Beyond The Books: Navigating Life With Dyslexia And ADHD

If you’ve ever wondered what a real day in the life with dyslexia and ADHD looks like, you’re in the right place. This podcast episode goes beyond textbooks and clinical definitions to show how everyday experiences, from the first sip of coffee to the last thing before bed, can shift when your brain’s wired this way.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some moments felt fun and energising, while others had tricky dips that tested my patience. In the episode, I shared tips for juggling tasks, matching energy levels, and figuring out when to cut yourself some slack. Here’s a taste of what we covered, plus a link to something called “to-do list bingo,” which has been a real game-changer.

Morning Routines With a Twist

My day usually starts with a quick mental check. Is my brain calm? Do I need coffee right away, or will that ramp up my nerves? These little questions might seem small, but for a dyslexic and ADHD mind, the answers can reshape the entire morning.

It’s not always consistent. One day I’m up early with big ideas, while the next I can’t peel myself out of bed. The key is listening to what my brain and body need, then dancing with whatever wave of energy arrives.

For me, lists are huge. I’ll scribble down a morning plan, but I keep it fluid. If too much’s on my plate, it can send me into a tailspin. On the podcast, I broke down how a soft plan helps me settle into tasks without feeling caged by a rigid schedule.

Dealing With Distractions

The moment I start my work, it’s like my focus wants to run off in every direction. A buzzing phone, an email notification, or a random thought about how I should rearrange my weekend. Sound familiar?

ADHD can make everything feel urgent. Every idea tries to cut in line, especially when you’re trying to concentrate. I’ve learned to keep a pen and paper close by so I can jot down random thoughts, then return to what I was doing. If I don’t, I’ll be chasing tangents all day.

I also recommend a quick environment check. Is your workspace free from too much clutter? Do you need headphones on to stay grounded? Simple changes can help direct your attention where it needs to be.

Facing the Hard Bits

There’s always that one task you dread. Maybe it’s paying a bill or writing an email you’ve been avoiding. In the podcast, I talked about how avoidance can spiral into guilt, which leads to even more procrastination.

Sometimes I’ll play what I call “productivity roulette.” I tackle one of those bigger tasks right away to catch my brain off guard. It can feel strange, but it helps me avoid overthinking and gets the ball rolling.

“It’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s learning when to lean into your energy and when to accept that you’re not in the zone.”

This quote from the episode sums up a lot of what we covered. It’s not about being a robot. It’s about cutting yourself some slack while still staying on top of what matters.

Discovering To-Do List Bingo

Ever heard of “to-do list bingo”? It’s a cheeky system that turns your usual chore list into something more engaging. Instead of ticking off standard boxes, you set up a grid that feels like a fun game. The sense of play makes starting tasks less of a drag.

I discovered this idea when I got tired of looking at those boring checklists. It gave me a playful way to track my progress, especially on tasks that felt daunting. If you want more details and a special offer on it, you can find it here:

https://courses.truthaboutdyslexia.com/to-do-list-bingo-special

Wrapping Up the Day

As evening rolls around, I often look back on what I’ve done. Sometimes I’m wowed by how many little tasks I squeezed in. Other days, I notice how easily I got stuck scrolling social media or rearranging my desk for no real reason.

Either way, the reflection is key. It reminds me to celebrate what went well, accept what didn’t, and plan a gentler start for tomorrow. By doing this, I see patterns. Was I over-ambitious with my list? Did I take breaks too late in the day? Each insight helps me refine the next day’s approach.

I’ve learned that rest is part of the process. When you factor in dyslexia and ADHD, your brain can go into overdrive. Taking scheduled downtime is like hitting a reset button. It also stops me from feeling resentful about the tasks that are waiting.

• Try a soft plan, not a rigid schedule, so you don’t feel locked in.
• Keep a pen and paper for dealing with random thoughts.
• Play “productivity roulette” to tackle tasks you avoid.
• Turn your checklist into a game with “to-do list bingo.”
• End each day by reflecting on wins and stumbles.

Curious to hear all the details? Hit play on the podcast at the top of this page. I dive deeper into each of these points, plus share more personal wins and mishaps that might cheer you on for your next day’s adventure.