Will Your Neurodivergent Brain Let You Take a Break?

As we approach the festive season, there’s a natural push to slow down, reflect, and recognise our achievements over the past year. It’s also a time to rest — to switch off from the pressures of work and allow our minds and bodies to recharge. Many of us hear the phrase, “That’s a January problem,” encouraging us to leave certain tasks behind until the new year.

But for those of us with neurodivergent minds — whether it’s dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or other forms of neurodivergence — this idea of "switching off" isn’t so simple. Our brains aren't always willing to stop. In some cases, they shift into overdrive, filling the void of downtime with a flurry of ideas, thoughts, and what-ifs. For some, this can result in burnout. For others, it sparks a new wave of hyper-focus.

This concept has been on my mind a lot lately. As I plan for the upcoming festive break, I’m trying to give myself permission to truly rest. I’m telling myself to put certain projects on hold and embrace the mindset of “That’s a January problem.” But as a neurodivergent individual, I know it’s not always that straightforward.

When I stop, my mind doesn’t always follow suit. New ideas start flooding in, and with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI), I’m able to bring those ideas to life far more quickly than ever before. While this is exciting, it can also be problematic. AI accelerates the process from idea to action, leaving little room to pause, reflect, or fully rest. It’s as if having access to a toolbox of instant creation removes any natural barrier that would have once slowed down the process.

This constant cycle of action and creation links to something I’ve been reflecting on recently — the role of procrastination. While procrastination is often seen negatively, I’m beginning to recognise its hidden benefits. For many neurodivergent people, procrastination isn't about laziness — it’s a way of mentally stepping back, giving the mind space to recalibrate. This unstructured time can actually lead to new perspectives, creative problem-solving, and that vital mental reset.

Another important concept I’ve been exploring is resilience. It’s a term often associated with "grit" and "pushing through adversity," but I think there’s more to it than that. For those of us with neurodivergent minds, resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges. It’s about learning how to manage the mental overload that comes with ideas, hyper-focus, and burnout. Resilience involves recognising when to stop, knowing how to stop, and, most importantly, feeling OK about stopping.

I’m learning that rest isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a strategy. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and acknowledge that stopping is part of the process, not a disruption of it. For those with neurodivergent minds, that can be one of the most challenging mental shifts to make. The guilt associated with resting is real. There’s a tendency to feel like stopping means "falling behind" or "wasting time." But if we look at it differently, stopping is not an absence of progress — it’s part of it.

Reflection

As we approach the festive season, it’s worth asking yourself: Can I let myself stop? If you have a neurodivergent mind, this might feel unnatural. But perhaps it’s not about "stopping" entirely. Instead, it might be about finding new ways to rest. Can you embrace procrastination as a tool for creative thinking? Can you allow hyper-focus to shift from work to something enjoyable? Can you listen to your body and mind and respond accordingly, without guilt?

Rest doesn’t have to look like doing nothing. For some, it’s about finding joy in a hobby, a passion project, or an activity that feels fulfilling. For others, it’s about embracing quiet stillness. The key is to redefine rest in a way that works for your brain.

So, as we head into the festive break, think about how you can rest in a way that works for you. Reflect on the past 12 months, acknowledge your achievements, and give yourself permission to pause. Listen to your mind, your heart, and your body. And remember — sometimes the most productive thing you can do is to stop, breathe, and remind yourself that “That’s a January problem.”

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