me be more functional. I keep it in one of the notes pages in my planner.
Without further ado… the list of things to do when I have the time but forget what I should be doing. Make your own list based off of basic tasks you think of that have a lot of impact when done.
- Fold Laundry – I do ok washing and drying laundry, but it tends to live in laundry baskets. It’s a nice boost to have empty laundry baskets.
- Match Socks – I always save this for last, which means it doesn’t get done until everyone is out of socks.
- Wash make up brushes – I know I’m not the only one that doesn’t do this every day, but it needs doing.
- Organize skin care products – They get a little unruly, I am currently trying to organize them by which part of my skincare routine they fall under. I’m trying to trick my brain into using them every day.
- Purge expired/unused make-up and skin care products – They also tend to accumulate, especially during depressive periods when I don’t wear make up or do even basic skincare.
- Pick up kids’ bedroom – ya’ll. I can’t keep up, but picking up even a little in their bedroom is good for my sanity and their ability to actually play with their things.
- Consider what the next meal is going to be – I sometimes forget I need to eat. I sometimes forget my family needs to eat. This little reminder is helpful.
- Prep for that meal – boom, next level. This makes it easier when things inevitably get crazy in the afternoon/early evening.
- Does anything need to go to storage? Clearing the clutter helps clear our minds.
- Does anything need donated? So. Many. Things.
- Take Trash out – if the bag isn’t full, walk around the house and fill it, then take it out.
- Read a book – yes the one you’ve been waiting to read.
- Shower – Such an amazing pick me up, this can be so big.
- Watch a grown up show or movie – give it undivided attention
- wash hair
- shave
- face mask
- clean out car – one of those object permanence issues. I forget my car exists until I am in it.
- Nap without guilt – this one is so hard, and I love naps so much, but oh the mom guilt
- Clean the floors – it is amazing how much cleaner everything looks with clean floors.
