(Especially for Neurodivergent or Chronic Illness Writers)
The end of the month can feel like a deadline in itself: wrapping up goals, meeting commitments, planning ahead. For neurodivergent or chronically ill writers, that pressure can hit even harder. If you’re like me, you might find yourself pushing too hard, then crashing right as you’re supposed to start fresh.
Over time, I’ve learned that I don’t have to sprint to the finish line every month. Instead, I’ve created a gentle, sustainable way to slow down at month’s end to avoid burnout—and to start the new month with more clarity, creativity, and energy.
Here’s what that looks like for me:
1. I Embrace a “Soft Landing” Week
Instead of trying to do all the things in the final days, I give myself permission to wind down.
In fact, I often take the last few weeks of every month off from writing. Right now, I work in the health industry, and the last five days are always the busiest at work. On top of that, I’ve been finishing my second-to-last term in college, which has taken a lot of focus and energy.
This combination means I need a real break. I don’t expect myself to keep writing or pushing creatively during that time. I block off my planner to rest, do minimal tasks, and remind myself that stepping back is healthy and necessary.
2. I Check in With My Body (Not Just My Goals)
As a chronically ill writer, I’ve learned that ignoring my body’s signals only backfires. So instead of focusing on unfinished goals, I ask:
- How’s my pain, fatigue, or brain fog right now?
- What do I realistically have the energy for today?
- What would help me feel safe and calm?
Sometimes that means moving a deadline. Other times it’s taking a nap, reading something soothing, or just giving myself permission to stop.
3. I Reflect Gently, Not Critically
I used to audit my goals harshly at month’s end (“Why didn’t I finish everything?!”). But now, I aim for kind, gentle reflection.
- What went well this month?
- What was especially hard or surprising?
- How did my health, work, or school demands affect my energy?
- What needs more support next month?
This approach helps me see the real picture without self-blame. It acknowledges that needing rest—especially with chronic health issues—is human.
4. I Prioritize Rituals That Help Me Transition
Even though I take time off writing, I like having small, meaningful ways to close one month and start another:
- Clearing my desk or work space.
- Lighting a candle or making a cup of herbal tea.
- Journaling about what I want to leave behind.
- Reviewing my planner and gently sketching next month’s focus.
These simple rituals help me shift gears and honor the need for pause.
5. I Schedule Rest Before the Next Push
I know the first few days of the next month are often when I’m recovering from work’s end-of-month rush. So I intentionally block “recovery days” at the start of the new month:
- No big deadlines or writing goals.
- Lower word-count targets if I’m drafting.
- Creative play or reading instead of forced productivity.
This planned rest makes the transition sustainable, so I’m not burning out right away.
6. I Give Myself Permission to Do Less
This is the hardest but most important part. For neurodivergent and chronically ill writers, energy isn’t infinite. Doing less isn’t failure—it’s wisdom.
If my body or brain says “stop,” I try to listen. I remind myself:
“Rest is part of writing. Recovery is productive.”
7. Looking Ahead
I’m excited to share that I’ll be completing my degree at the end of August! I’ll be graduating with a Bachelor’s in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Fiction from SNHU. It’s something I’ve been working so hard toward, and I’m really looking forward to the freedom it will give me to focus more on my blog and business ideas for all the writers and readers who follow me here.
Needing a break—especially when you’re balancing health issues, work, and school—is not only normal but necessary. I want this space to be a gentle reminder that you don’t have to do everything at once.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a writer managing chronic illness, neurodivergence, or both, I hope this resonates. You don’t have to follow a hustle-culture model of productivity. You can honor your own cycles and limits.
Slowing down at month’s end isn’t laziness. It’s self-care. It’s what keeps us writing for the long haul.
How do you slow down at the end of the month? What helps you avoid burnout?
I’d love to hear in the comments!
Happy Writing ^_^
Sara's Writing Sanctuary 