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neurodiversity

    5 Tips for Navigating Chronic Illness With Executive Function Challenges
    Chronic IllnessGeneral Wellness

    5 Tips for Navigating Chronic Illness With Executive Function Challenges

    by Ariela Paulsen April 7, 2022April 7, 2022
    written by Ariela Paulsen

    I taught for years in alternative schools and found that too often the students found themselves in my programs because their needs were simply not being met in school.  For many, it was because they didn’t quite know what their needs even were.  Some were on the cusp of a medical diagnosis, were working through mental health challenges, or were housing-insecure and just couldn’t focus on school with everything going on.  Most of these students, for one reason or another, struggled with executive functioning.

    Executive Function (EF) skills are not often taught explicitly in school the way we teach reading, math, or the scientific method.  EF skills are things like self-regulation, memory, organization, and time management.  They are crucial for school success, but even more so for adult life.  Some of us pick up these skills innately or learn them through watching adults in our lives who use them successfully.  But for many, underdeveloped EF skills are a significant barrier in life. 

    I have obviously seen these barriers in my work as a teacher, but it has also played a tremendous role in my work with the chronic illness community.  This aspect of neurodiversity is complicated, but there are a number of common reasons someone might not have great EF skills.  ADHD and ASD tend to come with EF challenges.  High levels of stress can also affect this part of the brain; I’m sure we’ve all noticed when times get tough that our memory, focus, and ability to think through complicated situations go out the window.  Overwhelm, lack of sleep, and pain can also have these effects.  It is then unsurprising that those of us dealing with chronic illness would struggle with executive functioning.

    The catch-22 is that EF skills are crucial to managing chronic illness.  Taking medications on time, keeping track of doctor visits, sticking to a medically-necessary diet, remembering to do PT, creating a self care plan… these seemingly small speed bumps on our road to wellness can easily derail us if we don’t have strong EF skills.

    Whether you have diagnosed neurodivergence or are just foggy and overwhelmed, here are a few tips to help build EF skills:

    1. identify the barriers

    As always, the first step is naming the problem.  Take a minute to reflect – where are you struggling?  Are you not able to control your emotions or impulses?  Does starting a task feel impossible and sustaining focus is a joke?  Do you lose track of time and miss important meetings or just lose track of your keys and medications?  Whichever EF skills you struggle with, write them down and take a minute to reflect – which ones are impacting your life the most?  Which ones feel like “low-hanging fruit” that you could see positive change most quickly?  Identify one to start working on.  No need to further overwhelm yourself by trying to fix everything at once!  

    2. learn more

    Yes, this one might be tricky if you’re already struggling to balance your life.  But if you do have time and energy (and brain space) to look into executive function at all, you may find it enlightening!  Not only does it feel validating to read about something you’ve always found challenging and learn that you are far from alone, but many EF skills have simple tips and tricks that can bust you out of your funk.  For example, if you have trouble starting things, try setting a timer for five minutes and simply see how much you can get done in that time.  This lowers your expectation of what you hope to accomplish and often this results in reducing your overwhelm enough to actually get going.

    Because EF challenges are so common, there are a wealth of learning opportunities.  Check out online hubs, helpful books, or sign up for a group or coach to get you going.  Fight back any embarrassment or stigma you may feel and remember that what you’re struggling with is extremely common!

    More tips for making positive habits here.

    3. use tools

    Just as there are plenty of learning opportunities for EF skills, there are also ample tools available.  Sticky notes and planners can help with memory and planning.  Timers, reminders, and alarms can help you get started, manage your time, and sustain focus or motivation.  The right backpacks, furniture, and other organizers can help you keep track of your items.  Something as simple as music can be a gamechanger – listen to pump-up tunes when doing boring tasks and find a focus playlist you like for getting work done.  Whatever EF challenges you face, there’s probably an app for that – here are some favorites for organization, self-regulation, time-management, memory…  We often feel the need to do these things on our own, but it can make a world of difference to let a tool carry the weight of making a change for you. 

    Check out our Brain Fog Fix planner here!

    4. care for your brain

    Creating new habits rewires your brain for positive change.  This work is worth it for the payoff, but anything you can do to grease the wheels will lighten the load!  Getting more (and better) sleep, meditating, eating nourishing foods, and adding in some movement or exercise each day can go a long way.  Taking steps to lower stress and increase mental health are also important.  This could look like taking time for self care, having a friend or counselor to talk through stressful parts of your life, or getting out into nature.

    For some of us, EF challenges are solely caused by brain fatigue or emotional stress.  In those cases, caring for your brain and mental health may be the only step needed to get back on track!

    Check out more tips for your brain here.

    5. accountability and self-love

    Making change on your own is tough!  It can help to have someone in your corner acting as a source of accountability.  Consider sharing your goals with a trusted friend or loved one. They can remind you along the way and point out your successes.  Be sure to communicate clearly and openly – they are there for accountability, not nagging!  If it starts to feel that way, talk it out and see if a different type of support would be more helpful.

    More on asking for support here.

    Unfortunately, we live in a world that adds shame and stigma to EF challenges.  Showing up late or having a messy house can make us feel like bad people, somehow worthy of being judged.  Remember that this is just a social construct!  There is nothing morally wrong with not having been taught these skills.  It is not your fault or anything you should feel ashamed of!  So try to give yourself grace in the moments when you do struggle.  Having this self-love is crucial to success and to maintaining a positive relationship with your accountability supporters.  If you feel yourself starting to feel shame or embarrassment, talk it through with someone.  The best way to dispel shame is by giving it voice to someone trusted.

    More on how to find self-love here.

    We hope you find these tips helpful!  If you are looking for a community of other foggy and fumbling folks who’ve been there and can cheer you on, check out our Friends in the Fight facebook group!

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  • Sensory Friendly: 3 reasons we love the Mighty Well Mask!

    by Ariela Paulsen September 17, 2020June 2, 2021

    Wearing masks has become a social expectation and, in some places, a government mandate.  More than this, it is still…

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  • Celebrating Our Diverse Brains: Rebecca Wexler

    by Ariela Paulsen September 14, 2020September 14, 2020

    This week, we are learning about neurodiversity in our community. We got to chat with Rebecca, a nurse, mother, and…

    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

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One positive that came out of the pandemic was tha One positive that came out of the pandemic was that many of us were able to have flexible working arrangements. As more states lift restrictions, heading back to work after months of working from home can be a huge adjustment for so many of us. Allowing time in our schedules for commuting, brushing up on our social skills, and making sure to have access to our medical supplies are just a few things we need to prepare for.

📸 Mighty Well ambassador @ameliablackwater headed back to the classroom last week and is working on finding a happy balance of working, socializing, and finding time for herself. 

If you've returned to work, what was the hardest part about making the transition back? 
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Before you move forward always be sure to check th Before you move forward always be sure to check the price tag 💵
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Life is full of uncertainties. But there will alwa Life is full of uncertainties. But there will always be a sunrise after every sunset 🌅

"The only certainty in life is uncertainty. I challenge you to embrace it. Even if it's just for a bit" ~@kali_rarerootedwarrior ☺️

Featuring: The Mighty Pack & Undefeated Hat
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We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In fact, we couldn't have said it better ourselves 🤗 Chronic illness is filled with ups and downs and everyday will look a little different. Know that you're doing your best even on the days that you are flaring, in pain or fatigued. Remember that we are here to support you on the good days, the bad days and all the ones in between 💚 
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Going into a medical procedure is always a little Going into a medical procedure is always a little scary. The best way to minimize fear and anxiety is to go in as prepared as you can! If you are feeling nervous for an upcoming PICC line placement procedure, head to our latest blog (link in bio) for some confidence boosting tips so you can feel ready to go! 

📷 Friend in the Fight @zebrajemma loves her PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover. It keeps her PICC line in place without adhesives and is so comfortable 🤗
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You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened and  suddenly start talking and realize you don't know where the story is going...has this happened to anyone else lately 🙋‍♂️We've been there! Brain fog, perhaps the most universal aspect of illness, is exhausting. Cognitive disorders can be frustrating but take solace in knowing that you are not alone. We've all experienced that foggy feeling 🌫 and although it's not permanent, it can arrive quickly and definitely overstay its welcome. 

Looking for a little help getting the fog to lift? Our Brain Fog Fix Planner is more than just a reminder system. It includes space to track daily symptoms, hydration, thoughts and moments of gratitude amidst the daily challenges and is brought to you with input from our Friends in the Fight® Click the link in our bio to find out more. 
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We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first medical backpack designed by patients, for patients. Our backpack is perfect for wheelchair users, as it has multiple strap locations to allow for flexibility. Nobody needs to know that you are carrying or wearing your essential medical devices and supplies. As patients ourselves, this is a product that we wish we’d had! 💪💚 Best of all this can be purchased with most FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) Click on the photo to take a look inside the Mighty Pack. 

📹 We are all smiles over this video of Mighty Well ambassador @rebellious_story & her dog Sherlock 😍
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The school year is quickly coming to a close and w The school year is quickly coming to a close and we wanted to send a Mighty shout out to all the students who worked so hard this year despite the challenges of COVID 🙌 We know that it was a challenging year with limited in-person learning, social distancing, and the requirement of face masks. We are so proud of all of you and you should be too! 💚

📸 Featuring The Mighty Well Mask
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 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Pandemic #HomeSchool #Graduation #SocialDistancing
I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disa I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disabled — because you can’t put a boundary on being yourself ~@thedisabledhippie
 
Happy Pride Month to all of our Friends in the Fight in the LBGTQIA+ community 🏳️‍🌈
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One positive that came out of the pandemic was tha One positive that came out of the pandemic was that many of us were able to have flexible working arrangements. As more states lift restrictions, heading back to work after months of working from home can be a huge adjustment for so many of us. Allowing time in our schedules for commuting, brushing up on our social skills, and making sure to have access to our medical supplies are just a few things we need to prepare for.

📸 Mighty Well ambassador @ameliablackwater headed back to the classroom last week and is working on finding a happy balance of working, socializing, and finding time for herself. 

If you've returned to work, what was the hardest part about making the transition back? 
.
.

#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Autism #WFH #RemoteWork #Telecommute #MightyWellMask #Pandemic
Before you move forward always be sure to check th Before you move forward always be sure to check the price tag 💵
.
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Anxiety #Depression #PTSD
Life is full of uncertainties. But there will alwa Life is full of uncertainties. But there will always be a sunrise after every sunset 🌅

"The only certainty in life is uncertainty. I challenge you to embrace it. Even if it's just for a bit" ~@kali_rarerootedwarrior ☺️

Featuring: The Mighty Pack & Undefeated Hat
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Gastroparesis #EDS #MastCellDisease
We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In We really love this message from @lizandmollie. In fact, we couldn't have said it better ourselves 🤗 Chronic illness is filled with ups and downs and everyday will look a little different. Know that you're doing your best even on the days that you are flaring, in pain or fatigued. Remember that we are here to support you on the good days, the bad days and all the ones in between 💚 
. 
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #ChronicFatigue #MultipleSclerosis #Lupus #SickleCellAnemia #Endometriosis #POTS
Going into a medical procedure is always a little Going into a medical procedure is always a little scary. The best way to minimize fear and anxiety is to go in as prepared as you can! If you are feeling nervous for an upcoming PICC line placement procedure, head to our latest blog (link in bio) for some confidence boosting tips so you can feel ready to go! 

📷 Friend in the Fight @zebrajemma loves her PICCPerfect PICC Line Cover. It keeps her PICC line in place without adhesives and is so comfortable 🤗
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #IVIG
You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened You can hardly wait to tell everyone what happened and  suddenly start talking and realize you don't know where the story is going...has this happened to anyone else lately 🙋‍♂️We've been there! Brain fog, perhaps the most universal aspect of illness, is exhausting. Cognitive disorders can be frustrating but take solace in knowing that you are not alone. We've all experienced that foggy feeling 🌫 and although it's not permanent, it can arrive quickly and definitely overstay its welcome. 

Looking for a little help getting the fog to lift? Our Brain Fog Fix Planner is more than just a reminder system. It includes space to track daily symptoms, hydration, thoughts and moments of gratitude amidst the daily challenges and is brought to you with input from our Friends in the Fight® Click the link in our bio to find out more. 
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #BrainFog #ChronicFatigue #CognitiveDisorder
We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first We've got your back! Our Mighty Pack is the first medical backpack designed by patients, for patients. Our backpack is perfect for wheelchair users, as it has multiple strap locations to allow for flexibility. Nobody needs to know that you are carrying or wearing your essential medical devices and supplies. As patients ourselves, this is a product that we wish we’d had! 💪💚 Best of all this can be purchased with most FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) Click on the photo to take a look inside the Mighty Pack. 

📹 We are all smiles over this video of Mighty Well ambassador @rebellious_story & her dog Sherlock 😍
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #Community #Health #Wellness #ButYouDontLookSick #InvisibleIllness #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #ChronicIllnessWarrior #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #LivingwithChronicIllness #Crohns #InfusionPump #MedicalBackpack #DiabeticLife #Gastroparesis #EnteralNutrition #Wheelchair #Tubefeeding #MedicalSupplies #TubeFed
The school year is quickly coming to a close and w The school year is quickly coming to a close and we wanted to send a Mighty shout out to all the students who worked so hard this year despite the challenges of COVID 🙌 We know that it was a challenging year with limited in-person learning, social distancing, and the requirement of face masks. We are so proud of all of you and you should be too! 💚

📸 Featuring The Mighty Well Mask
.
.
 #MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #KeepFighting  #SupportSystem #PICC #PICCLine #Port #Pandemic #HomeSchool #Graduation #SocialDistancing
I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disa I’m proud to be trans and I’m proud to be disabled — because you can’t put a boundary on being yourself ~@thedisabledhippie
 
Happy Pride Month to all of our Friends in the Fight in the LBGTQIA+ community 🏳️‍🌈
.
.
#MightyWell #YouAreMighty #FriendsInTheFight #LiveMightyWell #Undefeated #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #LymeDisease #LymeWarrior #Spoonie #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #AdaptiveWear #Pride #LBGTQ #Transgender #LoveisLove #NonBinary #BiSexual #GayPride #Instalove
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