Exhaustion to Efficiency: Making Mornings Work with Dyspraxia - Written by Hannah Griffiths

Did you ever watch Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit as a kid and think, Wow, I wish I had that contraption Wallace used to get dressed in the morning? I know I did. The idea of something lifting me out of bed, dressing me, and setting me on my way seemed like a dream.

However, for a long time, I was just called lazy. I heard it so often that I started to believe it. Why did getting out of bed feel like an impossible task? Why did my mornings feel like a battle before the day had even started? Little did I know, it wasn’t laziness, it was dyspraxia.

Dyspraxia is not just about clumsiness; it is a constant mental and physical exhaustion. The simplest tasks, ones that most people do without a second thought, take up so much energy that by the time I have finished them, I feel like I have run a marathon. Brushing my hair, choosing an outfit, tying my shoes… all the little steps that make up a “basic” morning routine felt overwhelming. Some days, I would lie in bed for hours, knowing I needed to get up but not knowing where to start.

Women with dyspraxia are not too slow, too messy, or too much work. We are compassionate, deeply empathetic, and incredibly hardworking. We navigate challenges with creativity, adapt to a world that isn’t always designed for us, and bring a unique perspective that makes us strong, capable, and unstoppable.
So, if you have ever felt like you are failing because the “basics” take more effort, know this: You are not failing. Your brain just works differently, and that is okay. The world was not designed for us, but that does not mean we cannot carve out our own path and thrive.

Dyspraxia may make mornings harder, but it does not make you any less capable. You are strong. You are resourceful. And you are doing amazing. 

 Now, at 28, I’ve found ways to make things easier. The struggle has not disappeared, but I have learned to work with my brain instead of against it. So, if you also struggle with executive functioning, here are some tips that have helped me tackle everyday life:

 1. PICK OUT CLOTHES THE NIGHT BEFORE

Mornings are hard enough without having to make decisions. Laying out your clothes the night before removes that stress and makes it easier to get dressed without overthinking.

2. KEEP YOUR ROUTINE SIMPLE (MAKEUP EDITION!)

If you wear makeup, simplify it to the essentials. I stick to foundation, powder, concealer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and Vaseline for my lips. The fewer steps, the better!

3. MUSIC IS YOUR BEST FRIEND

I rely on music or my earphones to wake me up and keep me moving. It helps shift my focus from how much I don’t want to get up to getting into the rhythm of the day.

4. HEATLESS OVERNIGHT CURLS FOR EASY HAIR

Doing my hair in the morning used to drain my energy before I even left the house. Now, I use heatless curlers overnight, or if I am in a rush, I throw my hair into a simple braid or ponytail. Less stress, less effort!

 5. BREAKFAST MATTERS (ALTHOUGH KEEP IT PRACTICAL!)

Cereal is a no-go for me once I’m dressed; I am too worried about spilling milk all over myself. Instead, I grab easy, mess-free foods like bagels, toast, overnight oats or croissants. Quick, simple, and it gives me the energy I need for the day ahead.

6. USE TIMERS AND REMINDERS

When you struggle with executive functioning, it is easy to lose track of time or get stuck on one task for too long. Setting timers can help, whether it is “five minutes to brush my teeth” or a reminder to move on to the next step in my routine. Alarms and phone notifications are lifesavers for keeping things on track.

7. OPT FOR EASY-TO-WEAR CLOTHES AND SHOES

Buttons, zippers, and complicated outfits can make getting dressed feel like a chore. Some days, a simple dress and leggings can be the easiest option—comfortable, quick to put on, and no tricky fastenings! Slip-on shoes or ones with Velcro can also make mornings smoother.

8. KEEP A ‘LAUNCHPAD’ BY THE DOOR

Ever find yourself running around at the last minute looking for your keys, wallet, or headphones? A designated spot by the door (a bowl, a hook, or a small shelf) for all your essentials saves time and stress when heading out.

 9. GIVE YOURSELF EXTRA TIME

Things can take longer when you have dyspraxia, and that is okay. Rushing only makes everything more stressful and mistakes more likely. If you can, build in extra time for your morning routine, so if something takes longer than expected, it will not throw off your whole day.

10. BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Some days will be harder than others. Some days, even with all the tricks and routines in place, things still feel overwhelming. That is not failure—that is just life with dyspraxia. Give yourself grace, celebrate the small wins, and remember: the effort you put in every day is worth more than anyone realises. You are doing great.

11. FINDING WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to dyspraxia. Some days, even these strategies do not feel like enough, but that is okay. The important thing is to keep trying, keep adapting, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. If you have ever felt lazy or incapable because of how much effort the “basics” take, please know: You are not alone, and you are not failing. Your brain just works differently, and that’s ok. The world was not built with dyspraxia in mind, but that does not mean you cannot carve out your own way to thrive.

12. EMBRACING YOUR OWN STRENGTH

Women with dyspraxia often grow up being told we are too slow, too messy, too much work. But here is the truth: We are not too much; the world simply was not built with us in mind. And yet, every day, we show up. We find ways to navigate a system that does not accommodate us. We adapt, we problem-solve, and we push forward even when it feels impossible. That determination? That’s a strength.