Brain Energy (how It Works)

Have you ever had one of those days where your brain just says, “No, not today”? It can leave you feeling stuck or even broken. In this episode of the Truth About Dyslexia podcast (the player is at the top of the page), we dive into why this happens and how a dyslexic viewpoint can shift your perspective. We explore what’s really going on when your mind checks out and how a bit of self-awareness can make all the difference.

We talk about letting go of feeling broken or “less than” when your brain wants to take a day off. You’ll hear tips and insights into how someone with a dyslexic brain can create coping strategies, develop fresh ways of thinking, and find trust in themselves. It's a real eye-opener that might just ease that pressure you’ve been feeling.

Why Our Brains Sometimes Press Pause

When your brain hits the brakes and you sense resistance, it's often a sign. You're not lazy or lacking willpower. It's your mind's way of preserving energy or going into protective mode. Many of us, especially those with dyslexia or ADHD, experience these breaks in focus.

A big reason behind this is sensory overload or mental fatigue. We tend to process information differently, so when we’ve had too many tasks, calls, or demands, it can all feel like a tangled mess. Your mind’s response? Hit pause until the storm settles.

Seeing It Through the Dyslexic Lens

Before I was diagnosed, I felt like I was broken whenever my brain took an unplanned holiday. I had no idea it could be connected to dyslexia or neurodiversity. Understanding my thinking style changed everything. It was like that moment when the penny drops and you realise this is more common than you think.

“Ever had those days where your brain is like, ‘No, not today’? It has a mind of its own, right?”

That’s exactly what I used to say to my friends, until I realised it wasn’t just me. Finding out how dyslexia influences thought patterns gave me permission to see it differently and plan around it. Now when I feel that mental “no,” I know it’s time to be curious rather than critical.

Practical Ways to Work With Your Mind

If you’re nodding your head, you might be wondering how to handle these moments. Here are a few ideas that have helped me:

• Take micro-breaks: Short rests can recharge your mental energy. Even five minutes of stillness or calm breathing can do wonders.
• Shift your focus: If something feels impossible, try a different task first. Fresh tasks can reboot your motivation.
• Use reminders and notes: External prompts help you remember tasks, especially when your mind decides to wander off on its own.
• Embrace variety in your day: Monotony can push your brain to switch off. Mix up your schedule, environment, or approach.

These aren’t quick fixes, but they’re small steps to prevent or recover from those tough mental blocks. They're also a reminder that your brain is wired a bit differently, and that's okay.

Building Self-Trust and Openness

Once you start approaching dyslexia, ADHD, or any neurodiverse trait with curiosity, you can build trust in yourself. That trust reminds you that a “no” day isn’t the end of the world. It’s a natural cycle your brain goes through to balance out overwhelm.

If you’re open about how your mind works, the people around you can be more supportive. They’ll understand why you need to step back or shake up your routine. The more transparent you are with yourself and others, the less ashamed you’ll feel. It’s not about making excuses. It’s about giving realistic explanations so you can thrive instead of surviving.

• Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re broken.
• Dyslexia can change the way your brain handles overload.
• Micro-breaks and switching tasks can reboot focus.
• Self-awareness can turn a bad day into a lesson in patience.
• Open communication helps others support you better.

Thanks for reading this glimpse into how dyslexic and differently wired brains can respond to life’s demands. There’s so much more to share and explore. If this has piqued your interest or helped you feel understood, be sure to check out the full podcast episode.

Give it a listen, and if you find value in it, please consider leaving a like, review, or sharing it with others who might need to hear they're not alone. Your voice helps us reach more people who are looking for support and fresh ways to understand their brilliant, sometimes tricky brains.