Being Sick Sucks

Feeling under the weather can be tough, especially if you’re juggling dyslexia or ADHD. In this episode, I share what it’s like to push through a cold, explore whether neurodiverse folks face higher risks like long Covid, and laugh a bit (though I sound like I’ve swallowed sandpaper). It’s a raw insight into how badly we rest, why we do it, and how we might turn things around.

The chat touches on the reality of being an adult with dyslexia who’s dealing with everyday challenges. We also dive into that nagging question: do dyslexics or those with ADHD really put off rest more than others? Let’s look into that and see if there’s anything we can learn.

The Connection Between Dyslexia, ADHD, and Sickness

Being neurodiverse often doesn’t mean we’re doomed to get sick more. Still, we can feel run down if our brains are constantly on the go. When I say “constantly on the go,” I’m talking about those times we hyperfocus or jump from one task to another without pause. If our bodies don’t get a proper break, that can open the door to all sorts of bugs.

On the podcast, I share my own experience of wondering if dyslexics and ADHDers catch things more easily or battle symptoms for longer. There’s no final answer, but it seems our hectic minds can wear out our immune system if we’re not careful.

“Sometimes we push through early signs of illness as if they’re just another distraction. We think, ‘I can get through this if I focus,’ and then we end up worse off.”

Why Resting Feels Like Climbing a Mountain

Have you ever tried to slow down, only to feel convinced you’re missing out on something important? That’s a classic trait of ADHD and dyslexia. We hate missing out on the action. We also tend to work in bursts of productivity, so stopping means we’re waiting for the next wave of energy.

In my case, I tried to rest but soon found my brain was racing. I was thinking about projects, new ideas, and what I could tick off the to-do list. This restless mind makes restful recovery a real challenge. My body might be on the sofa, but my brain is planning the next big thing.

How We Try to Push Through

When you can’t stand still mentally, you often keep going physically. It’s not unusual to feel guilty for resting, especially if you’re the creative or entrepreneurial type. So you say to yourself, “I’ll just do a quick email check,” or “I’ll tidy that pile of papers,” and soon you’re miles away from true rest.

Not only does this make the illness last longer, it can lead to anxiety or stress. That’s a bad combination, since stress can weaken your immune system. It’s like a domino effect that can end with you in bed for days when you might have only needed a day or two of proper downtime.

Practical Ways to Be Nicer to Yourself

If you’re feeling run down right now or you just know you’re prone to burning out, consider these simple ideas:

• Plan guilt-free rest time: Schedule it like you would a meeting. Even half an hour of “do nothing” can help reset your brain.
• Set small goals: Instead of trying to do everything in one go, pick one task at a time. Give yourself permission to stop after you’ve done it.
• Use a timer: Chunk your day into focused periods, then rest even if you don’t feel 100%. Taking breaks prevents full collapse later.
• Stay hydrated: It sounds basic, but your brain and body run better when you’re not running on empty. Water and warm drinks can do wonders.
• Accept help: If someone offers support, take it. This is especially vital when you’re feeling rough.

These might sound like little tweaks, but they make a difference. The trick is to remind yourself that reacting to early warning signs can save you much bigger challenges down the line.

Taking Advantage of Husky-Voice Moments

You may have noticed I sound like I’ve been gargling gravel. Truth is, I kind of like my husky voice, even though it means I’m clearly sick. When you’re dyslexic or have ADHD, these odd moments can sometimes be turned into advantages. I used my voice as a conversation starter, telling friends and colleagues, “Yes, I’m sick, but I’m still me. Be nice!”

There’s something powerful about using humour in situations like these. It keeps our spirits up and reminds us that we’re more than our current state. A laugh, even a dry cough-laugh, can break the tension. That’s especially helpful if you’re the type to keep pushing yourself until you drop.

At the end of the day, taking care of yourself is the best way to prevent worse symptoms, long Covid concerns, or simply a total burnout. None of us like to be slowed down, but sometimes that slowdown leads to healthy introspection—and maybe a refreshed voice we end up enjoying.

• Our immune systems can struggle if we’re always on the go.
• It’s natural to feel guilty about rest, but we need it.
• Short chunks of rest often work best for ADHD and dyslexic minds.
• A husky voice can be fun, but total exhaustion is not.

If you’d like the full scoop—raspy voice and all—listen to the entire episode at the top of this page. For a deeper dive into how dyslexia impacts our lives in surprising ways, check out our newly renovated course. Learn how to thrive in a world built for linear thinkers, so you can bring your creative spark to life without burning yourself out.

Ready to go deeper? Explore our adult dyslexia course and discover new ways to support your bright, busy mind.