The Chronically Resilient OT

The Chronically Resilient OT I'm a multiply neurodivergent Occupational Therapist/Kaiwhakaora Ngangahau with lived experience of chronic illnesses.

I support other health professionals to understand and support themselves, through supervision, mentoring, resources and trainings. I combine my OT knowledge and lived experience of chronic and mental illnesses to support others to find and explore things that bring meaning and joy to their lives. Living well with chronic and mental illnesses is entirely possible with strategies and supports (both internal and external).

Day 7 of Different Things for Different Days. Today is the final graphic with where to go for more information.The Diffe...
02/05/2026

Day 7 of Different Things for Different Days. Today is the final graphic with where to go for more information.

The Different Things for Different Days worksheet is available on my website - An invitational worksheet to explore and develop a resource to understand how your capacity, supports and routines might look different on different days.

The idea with the full Different Things for Different Days worksheet is that you would come up with your own list of ideas so that on the difficult days you don't need the added cognitive load of coming up with ideas, they are already written down! Also the idea is not to do everything on the list on every day, you might choose 0-1 things on some days and on others be able to do more.

I hope the examples this week have been helpful in getting you thinking about your own routines and supports.

All resources can be found on my website - www.chronicresilienceot.com
Or follow me here on Facebook.

I create a range of resources and graphics, deliver workshops and trainings and offer mentoring and supervision.

Original post about the Different things for different days worksheet can be found here https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ho4NzTiS9/

Image description: graphic titled 'For more...' to one side of the heading is the business logo for Chronic Resilience - a tree with green and rainbow leaves. Below the heading is a green box with the text 'The Different Things for Different Days worksheet is available on my website - An invitational worksheet to explore and develop a resource to understand how your capacity, supports and routines might look different on different days.' It also lists my website and page. Below this on the left is an image of some of my worksheets and on the right a photo of me delivering a conference presentation. Between this is text that describes what I offer: Resources, Mentoring/Supervision, Workshops. Page 7 of 7.

Day 6 of Different Things for Different Days. Today we are exploring ideas for different levels of rest on a- Difficult/...
01/05/2026

Day 6 of Different Things for Different Days. Today we are exploring ideas for different levels of rest on a
- Difficult/low energy day
- Day with some energy
- Day with more energy

The idea with the full worksheet is that you would come up with your own list of ideas so that on the difficult days you don't need the added cognitive load of coming up with ideas, they are already written down! Also the idea is not to do everything on the list on every day, you might choose 0-1 things on some days and on others be able to do more.

It's also important to note that these are examples only, your capacity and things you can do on different days will be different.

I also want to note that for the examples here and on other days, I recognise that there is privilege in being able to access some of the examples here and take time to rest and that not everybody can do that in the same way.

So on a difficult/low energy day (image of a red battery with hardly any charge) you might:
- Have a nap
- Listen to an audiobook
- Guided meditation
- Very gentle movement
- Safe space/items


On a day with some energy (image of a yellow battery, quarter charged) you might
- Read/watch a thing
- Gentle stretching
- Spend time in nature or with animals
- Colouring/craft
- Weighted blanket
- Deep breathing


On a day with more energy (image of a green battery three quarters charged) you might:
- Mindful walk/stretch
- Engaging in interests
- Saying no to external demands
- Sensory soothing e.g. comfort food/items
- Hammock, lounger

Tomorrow will be the final graphic with information on where to find out more.

I also have other resources around supporting finding different kinds of rest if you are interested in exploring more.

Image description: graphic titled 'Ideas for rest on a...' to each side of the heading are small images, one of a person wrapped up in a blanket, the other of a cartoon rabbit leaning on a pillow with headphones on. Below the heading are three boxes, each one has a different battery at the top - on the left Difficult/low energy day (red battery, almost flat), in the middle Day with some energy (yellow batter, quarter charged), on the right Day with more energy ( green battery three quarters charged) - and each box colour is the same as the battery. The ideas in each box are listed in the post text above. There is a note at the bottom reminding people that these are examples only. Page 6 of 7.

Day 5 of Different Things for Different Days. Today we are exploring ideas for different levels of hobbies/activities on...
30/04/2026

Day 5 of Different Things for Different Days. Today we are exploring ideas for different levels of hobbies/activities on a
- Difficult/low energy day
- Day with some energy
- Day with more energy

The idea with the full worksheet is that you would come up with your own list of ideas so that on the difficult days you don't need the added cognitive load of coming up with ideas, they are already written down! Also the idea is not to do everything on the list on every day, you might choose 0-1 things on some days and on others be able to do more.

It's also important to note that these are examples only, your capacity and things you can do on different days will be different.

I also want to note that for the examples here and on other days, I recognise that there is privilege in being able to access some of the examples here and that not everybody can.

So on a difficult/low energy day (image of a red battery with hardly any charge) you might:
- Listen to an audiobook
- Take a virtual tour of a museum/zoo
- Listen to nature
- Take photos
- Easy phone game


On a day with some energy (image of a yellow battery, quarter charged) you might
- Craft (simple)
- Short walk, light stretching
- Read a book
- Word puzzle, sudoku
- 1:1 socialising
- Watch hobby videos


On a day with more energy (image of a green battery three quarters charged) you might:
- Board game, puzzle
- Craft (more complex)
- Longer walk
- Trip out (museum, gardens, etc.)
- Small group socialising

Tomorrow will be ideas for different levels of rest.

Image description: graphic titled 'Ideas for hobbies/activities on a...' to each side of the heading are small images of a game controller, a plant, yarn and knitting needles, and a book and camera. Below the heading are three boxes, each one has a different battery at the top - on the left Difficult/low energy day (red battery, almost flat), in the middle Day with some energy (yellow batter, quarter charged), on the right Day with more energy ( green battery three quarters charged) - and each box colour is the same as the battery. The ideas in each box are listed in the post text above. There is a note at the bottom reminding people that these are examples only. Page 5 of 7.

Day 4 of Different Things for Different Days. Today we are exploring ideas for food preparation on a- Difficult/low ener...
29/04/2026

Day 4 of Different Things for Different Days. Today we are exploring ideas for food preparation on a
- Difficult/low energy day
- Day with some energy
- Day with more energy

The idea with the full worksheet is that you would come up with your own list of ideas so that on the difficult days you don't need the added cognitive load of coming up with ideas, they are already written down! Also the idea is not to do everything on the list on every day, you might choose 0-1 things on some days and on others be able to do more.

It's also important to note that these are examples only, your capacity and things you can do on different days will be different.

I also want to note that for the examples here and on other days, I recognise that there is privilege in being able to outsource things and that not everybody can do that.

So on a difficult/low energy day (image of a red battery with hardly any charge) you might:
- Piece of fruit
- Muesli bar
- Heat a frozen meal
- Toast
- Protein shake
- Order takeaway


On a day with some energy (image of a yellow battery, quarter charged) you might
- Snack plate
- Noodles/pasta
- Toasted sandwich
- Cereal
- Smoothie
- Make a plan for the next meal


On a day with more energy (image of a green battery three quarters charged) you might:
- Cook a known recipe
- Cook a new recipe
- Make a bulk meal to freeze
- Research new recipes/meal plan
- Prepare snacks

Tomorrow will be ideas for different levels of hobbies/activities.

Image description: graphic titled 'Ideas for food preparation on a...' to each side of the heading are small images, one of someone chopping vegetables, the other of kitchen utensils. Below the heading are three boxes, each one has a different battery at the top - on the left Difficult/low energy day (red battery, almost flat), in the middle Day with some energy (yellow batter, quarter charged), on the right Day with more energy ( green battery three quarters charged) - and each box colour is the same as the battery. The ideas in each box are listed in the post text above. There is a note at the bottom reminding people that these are examples only. Page 4 of 7.

Day 3 of Different Things for Different Days. Today we are exploring ideas for household tasks on a- Difficult/low energ...
28/04/2026

Day 3 of Different Things for Different Days. Today we are exploring ideas for household tasks on a
- Difficult/low energy day
- Day with some energy
- Day with more energy

The idea with the full worksheet is that you would come up with your own list of ideas so that on the difficult days you don't need the added cognitive load of coming up with ideas, they are already written down! Also the idea is not to do everything on the list on every day, you might choose 0-1 things on some days and on others be able to do more.

It's also important to note that these are examples only, your capacity and things you can do on different days will be different.

So on a difficult/low energy day (image of a red battery with hardly any charge) you might:
- Pick up 1 piece of rubbish
- Put away 1 item of clothing
- Wash 1 bowl or cup
- Straighten bed linen


On a day with some energy (image of a yellow battery, quarter charged) you might
- Put some dishes away
- Put on a load of washing (someone else hangs it out)
- Vacuum 1 room
- Make bed


On a day with more energy (image of a green battery three quarters charged) you might:
- Do a load of dishes
- Load of washing (wash + hang out)
- Vacuum 2 rooms
- General tidying
- Take rubbish out
- Change sheets

Tomorrow will be ideas for different levels of food preparation.

Image description: graphic titled 'Ideas for household tasks on a...' to each side of the heading are small images, one of plates and a cloth, the other of cleaning supplies. Below the heading are three boxes, each one has a different battery at the top - on the left Difficult/low energy day (red battery, almost flat), in the middle Day with some energy (yellow batter, quarter charged), on the right Day with more energy ( green battery three quarters charged) - and each box colour is the same as the battery. The ideas in each box are listed in the post text above. There is a note at the bottom reminding people that these are examples only. Page 3 of 7.

Day 2 of Different Things for Different Days. Today we are exploring ideas for hygiene tasks on a- Difficult/low energy ...
27/04/2026

Day 2 of Different Things for Different Days. Today we are exploring ideas for hygiene tasks on a
- Difficult/low energy day
- Day with some energy
- Day with more energy

The idea with the worksheet is that you would come up with your own list of ideas so that on the difficult days you don't need the added cognitive load of coming up with ideas, they are already written down! Also the idea is not to do everything on the list on every day, you might choose 0-1 things on some days and on others be able to do more.

It's also important to note that these are examples only, your capacity and things you can do on different days will be different.


So on a difficult/low energy day (image of a red battery with hardly any charge) you might:
- Wash your face
- Use mouthwash
- Beanie/headscarf over hair
- Put on deodorant
- Wash with body wipes


On a day with some energy (image of a yellow battery, quarter charged) you might
- Face cloth wash at the basin or with a bowl of water - note the graphic uses the word flannel which I realise may not be a universal word!
- Quick shower - spot wash
- Brush teeth (30 secs)
- Change clothes


On a day with more energy (image of a green battery three quarters charged) you might:
- Shower - full body wash +/- hair wash
- Brush teeth for 2 minutes +/- floss
- Brush hair
- Shave
- Makeup/creams


Tomorrow will be ideas for different levels of household tasks.


Image description: graphic titled Ideas for hygiene tasks on a... to each side of the heading are small images, one of toothbrushes in a glass, the other of a bar of soap and a bottle of hand soap. Below the heading are three boxes, each one has a different battery at the top - on the left Difficult/low energy day (red battery, almost flat), in the middle Day with some energy (yellow batter, quarter charged), on the right Day with more energy ( green battery three quarters charged) - and each box colour is the same as the battery. The ideas in each box are listed in the post text above. There is a note at the bottom reminding people that these are examples only. Page 2 of 7.

Last week I announced the release of a new worksheet: Different Things for Different Days. I created this worksheet and ...
27/04/2026

Last week I announced the release of a new worksheet: Different Things for Different Days.

I created this worksheet and graphic series to create a resource aiming to supporting people to explore their own needs and capacity and how this can look different day to day, and also what that means for the kinds of things they can do and supports they might need on different days. This was after discussions with multiple clients about needing different levels of things like hygiene routines based on how they were feeling on a given day.

Each day this week I will release a new graphic outlining part of the worksheet, starting with this intro graphic.

The main intro text on the graphic reads:

'Managing our day to day life as a neurodivergent and/or chronically ill person can sometimes feel like trying to hit a moving target. We need different strategies for different states, days, events/activities, symptom levels etc.

Having some plans in place ahead of time can reduce the mental load when things are feeling difficult, as then you don’t need to generate the ideas in the moment, you can look at a list and pick something that feels doable in that moment.'

I use batteries with different levels of charge to represent different kinds of days: Difficult/low energy day (red battery, almost flat), Day with some energy (yellow batter, quarter charged), Day with more energy ( green battery three quarters charged). I intentionally did not use a fully charged battery, knowing as someone with chronic illness that a fully charged battery can be a mythical state!

Stayed tuned for tomorrow's graphic which will have examples for hygiene tasks.

Image description: graphic titled 'Different Things for Different Days', black text within brown text boxes. Text is listed in post above. At the bottom are three batteries representing different states: Difficult/low energy day (red battery, almost flat), Day with some energy (yellow batter, quarter charged), Day with more energy ( green battery three quarters charged). Page 1 of 7.

25/04/2026

So well put Neurobeautiful

New worksheet is live!Different Things For Different DaysAn invitational worksheet to explore and develop a resource to ...
25/04/2026

New worksheet is live!

Different Things For Different Days

An invitational worksheet to explore and develop a resource to understand how your capacity, supports and routines might look different on different days depending on your levels of energy and for different kinds of tasks/activities.

Really proud of this one and it's one that I've been thinking of for a while and finally got it finished!

Managing our day to day life and health as a neurodivergent and/or chronically ill person can sometimes feel like trying to hit a moving target. We will likely need different strategies for different states, days, events/activities, symptom levels etc.

Planning for fluctuating capacity may seem impossible but having some plans in place ahead of time can reduce the mental load when things are feeling difficult, as then you don’t need to generate the ideas in the moment, you can look at a pre-prepared list and pick something that feels doable.

This worksheet explores: Different things for different days - with examples and space for you note down what is possible for hygiene routines, household tasks, food preparation, hobbies/activities, and rest for you on a:
- Difficult/low energy day
- Day with some energy
- Day with more energy

It's a 21 page pdf download - see preview images for more details.

Available here: https://www.chronicresilienceot.com/resources-shop/p/worksheet-different-things-for-different-days

Image descriptions - each image shows the preview of 4 pages of the worksheet Different Things for Different Days.

24/04/2026

So of course instead of working on the conference presentation that I was meant to be working on today, I finished a new worksheet instead!

It’s one I’ve been working on for a while called Different Things for Different Days aiming to help people explore the different levels of hygiene routine, food preparation, household tasks, hobbies and rest that they might need to do on different days depending on their capacity that day.

I’ll be putting it up on the website tomorrow and sharing some previews here in the next few days.

It’s been ages since I managed to finish a worksheet!

Now I do need to actually work on this conference presentation…

24/04/2026

Rest and sensory needs is my presentation!!

23/04/2026

Ah the sensory joy of clean sheets and clean pyjamas!

I even got the sheets washed, dry and back on the bed in the same day! (With some help from my partner)

What’s been a sensory joy for you recently? And if joy is too big of a word substitution is all good.

Address

14 Junction Street
Takaka

Opening Hours

Monday 2pm - 6pm

Website

https://www.chronicresilienceot.com/events/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ra

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