Confidence And Overthinking

Have you ever felt your mind spinning uncontrollably before bedtime? Overthinking can be a constant companion for many with dyslexia when life gets busy. This episode explores why we slip into over-analysis and how to break the cycle.

We delve into the ways overthinking creeps in, from trying to remember every detail of the day to second-guessing decisions. We also talk through practical methods for finding calm, even when your brain is racing. You’ll learn small daily habits that help build self-awareness, so you can spot the early signs of anxious thinking and shift gears more easily.

Understanding Overthinking in Dyslexia

Dyslexia isn’t just about reading and spelling. Often, it brings a whirlwind of thoughts that can make your head spin. When you’re always scanning possibilities and imagining what could go wrong, it’s easy to lose focus on what’s right in front of you. This mental chatter can boost anxiety and sap your energy.

“Overthinking is a bit like running a marathon in your own head, and if you don’t slow down, you’ll be exhausted before you even begin.”

This is something we discuss at length in the episode. It highlights how our dyslexic minds work overtime, trying to uncover every possible outcome. That gift of creativity and problem-solving can turn into a pitfall if we don’t find a healthy release valve.

The Power of Awareness

Have you noticed which situations spark your overthinking? Maybe it’s when you forget a small detail, or when you’re worrying about future events. Awareness is often the best first step. Once you realise you’re slipping into an overthinking spiral, you can pause and reset.

We underscore a few strategies in the show:

• Check in with your body. Is it tense? Are you fidgeting?
• Ask yourself if you’re facing a real problem or a what-if scenario.
• Take a deep breath and shift your focus to something simple around you.

Small Shifts That Help

Overthinking usually happens in the quiet moments. One key approach is to develop alternative habits that help the mind refocus. Some people doodle, while others try a quick walk around the block. You can even play a simple game on your phone—something that resets your busy mind for a moment.

It’s about finding what works for you and sticking with it. Experiment with these ideas:

• Write a to-do list before bed to clear your mental clutter.
• Use a timer. Give yourself five minutes to think through a challenge, then move on.
• Distract your mind with something positive, like an uplifting podcast or calm music.

Giving Yourself Permission to Breathe

Sometimes we push ourselves too hard, telling ourselves we have to do more and do it better. It can become a never-ending loop. But it’s vital to allow yourself time to breathe—literally and metaphorically. Slow, deep breaths can calm the mind and relax the body.

Your schedule may feel tight, yet taking short breaks helps your brain settle. A few minutes of stillness can do wonders for your clarity. When you give yourself permission to step off the hamster wheel, you’ll often return to tasks with better focus and a more balanced perspective.

• Overthinking feeds anxiety and drains energy.
• Awareness is the key to catching yourself in the spiral.
• Tiny shifts like doodling or short breaks help disrupt negative loops.
• Giving yourself space to breathe fosters calm and clarity.

Curious to hear more about kicking overthinking to the curb? Scroll up to the podcast player at the top of the page and listen to the full episode for deeper insights. We promise it’s worth it.