Covid Lockdown - Tips For Dyslexics

Are you bracing yourself for another lockdown? Or maybe you've just come out of one and are still feeling shaken up? If you've been wondering how to handle that restless feeling of being cooped up, this is the episode for you. We'll explore practical tips, real stories, and genuine support.

During the episode, I chat with Gavin in Melbourne. We talk about ways to stay mentally healthy when your living room becomes your universe for a while. Lockdowns can feel overwhelming. We cover strategies to avoid falling into anxiety spirals, keep your mind engaged, and maintain focus on what's within your control. It's a down-to-earth conversation with real tips you can use right away.

We also laugh at how the simplest tasks can turn into mental juggernauts. Gavin shares how mindfulness without the heavy jargon helps calm his racing thoughts. We look at different ways to keep boredom at bay. The main goal is to remember you're not alone in this. Even in isolation, you can build helpful habits for your mind.

The Overthinking Trap

When you're stuck at home, every little thought can spin out of control. You might fixate on daily updates or the news, reread text messages, or even wonder if you've got enough coffee to last. This swirling mental activity can drain your energy and keep you from enjoying life's smaller pleasures.

Gavin and I explored how to put a pause on that storm in your head. One tip that stood out was to ask yourself, “Is this something I can control right now?” If the answer is no, try shifting your attention to something else. If yes, note a quick plan of action.

“When my brain's on overdrive, I remind myself my only job is to do the next right thing, not everything at once.” — Gavin

Finding Ways to Stay Active

One of the trickiest parts of lockdown is finding a balance between physical and mental activity. For me, going for a quick walk in my backyard or doing a simple at-home workout can shift my energy. It doesn't have to be intense. Just moving your body releases some of that built-up tension.

Gavin mentioned how daily mini-challenges keep him engaged. He sets tiny goals like doing ten push-ups or cleaning one drawer, which give a sense of achievement. It's all about celebrating the small wins. Action leads to momentum, so keep it simple and easy to maintain.

Balancing Structure and Flexibility

Schedules can be a blessing or a curse for those of us with dyslexia or ADHD minds. Too much structure feels suffocating, but none at all leads to chaos. Lockdowns can magnify this dilemma, and it's easy to swing from hyper-productive days to total slumps.

What worked for Gavin was flexible planning. He creates a rough plan for the day—a start time, a few tasks, and a wind-down period—then allows room for spontaneity. It's a mix of letting yourself breathe with a bit of gentle guidance.

Leaning on Community

Connection is huge when you're feeling isolated. Even if you're locked in physically, you can still reach out to a mate on Zoom or drop a message in a group chat. Sharing your day with someone else can lighten the mental load in surprising ways.

When we recorded this episode, Gavin emphasised that accountability doesn't need to be fancy. A quick check-in message with a friend can keep you on track. Sometimes just knowing you'll chat with someone later helps you stick to the habits you want to build.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on what you can control and let go of what's out of your hands
• Short bursts of physical activity can shift your mood
• Structure your day loosely so it doesn’t feel like a cage
• Stay connected through calls or messages to avoid isolation
• Celebrate small wins to build momentum

Spending too much time in your own head can be exhausting. If you want more insights or just need some company, the podcast’s player is at the top of the page. We dive deeper into these tips, share more stories, and hopefully help you feel a lot less alone on this journey.