As the year edges towards the Winter Solstice, nature slows right down. Trees draw their energy deep into their roots. Animals curl into their burrows. Even the sea seems to pause between tides. Yet many of us, especially those who are neurodivergent or living with ADHD or autism, feel an inner conflict at this time of year — an urge to rest, tangled with pressure to stay productive.

December sparkles brightly, but for many neurodivergent people, it also carries hidden strain. The crowds, noise, pressure, and social expectations can leave ADHD, AuDHD, autistic, and chronically fatigued minds feeling depleted long before the new year begins.

Burnout rarely arrives suddenly. It creeps in quietly through overwork, overstimulation, and disconnection from rest. In my nature-based ADHD coaching and neurodivergent coaching work along the coast in Southend-on-Sea in Essex, I say to clients to think of burnout prevention as tending the soil before it dries out. These are the tools that help me and my clients stay steady, nourished, and connected.

There comes a time when the soil beneath your feet begins to dry, when the body tightens and joy fades quietly into fatigue. That is often how burnout begins for neurodivergent adults living with ADHD, autism, or chronic fatigue. Through my nature-based ADHD coaching and burnout recovery work, I have learned that the key is noticing the whispers before the crash and responding with gentleness rather than guilt.

When I think of St John’s Wort, I think of bottled sunshine. Its bright yellow flowers bloom at the height of summer, and working with it often feels like inviting a little extra light into our bodies and homes. This plant has been loved for centuries, both for its medicinal properties and its folklore, and today I want to explore how it might be supportive for those of us navigating life with chronic illness, low energy, or neurodivergence.

Each year, when daylight shortens and the clocks change, I feel my energy dip. Mornings arrive in shadow and afternoons fade too fast. For many neurodivergent adults, especially those who are AuDHD, ADHD, autism, or have chronic illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), winter brings a subtle heaviness that affects both body and mood.

At Earth Coaching®, I’m always looking for simple yet powerful tools that support neurodivergent and chronically ill folks in navigating overwhelm, brain fog, and that persistent feeling of being stuck. One such tool is body doubling - a straightforward method that invites presence, connection, and momentum.

Yarrow offers more than battlefield bravery. It meets us where we are, not demanding we “push through” or perform strength in ways the world often expects, but instead wrapping us in a quieter form of resilience. Its feathery leaves remind us that softness can also be protective, and its ability to both still and stimulate shows us that healing is rarely linear, but layered and complex. Yarrow teaches that we can be both vulnerable and powerful, both tender and unyielding, without needing to choose between them.

In today’s fast-paced world, feeling overwhelmed is all too common, especially for those of us who are neurodivergent or living with chronic illnesses. Whether you’re dealing with stress, burnout, fatigue, or just need a moment of calm, tapping into your senses can be a powerful way to self-soothe and manage your ADHD, AuDHD or autistic brain. At Earth Coaching®, we believe in the healing power of nature and the importance of working with both the mind and body. You can use each of your five senses to find peace, tranquility, and balance—whether you’re looking to calm down or satisfy sensory seeking needs.

Navigating the healthcare system can be daunting, especially if you are neurodivergent (e.g. have ADHD, AuDHD, or are autistic) or have a chronic illness (like CFS or Long Covid) that causes brain fog or delayed processing. Whether you're visiting a doctor's surgery, attending a hospital appointment, or having a benefits assessment regarding your health (such as PIP), advocating for yourself is crucial to ensure you receive the care and support you need. Here are some practical strategies and tips to help you effectively advocate for yourself in medical settings.

Skullcap is a versatile and calming herb that offers support for stress, anxiety, and muscle tension. It may also be useful for people who struggle with sleep or feel emotionally drained. While it’s not a replacement for medical treatment, it can be a helpful companion when used safely and mindfully.

Rosemary is a simple and practical herb that may help with energy, mood and focus, especially for people who are neurodivergent or chronically ill. It’s not a cure, but it can be a helpful part of your support toolkit for ADHD, stress, or ME/CFS. You don’t need to use a lot – even a small amount, used regularly, may make a difference.

If you're self-employed or employed and living with a chronic illness, ADHD, autism, or any condition that affects how you work—diagnosed or not—you might be eligible for support through the Access to Work scheme. This government-funded programme offers practical help so you can manage your condition and thrive in your role—whether that’s building your own business or working for someone else.

Nervous system regulation plays a crucial role in managing chronic fatigue, chronic illnesses, ADHD, and autism. Chronic illnesses often involve dysregulation of the nervous system, leading to increased stress and fatigue. By understanding and balancing the autonomic nervous system (ANS), individuals can reduce stress, improve energy levels, and enhance overall wellbeing.

We all have those mundane tasks that we dread—whether it's doing the laundry, organising paperwork, or completing daily chores. For those of us who are autistic or have ADHD, AuDHD, or dyslexia, staying motivated to tackle these tasks can be even more challenging. That's where gamification comes in.

Winter can feel overwhelming with its shorter days, grey skies, and biting cold. For many, it brings Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to seasonal changes. If you're neurodivergent or living with a chronic illness, managing SAD can feel especially challenging.

This guide explores what SAD is, how and why it impacts ADHD, autism, AuDHD and chronic illness more intensely, and natural strategies to lighten its effects.

In a world that often prioritises traditional career paths, portfolio work stands out as a flexible and empowering alternative, especially for neurodivergent and chronically ill individuals. Lots of my clients start their sessions with me seeking to change career paths or wanting to start their own business. But what exactly is portfolio work, and how can it benefit those who seek a more adaptable and fulfilling professional life?

Rejection or perceived rejection often leads to intense emotional responses, making it challenging to navigate everyday interactions. However, there are practical strategies that can help you self-soothe and manage these feelings effectively.

Low self-esteem is common, particularly for us neurodivergents who think and behave in ways that are not perceived by neurotypicals as ‘the norm’, and it can develop into chronically low self-esteem or self-hatred. Overcoming self-hatred is a challenging and deeply personal journey, and affirmations can be a powerful tool. Affirmations work by reshaping negative thought patterns and fostering a more positive and compassionate self-perception. Here are some examples…

Do you feel overwhelmed and unable to declutter but know it is the key to improving your home and working environment? Autistic folks and those with AuDHD, ADHD or dyslexia navigate a world that can often be overwhelming, particularly due to the surrounding environment. Among our various challenges, sensory overwhelm stands out as a significant hurdle. Clutter can affect autistic, ADHD and AuDHD folks, intensifying sensory overload and fatigue, and disrupting daily functioning.