Running on Empty How ND Energy Actually Works - S01E26 cover art

Running on Empty How ND Energy Actually Works - S01E26

Running on Empty How ND Energy Actually Works - S01E26

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 Eps 26 - Running on empty: How ND energy actually works Most advice about energy assumes you wake up with the same capacity every day — the same motivation, resilience, and ability to push through. For neurodivergent people, that assumption just doesn’t hold. In this episode, we unpack what it really means to be “running on empty” as an ND person — why energy is variable by design, not a personal failing, and how pushing through works… right up until it doesn’t. We talk fluctuating capacity, energy debt, adrenaline traps, burnout warning signs, and the hidden cognitive load that drains us long before anyone else can see it. This is about reframing energy as something to manage, not override — pacing instead of consistency, rest as maintenance rather than reward, and learning to listen to the early signals before your system forces a shutdown. If you’ve ever wondered why some days you can do everything and other days sending one email feels impossible, this episode will help you make sense of it — without shame. Please share with anyone you think this topic might resonate with. Send any questions or suggestions to or contact us here: hosts@businessoddcast.com Don't forget to like and subscribe or follow along on the socials, see below timeline for details. Together we can build a healthier, happier way to work! ------------------------------------- TIMELINE 00:00:00 - Welcome & intro 00:00:40 - Topic: Running on Empty – How ND Energy Works 00:01:30 - Overview of challenges & key points 00:04:00 - The energy budget – avoid overdraw 00:04:30 - ND energy is inconsistent (by design) 00:05:55 - Hustle culture & Gary Vaynerchuk 00:10:50 - Energy- vs time-based planning 00:11:25 - HANNAH'S TANGENT 01 – Self-shame & mistakes 00:12:23 - Buffer time & energy debt 00:13:50 - Taxi driver “make hay” strategy 00:16:22 - Self-forgiveness, physiology & baths 00:17:24 - Background processes & cognitive overload 00:20:35 - Hannah’s cognitive overload confession 00:21:54 - Brownouts & overwhelm 00:25:13 - FSB & SiGNAL shout-out; sensory overwhelm example 00:26:40 - Processing delay, forms & decision fatigue 00:28:39 - alt_audhd – Erin Fung 00:29:29 - Stuart’s exam strategy; Yes/No pitfalls 00:33:52 - Burnout warning signs examples 00:34:24 - The adrenaline trap & being “absent” 00:38:56 - The “red rope” time boundary example 00:43:17 - Early burnout signs we ignore 00:43:39 - Sugar & dopamine 00:44:04 - Insomnia 00:44:28 - The task spiral 00:44:56 - Endless to-do list 00:45:15 - Unable to say no 00:45:33 - Constant apologising 00:46:07 - Anxiety hamster 00:47:10 - Forgetfulness 00:47:27 - Drifting off mid-conversation 00:48:04 - Focusing is draining 00:48:24 - Stress tics 00:49:21 - Self-directed anger 00:50:27 - Emotional cobbles 00:51:00 - Irrational panic 00:51:32 - Overreaction to small noises 00:52:23 - Emotional dysregulation 00:54:22 - Guilt loops 00:56:04 - HANNAH'S TANGENT 02 – Frenemies 00:57:00 - Rest is preparation, not reward 00:57:38 - Energy debt & sustainable living 00:59:35 - Burnout is cumulative 01:01:00 - Burnout signs & catastrophe song 01:02:10 - Withdrawal, brain fog & shutdown 01:05:22 - Supportive parents & partners 01:00:00 - Parenting ND children & school trauma 01:08:39 - Redefining balance & pacing 01:11:15 - Know your limits (not Superman) 01:13:20 - Adjust without self-criticism 01:15:05 - Takeaways & final thoughts 01:15:50 - Energy varies by design 01:16:09 - Energy vs time; candles analogy 01:17:23 - “Pushing through” isn’t sustainable 01:18:00 - Rest is maintenance & prep 01:18:29 - Share early burnout signs 01:18:56 - Cancel or postpone when energy is low 01:20:11 - Tips & guidance 01:20:31 - Harder tasks may signal energy leaks 01:20:49 - Adapt to changing conditions 01:21:15 - Rest before work; build reserves 01:22:27 - Don’t feel guilty for resting 01:23:22 - Brain fog or irritability = warning signs 01:24:42 - Low energy: triage priorities 01:25:25 - Acknowledge deficits & recover 01:28:21 - Listen to body, self & loved ones 01:29:20 - Final comments & goodbye 01:31:25 - Length ------------------------------------- RESOURCES Economics: Follow That Cab! A study of labor incentives may explain why it is hard to find a taxi in the rain https://paw.princeton.edu/article/economics-follow-cab? When to quit: Narrow bracketing and reference dependence in taxi drivers https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167268117302731? alt_audhd - Erin Fung: Fun, interesting and relatable ND Instragammer https://www.instagram.com/alt_audhd https://here2help.uk/further-information/ - Fab resource and amazing organisation raising awareness and support for autistic suicide prevention. https://bigmoosecharity.co - Emergency mental health support, Big Moose provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. https://businessoddcast.com/help - our range of resources for Neurodiverse business owners, helping you thrive, ...
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