The real ADHD tax isn’t just late fees. It’s the subscriptions we never cancel; rebuying gear we misplace; the opportunities we miss and the overwhelm that blocks communication. Here are some gentle ways to lower the cost.

Many creatives struggle with routine and structure, especially those with neurodivergent brains. Drawing on her research and occupational therapy experience, the author introduces the Five Daily Pillars — Nourish, Remind, Create, Reflect, and Connect — as a flexible framework for building a balanced creative life. These pillars help manage executive-function challenges like planning, memory, and prioritisation, while supporting both wellbeing and creative output. Rather than rigid schedules or productivity hacks that rarely stick, this model offers gentle scaffolding tailored to how neurodivergent brains actually operate. Through daily attention to these pillars, creatives can recognise what they’re already achieving, adjust what’s missing, and maintain a sense of balance, connection, and momentum. The post also includes a practical example of a low-energy day, showing how small, mindful actions across the pillars keep creativity and wellbeing flowing.