Episode 23: Lizbeth Sanchez

Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks

Welcome to episode #23 We’re thrilled to be joined by Lizbeth Sanchez today.

Lizbeth comes with a diverse background as a Community Coordinator, Communications Specialist, Tutor, Assistant Lead, Private Educator, and Assistant Producer. Through her various roles, she has gained valuable experience in organizing events and resource fairs, providing guidance, creating engaging social media content, conducting surveys, delivering lessons and activities, and overseeing production activities. Lizbeth has also excelled in recruiting volunteers and members, establishing strong partnerships with vendors and non-profit organizations, and ensuring proper recognition for sponsors and donors.

Academically, Lizbeth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Mass Media from Fresno State University. Her knowledge extends beyond her academic achievements, as she possesses extensive expertise in the fields of education and psychology. Currently, Lizbeth is actively pursuing additional education to enrich her background further.

Questions

1. Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?
   1. Very bored during school
      1. Hid books under the desk
   2. Got in trouble in high school - would zone out during boring classes
   3. Mum afraid to seek diagnosis - didn’t want her to end up in special ed
   4. Teachers said it couldn’t be ADHD because she read a lot
   5. Part of the issue might be the learning styles
      1. Need more visual
      2. Need more discussion
   6. University:
      1. Coped without medication
      2. Misdiagnosed with anxiety
   7. Diagnosis
      1. Assessment paid for by health insurance - $300 out of pocket. $5k without insurance.
   8. Environment:
      1. Spain better suited - later start, siesta
2. What "work" projects are you concentrating on?
   1. ADHD coaching + education support for primary students
   2. Studying to be an occupational therapist
   3. Social media, graphic design, website development
   4. Putting science-backed information out there
      1. Exercise
      2. Meditation
      3. Fish oil
3. How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
   1. Hike
   2. Travel
   3. Putting content out there
4. What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?
   1. 4.30 am Wake up
      1. Coffee + meds
      2. Check social media trends
   2. 5 am Meditate for 30m
   3. Affirmation podcast for 3 mins - shame reduction
   4. 6.30-7.30 Go to the gym
5. What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?
   1. Low fi music (binaural beats)
   2. Planner/Writing stuff down
6. COMMERCIAL BREAK
7. What is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?
   1. Perfectionism with graphic design
8. How do you switch off at night?
   1. 8 pm-8.30 pm go to bed
   2. Preparation
   3. Take melatonin 2hrs before
   4. Massage chair
   5. Listen to podcast
   6. Shower with meditation music
   7. 
      
9. What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?
   1. Exposure therapy
   2. ADHD friendly workplaces
   3. Podcasts
      1. ADHD experts
      2. What the ADHD
10. Where can people connect with you or find your work?
    1. LinkedIn
    2. Instagram
11. Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?
    1. Embrace your ADHD - accept who you are