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When Chaos Feels Like the Default: A Neurospicy Mom’s Survival Guide

Writer's picture: A. Lynn FairrowA. Lynn Fairrow


Does This Sound Familiar?


You wake up tired because sleep never feels like enough. Before you’ve even had a chance to sip your coffee, someone’s already asking you for snacks, help, or answers to questions you don’t have time to think about. The house feels too loud, the day feels too short, and your to-do list feels like a personal attack.


And that’s just a regular Tuesday.


If this sounds familiar, welcome—you’re in the right place. Being a neurospicy mom (neurodivergent + spicy in all the best ways) isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s sensory overload meets executive dysfunction, wrapped up in a package that loves deeply but burns out fast. You’re not alone in this, and there’s a way to get through it.

This isn’t about fixing you—it’s about creating a life that works for you. Let’s dive into how you can start thriving in the chaos.


1. Stop Trying to Be "Normal"—It’s Overrated Anyway

Neurospicy brains don’t thrive in traditional systems. Whether it’s trying to use a rigid planner, stick to meal prep, or follow a cleaning schedule, it often feels like setting yourself up for failure. But guess what? You weren’t built for “normal.”


Try This Instead:

  • Set Flexible Goals: Instead of “clean the house,” aim for “tidy for 10 minutes.”

  • Work With Your Energy Cycles: Plan high-energy tasks when you’re naturally alert and save low-energy activities for when you need to coast.

  • Ditch Comparison: Stop measuring yourself against neurotypical moms. You’re playing a different game, and that’s okay.

Mantra: “My way is valid. My pace is perfect for me.”

2. Embrace the Beauty of Controlled Chaos

Your brain might love spontaneity but struggle with structure. That’s why it’s key to create systems that offer just enough control without boxing you in.


Quick Wins for Controlled Chaos:

  • The Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it now. This keeps the clutter (physical or mental) from piling up.

  • Brain Dumps: Every morning or evening, write down everything floating in your head, then prioritize the top three things.

  • Timers for Focus: Whether you’re wrangling laundry or writing an email, set a timer for 15 minutes and go all in. Stop when it dings.

Pro Tip: Organize your day like a buffet. Pick what you have the energy for and leave the rest for tomorrow.

3. Sensory Overload Is Real—Protect Your Peace

The world feels louder, brighter, and busier for neurospicy moms, and it’s not something you can just “push through.” Protecting your sensory boundaries is essential to surviving (and enjoying) your day.

How to Build a Sensory Buffer:

  • Limit Sensory Input: Noise-canceling headphones, soft lighting, and low-volume environments are your best friends.

  • Ground Yourself in Nature: A 5-minute walk outside can help reset your nervous system.

  • De-Clutter Your Hot Zones: Choose one spot in your house (like your bedroom or living room) to keep as clutter-free and peaceful as possible.

Mantra: “I deserve a space that feels calm and safe.”

4. Self-Care Is Not Selfish—It’s Survival

We hear it all the time, but for neurospicy moms, self-care isn’t just bubble baths and spa days—it’s meeting your basic needs first.

Redefine Self-Care:

  • Hydration and Snacks: Keep a water bottle and easy snacks nearby at all times. Hangry + overstimulated is a recipe for disaster.

  • Micromoments of Joy: Sip your favorite drink, listen to a song you love, or step outside and feel the sun on your face.

  • Rest Without Guilt: Lay down for 5 minutes, even if it’s in the middle of chaos. Your body and mind will thank you.

Mantra: “When I care for myself, I care for my family.”

5. Ask for Help—You Deserve It

Supermom is a myth. Trying to do it all only leads to frustration, burnout, and resentment. The hardest (but most freeing) lesson is learning to ask for help.

Ways to Delegate and Simplify:

  • Involve Your Family: Even young kids can help with small tasks. Make it fun instead of a chore.

  • Outsource What You Can: Grocery delivery, meal kits, or even a cleaning service once a month can be a game-changer.

  • Lean on Your Village: Friends and family often want to help but don’t know how. Be specific about what you need.

Mantra: “I am not a failure for asking for support—I am human.”

6. Celebrate the Chaos—It’s Part of the Journey

Your life may not look like the polished Instagram feeds of neurotypical moms, but that’s what makes it uniquely yours. The chaos is where the magic happens—it’s in the loud laughs, the messes that tell a story, and the love that holds it all together.


How to Celebrate Your Life as It Is:

  • Write down one moment from today that made you smile.

  • Reflect on a time when you overcame something that felt impossible.

  • Remind yourself: This season won’t last forever, and you’re doing better than you think.


You’re Already Winning

You don’t need to be fixed, mama. You’re not broken. You’re doing the best you can with the beautiful, spicy brain you’ve got, and that’s more than enough.


Start with one small step today—whether it’s drinking a glass of water, setting a 10-minute timer, or letting yourself rest without guilt. You deserve to feel joy, balance, and peace, even amidst the chaos.

You’ve got this.


Ready to take the next step? Check out our 30-Day Self-Care Journal for NeuroSpicy Moms—your guide to reclaiming balance, joy, and YOU.

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