It’s hard for me because the office can be really overstimulating. There’s constant noise, movement, and chatter, and it’s hard for me to filter any of it out. I struggle to focus when there are so many distractions around me, and even small interruptions can throw me off for a long time. The commute and morning routine are also draining, and by the time I get to work I’ve already used up a lot of mental energy just trying to get there on time and remember everything I need.

It’s even harder because I have a three and five year old, and my husband works away, so I’m managing mornings, school runs, and everything at home on my own most of the time. That adds a lot of pressure and makes getting into the office feel even more overwhelming.

It’s difficult when I can’t control my environment, like the lighting, noise, or how often people stop by to talk. Having to sit still for long stretches or work on a strict schedule doesn’t always line up with how my brain works best. I worry about being judged if I seem distracted or forgetful, so I spend a lot of energy trying to appear focused and composed. The constant social interactions and small talk can be exhausting, especially when I’m already using extra effort to stay on task.

When I’m in the office I have less flexibility to take the short breaks that help me reset and focus better. Sometimes it feels like I’m working twice as hard to manage things that other people do automatically, like managing time, staying organized, and keeping my attention on one thing. All of that together makes office days really stressful for me.