#Autistic #Burnout is so obnoxious. I thought I was starting to come out of it. I was ready to start doing things.

Bought a #jumprope & resistance bands but can't even motivate to put on shoes or a sports bra. Love #yoga but can't find the energy. Started #crocheting a #weightedblanket but I'm too tired to keep count of my stitches.

#work takes everything then I'm too spent to be able to recharge 😭

#WeightedBlanket tested and approved! A much lighter experience than anticipated but not too light with its 7–8 kg (ca. 15% of my bodyweight I think). I do feel a bit hit-by-a-truck but hey it's a look!

I’m so incredibly thankful for my #weightedblanket. It’s a #Grogu kids one that I got on a wicked deal from Costco, and it is perfection. The right size and weight for me - I don’t think I could handle a heavier blanket than this for more than a few minutes.

I have issues with my right hip that flare up from time to time, and did something to aggravate it while chilling in bed this morning scrolling Reddit. It has taken away almost all of the pain and discomfort since I snuggled up under it.

Continuing from the prior post, I've often said I'm not interested in #feet / #paws for sexual reasons, and slang like "pawslut" is off-putting to me.

So.. what's got an #asexual #autistic fox intrigued here?

In short: Weighted Blankets.

In person, I can be negatively overwhelmed by traditional arm-based hugs - it often feels off, and there's complicated social norms around how long to hug, how tight to hold, etc. I usually prefer too tight of a hug instead of too light - the latter tickles and makes me feel uncomfortable and sometimes not as wanted.

Much like snuggling under a #WeightedBlanket (they're awesome!), stepping on this data-fox with one's feet/paws bypasses all of the above.

* Feet/paws are naturally heavy/forceful – they're how one's weight transfers to the floor
* No social norms to fret about for these hugs (asides from those assuming sexual intent)
* Doesn't obstruct one's hands, great for multitasking (e.g. under desk play), so I don't feel like I'm selfishly monopolizing one's time

Further reading:
https://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/the-importance-of-teaching-robots-to-hug - social anxiety
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hug_machine - #autism and alternative hugs
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism_service_dog#Function - weight/pressure to counter anxiety

There's more, and arm hugs are still okay at times!