“Sustainable workflow” sounds like a productivity seminar buzzword. For me, and for so many neurodivergent and disabled writers, it’s just the bare minimum for getting anything done at all.
Sustainability, here, means working with my body and mind, not against them. Just as my body and mind have specific needs, so do yours.
Recognizing and honoring these individual needs is not only valid but essential for a truly sustainable workflow. By acknowledging the diverse experiences each person brings, we create a supportive environment that respects all bodies and minds.
Workflows Must Change Because Conditions Change
There is no one-size-fits-all schedule that works forever. My chronic pain shifts, my energy fluctuates, and my needs evolve, so my workflow has to adjust as well. It’s an act of respect for reality. Embracing change without guilt allows us to adapt and maintain a sustainable pace, fostering self-compassion in the face of evolving needs.
Here’s what a truly sustainable workflow looks like for me, right now:
1. Batching Creative Work, But Gentle
I used to try cramming all my writing and editing into one marathon weekend session. But that led to pain, exhaustion, and a whole lot of dreading the following week.
Now, I start planning and outlining on Fridays, then tackle just three pieces each on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. That’s it. It’s less overwhelming, easier on my body, and I do better work because I’m not forcing myself to sit and focus beyond what I can handle.
For readers, consider how your own energy and focus fluctuate throughout the week. If doing more on a single day works for you, or smaller, consistent tasks spread out over the week suit you better, that’s great. It’s all about honoring your body and adjusting your batching to fit your personal rhythm, making sure it respects your energy levels.
2. Writing in Sessions (Not Marathons)
My creative sessions are short, with long breaks in between — one in the morning, one in the afternoon. I use those breaks for walking the dog, stretching, taking a hot shower, having tea, or even taking a nap.
Trying to power through only ends with more pain and less creativity. Giving myself real breaks lets me reset my “countdown timer” for focus and comfort.
3. Podcast Workflow: Monthly and Flexible
Once, I thought I had to produce a podcast episode every week to “keep up.” But the reality of chronic pain (and some failing headphones) taught me otherwise.
Now, the podcast comes out once a month — mid-month — by design. If inspiration strikes or a special topic comes up, I can always record an extra, but the pressure is gone. My workflow is sustainable because it honors the limits of my body and equipment.
4. Automating with Buffer (and Other Tools)
This year, I finally started using Buffer to automate social posts across Threads, BlueSky, and Mastodon. I batch my content, then schedule it all at once, so I can spend my limited energy on what actually matters: writing, connecting, and healing. Other tools like Hootsuite, Later, or numerous other social media managers can also be helpful across different platforms and preferences, giving you more options to customize your automation strategy.
Automation isn’t about being everywhere, all the time; it’s about not burning myself out.
5. Writing from Bed (And Being Okay With It)
There’s no rule that says “real work” can only happen at a desk. Most of my writing, outlining, and brainstorming gets done from my bed, using my trusty old Chromebook and a lap desk.
It’s not fancy, but it works. I do what I can, where I am, with what I have.
Heavy lifting, like recording the podcast or editing graphics, is handled on the big desktop computer. Everything else, I let myself do most comfortably. It’s not a workaround; it’s a workflow.
Conditions Change, And That’s Normal
Sustainable workflows aren’t about being rigid, or “getting it perfect.” They’re about being just structured enough to support your goals, but flexible enough to adapt to changing needs.
My spondylolisthesis is degenerative. There will be weeks I need even more flexibility. Giving myself grace isn’t giving up. It’s staying in the game, on my terms. Needing more rest or flexibility is not a personal failure. It’s important to remind ourselves that taking care of our bodies and minds is a strength, not a shortcoming. This mindset helps manage guilt and push back against internalized ableism.
How You Might Make This Work for You
Look at what’s actually working (and what’s not) in your life right now, not what “should” work, not what works for someone else in an office, not what you did last year. You could batch blog posts on weekends or do one a day. You may need to automate your social posts, or you could take a break from socials entirely. Maybe you need to rest more than you “produce.” That’s okay.
Your workflow is sustainable when it makes your life possible, not when it matches someone else’s idea of hustle.
Sustainable Workflows Are Done Workflows
The goal isn’t to be perfect. The goal is to keep going in a way that honors your limits and your needs, so you can keep doing the work you care about.
That’s how Dreamspace keeps going. That’s how you can keep going, too. I invite you to share your own tips and experiences on sustainable workflows or join a community where we can support each other’s journeys. Your insights might inspire others or help you find new strategies for your own path.
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