3 Lessons About Dyslexia And Having The Flu

I’ve just spent a good chunk of my week feeling under the weather. Being ill isn’t anyone’s favourite pastime, but I noticed how it highlighted some fascinating patterns in my thinking. The episode you’ll hear at the top of this page is all about those realisations and the little things that helped me move forward.

In this podcast, I share why mindset can colour your health journey, especially when you’re dealing with dyslexia or ADHD. I also delve into what it’s like to manage brain fog and offer simple habits that helped me bounce back. Let’s unpack what I discussed in the episode and explore some tips on getting through a rough patch.

Why Our Mindset Matters

I’ve often found that when my body isn’t feeling right, my mind can go into a spin. I get worried about losing momentum with projects, or I start doubting myself for needing extra rest. It can feel like being ill suddenly puts everything on hold, including my usual coping strategies for dyslexia.

But here’s something I’ve realised: a supportive mindset can help me give my body the care it needs. I’m often so focused on what’s next that I ignore my own limits. By accepting that poor health is sometimes unavoidable, I can find moments of clarity, even when I’m stuck on the sofa. It reminds me to slow down and examine my thoughts instead of letting them spiral.

“When we’re unwell, it’s easy to forget how powerful our thoughts can be. They can help us heal or make us feel worse.” — Stephen Martin

How I Navigate Brain Fog

One of the hardest parts of being sick is the dreaded brain fog. You know that feeling: you sit down to do something simple, and your mind fizzles out like a broken light bulb. Suddenly, you can’t remember a task you did daily for the last year. It’s frustrating and can make you feel powerless.

Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks to soften the impact:

• Micro-notes: I keep a small notepad (or an app) open to jot down quick reminders. Even short bursts of clarity are gold when you’re feeling muddled.
• Physical cues: I place objects like my water glass or phone charger in unusual spots, so they act as triggers for tasks I need to do.
• Short bursts of focus: I use timers for chores or work sessions. I commit to ten minutes, then let myself rest if I need it. Breaking tasks down makes them feel less overwhelming.

These small tactics help me hold onto some sense of control, even if my head feels like it’s stuffed with cotton. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than stumbling around in the dark.

Key Reminders for a Steady Recovery

Pushing through illness can become a battle with your own willpower. But our bodies love gentle encouragement more than brute force. Here are a few reminders I mentioned in the episode:

1. Rest is vital: We all know this, yet we sometimes fight it. Giving yourself permission to rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
2. Stay hydrated: Simple as it sounds, sipping water throughout the day helps with concentration and energy levels.
3. Nourish your mind: Mindless scrolling might feel good temporarily, but it can leave you more exhausted. A short guided meditation, an audiobook, or a low-key TV show can be kinder on the brain.
4. Avoid isolation: Send a message to a friend or family member. Let them know how you’re doing. A bit of social support can lift your mood instantly.

These habits are tiny but mighty. Each one addresses a basic part of wellbeing that’s often overlooked. When you’re unwell, you don’t need more complications. You just need practical steps you can manage.

Finding the Silver Lining

Illness isn’t fun, yet it can bring surprising moments of clarity. When the hustle of everyday life slows down—whether by choice or not—you get time to observe your thoughts. That’s sometimes the push we need to see our mental patterns with fresh eyes.

During my sick week, I noticed how my brain jumps to worst-case scenarios. This awareness helped me question those thoughts instead of automatically believing them. It’s not about pretending everything’s perfect. It’s about deciding which thoughts are worth entertaining.

I also realised how gratitude can open up positive energy. It’s a big word that can feel overused, but it’s incredibly helpful. If we look for one small thing to appreciate each day—a comfy blanket, a warm mug of tea, a supportive text—we can start to see the silver lining, even in recovery mode.

Takeaways

• Mindset makes a massive difference in how we cope with illness.
• Short, practical hacks can keep brain fog from overwhelming us.
• Looking after yourself means embracing rest, not pushing through.
• There’s always a nugget of awareness to gain when you slow down.

If you’d like to dive deeper into these ideas and hear more about my personal experiences, hit play on the audio at the top of this page. You’ll find extra tips, and you might discover your own silver lining as you listen.

Ready to explore more? Give the latest episode a listen and let me know how you manage when you’re not feeling your best. I hope these tips spark a bit of relief and keep you moving forward, one soft step at a time.