Minimalist Way of life with AuDHD: Rethinking Underconsumption Core
In This Article
- A Minimalist Lifestyle with AuDHD
- Underconsumption Core Looks Different for Us
- Minimalism and Neurodivergence: Next Steps
I own two television remotes; ten pairs of the same ultrasoft leggings; eight very soft, very warm cashmere scarves in vibrant colors; four sets of prescription eyewear (including one pair of sunglasses); two identical pairs of slippers; and 25 Alexa-enabled wireless candles, among other duplicate and triplicate items in my possession.
Some may call this wasteful. Redundant. A prime example of overconsumption. The opposite of a minimalist lifestyle. But I recognize it for what it is: minimalism the AuDHD way.
It took me some time to arrive at this point — of understanding that having multiples of certain items, even if it appears unusual to the outside world, can make life better.
I can explain how having all these things (in these quantities!) helps me manage autism and ADHD. Essentially, with AuDHD, it is not about having less stuff, but about having the exact right amount of stuff.
A Minimalist Lifestyle with AuDHD
As young parents, my partner and I jumped into minimalism with both feet. A less-is-more approach was necessary, we thought, to keep the house clean and organized while toddlers roamed among us. And it’s true: A minimalist approach cut down on laundry. It helped us find things more easily. And I didn’t feel sensory overload from just looking around at my dwelling. I could actually breathe.
[Get This Free Checklist: A Cleaning Schedule for ADHD Brains]
We’re not perfect. We can definitely do with getting rid of a few items at home. But not included in that list are my 25 LED flickering pillar candles. (I would actually be happier if I had 100 of them!) They help turn my space into a magical, cave-like place. I believe the candles to be beautiful and instrumental for winding down. So the candles stay.
My book collection stays, too. Reliable access to literature and knowledge is not otherwise guaranteed.
Having multiple pairs of glasses means that I don’t waste time and energy looking for a single pair. They can each have a designated spot for easier access. I don’t lose my glasses as often, and if I do, I’ll just look for the extra pair. Plus, my glasses are all in different styles to fit my mood or the occasion.
About the remote controls: In a perfect world, I would only have one. (Or none!) But here’s my set up: I have one to turn on the system. I have another one that is voice-activated and has a find-my-remote feature — perfect for when the device ends up under the blankets, under the bed, in random bags, in other rooms, and so on. Is it worth having two remotes if it means I won’t lose one of them on a daily basis like I used to? If it means not beating myself up for losing something again? Absolutely.
[Read: What to Do When Clutter Is Overwhelming]
Now to clothing: Given our sensory issues, preoccupation with ease and efficiency, and deep need for self-expression, us neurodivergent folks put a great deal of thought into our clothing. It’s why we tend to wear out our favorite things much, much faster than others do. It’s why I have 10 pairs of the same ultrasoft leggings, which I find ultra regulating and soothing. I’m of the idea that when you find something you like, buy another one. Aiming for an arbitrary number like three pairs of pants, is nonsensical. That’s deprivation, not minimalism.
Underconsumption Core Looks Different for Us
Minimalism, I have to remind myself, is not so much about reducing the number of my belongings or about underconsumption for underconsumption’s sake, but it’s about optimizing what I have to fit with my life. It’s not about a sleek #aesthetic, but about saving time and seriously cutting down on aggravation. It’s about saving my energy reserves and living intentionally, even if that looks like wastefulness to others.
Neurodivergent minimalism may look different, but how I curate my life still follows this adage: “Never keep anything that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
Minimalism and Neurodivergence: Next Steps
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