Episode 278: The Radical Neurodivergent Act of Stopping Before You’re Exhausted - Patricia Young

Patricia (she/her) shares what it’s like when life is actually calm. Without drama or big stories to tell, she reflects on learning to honor her energy limits. Patricia talks about pacing physical activity, noticing the urge to push past fatigue, and practicing self-compassion when her body needs rest. She also shares everyday moments—from kayaking at sunrise to navigating workouts and dog walks—while exploring what it means for autistic and neurodivergent people to find the “sweet spot” between doing enough and doing too much.

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE

Sometimes life is peaceful and stable—and that can make content creation surprisingly hard.
Many creatives and neurodivergent people are used to generating insight during moments of stress or conflict.
Learning to honor calm periods can be a form of nervous system healing.
Patricia reflects on getting back into kayaking and being on the water, which brings joy and grounding.
Physical energy levels can change over time, especially with chronic illness or post-exertional malaise.
Pacing physical activity is an ongoing learning process.
The urge to “do just one more thing” can push the body past its limits.
Choosing to stop while still feeling okay can prevent a crash later.
Post-exertional malaise (PEM) can cause significant fatigue after physical or cognitive exertion.
Some autistic and neurodivergent people experience PEM, especially with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) or related conditions.
Finding the sweet spot between movement and rest is an ongoing experiment.
Overexertion can lead to days of fatigue that disrupt daily functioning.
Practicing restraint—doing less than your maximum—can actually support long-term wellbeing.
Asking for help, like getting assistance with moving a kayak, is part of sustainable energy management.
Even small tasks can become energy-intensive when managing chronic fatigue.
Devices and metrics (like watches and headphones) can sometimes create frustration rather than helpful feedback.
Everyday moments—like figuring out how to climb out of a pool—can become humorous reflections on aging and energy limits.
Patricia shares updates about family, travel plans, and caring for pets while balancing energy.
OCD thoughts still pop up, but she practices noticing and naming them rather than getting pulled into them.
Life doesn’t always need drama to be meaningful—sometimes calm and connection are enough.

SOUND BITES

“I create my best content when there’s drama—but I don’t actually want any drama.”
“Everything is going really well right now… and I just don’t have a lot to talk about.”
“I’m really practicing holding back a little so there’s something left in the tank.”
“It’s that balance—enough stimulation but not too much, enough movement but not too much.”

SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT’S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED

You are not broken. You were shaped by systems that weren’t built for you. You deserve rest, joy, and support exactly as you are.

PODCAST HOST

Patricia Young (she/her) was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it’s like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller. Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion. She created the podcasts Unapologetically Sensitive and Unapologetically AuDHD to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren’t alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges. Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you

Patricia’s website, podcast episodes and more: www.unapologeticallysensitive.com

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE

SOUND BITES

SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT’S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED

PODCAST HOST

LINKS