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Mom Life with a Messy Brain: My Favorite Sanity Savers
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items Being a mom of four with ADHD and autism means my brain is always doing too much - or nothing at all. These are the tools, tricks, and little miracles that help me keep the house semi-functional, remember what planet I'm on, and make it through the day with less chaos. None of this is Pinterest-perfect but it works for me.
When I forget to defrost dinner (again), tis saves me. Toss in frozen chicken, press a button, and boom - meals that make it look like I planned ahead. Perfect for executive dysfunction cooking.
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Cooker, 6 Qt
Yes, I know the instapot has an air fryer setting, but that's too much for me. When chicken nuggets or fries are on the menu - my air fryer is the hero. Set the temp and the time and I don't have to worry about forgetting the oven on or not hearing the beeper. Throw in some washable liners and its easy dinner, easy cleanup!
Ninja 4-in-1 Air Fryer, 4 QT, Grey, AF101
Love the air fryer, hate the mess. I tried disposable liners but prefer less trash. Went with silicone ones and love them. Toss in dishwasher (top rack), use, repeat. Way less mess. The clean ones sit on top of the fryer for easy use. Make sure you read specs to get the ones that fit your air fryer.
3 Pack Air Fryer Silicone Liners 8inch
I write down the dinner plan, to-dos or even “DON'T FORGET KID” (whichever kid I need to not forget that day) because otherwise I will, It's front and center, no app opening required, and most of the time my brain actually sees it.
HOMiDEK Magnetic Dry Erase Board 12x8
I make a basket of grab-and-go snacks that don't require thinking, prep, or decision making. (Think: protein bars, trail mix, applesauce pouches). Makes it easy when I have to keep my AHDH kid from forgetting to eat and feeds the rest of us when we are hungry on the fly.
Snack Bins
I have a few go-to outfit combos that are comfy and don't make me think too hard. Betabrand pants (with the pockets) make getting dressed for work easy. I own at least 3 pairs of the black. Takes the decision fatigue out of getting dressed. Black pants, a shirt, and a black cardigan or blazer looks put together even when I'm not.
DPYP - Betabrand
Are you over-stimulated or just dehydrated? It's always good to keep bottled water on hand (I need Spring Water, not tap or drinking - my taste buds demand it) just to be sure if the reason you are feeling icky is really sensory overload and not just lack of water.
Bottled Spring Water
Keys, sunglasses, mail, permission slips - everything gets dumped somewhere, and at least if its by the door you can find it. And these look so stylish! No more searching for keys!
Key Shelf
For the nights when even the Instant Pot feels like too much. I keep a few freezer meals (homemade or store-bought) or pantry kits (like boxed soup + crackers + fruit) for zero effort dinners. Frozen lasagna is a favorite.
Make Ahead Freezer Meals for a month - Happy Money Saver
Instead of running around trying to put everything away all the time, I have a basket where random stuff can just land. I deal with it when I have the energy. (Or I don't. And that's fine too.)
Entryway Catchall
Washing dishes is my nemesis. I always thought this dishwasher spray was just a gimmick to get more money. One of my kids bought it and its a game changer. It really does work wonders, and works them fast! I still don't like doing dishes, but this really does make it easier.
Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray
I started off with just a single red-light lightbulb. Then I moved to a larger red-light on its own stand. Sitting in the recliner was like a day at the beach. A time-out for my body and soul. But I hated having to do 20 minutes on my face, 20 minutes on my middle, then 20 minutes on whatever other body part needed red light therapy. Now it's 20 minutes front and 20 minutes back. And my body loves me for it.
Double Pulses Red Light Therapy Mat 71.4"x33"
I rarely drink soda, but when I do I could never find one, and moving all the condiments was just too much. Having a can organizer in my fridge lets me see what I have in a jiffy so if I'm reeling and in need of a soda I can find a cold one fast.
Can Organizer For Refrigerator