Dyslexic Burnout (And A Cool Meditation Trick)

If you've ever felt so drained you can't think straight, you're not the only one. Many of us with dyslexia face a unique type of burnout that goes way beyond simple tiredness. It can feel like your mind is swimming against a strong current day in and day out.

In this episode, we dive into practical ways of escaping dyslexic burnout and how to tap into mindful strategies that truly help. We explore how to recognise the signs you're struggling, what to do when the mental fog sets in, and a gentle approach to meditation inspired by Dr K from HealthyGamerGG. This blog post gives you the highlights and some simple tips to keep you going.

Understanding Dyslexic Burnout

Burnout can creep in when you're constantly trying to appear "fine" while your mind is doing circles. Whether you're juggling work, family, or personal projects, the relentless pressure to keep everything organised can lead to mental overload. Dyslexia often adds extra steps to reading, writing, or remembering details, and that extra effort can catch up with you.

There’s also the emotional toll of feeling misunderstood. You might worry others think you’re lazy or unmotivated because they don’t see the extra effort you put in. Over time, the weight of these beliefs can pile up, leaving you exhausted and unsure how to reset.

Key Realisations from Dr K

In the episode, I share how Dr K's insights on mental wellbeing resonated with my own struggles. One big idea he emphasises is that you shouldn't force yourself to keep going when you're clearly running on empty. A balanced approach to rest, reflection, and progress can go a long way to help you avoid that dreaded crash.

"You might feel like your brain is in overdrive. That's the classic sign it's time to reset, not push harder."

Dr K’s approach also encourages you to examine your worries without judging them. For instance, instead of telling yourself off for getting stuck, you look at the situation as if you’re an outside observer. You realise it’s not your fault you have these hurdles—your mind and body are asking you for a new strategy.

Using Meditation to Break the Mental Block

Mindfulness and meditation might sound fancy, but all it really involves is observing your thoughts and feelings in a gentle way. It’s a chance to slow down your racing mind. You don’t need a special cushion or a dark room. You just need a quiet spot, a few minutes, and permission to breathe deeply.

In the podcast, I share a simple technique that has helped me in moments when my brain starts spinning. First, find a comfortable space. Next, set a timer for a few minutes. Then focus on your breathing and let thoughts come and go like passing clouds. Every time you catch your mind wandering, gently bring it back to your breath. This short break can stop you from repeatedly hitting a mental wall.

Day-to-Day Strategies for Minding Your Energy

It's not enough to meditate once and hope burnout never returns. Small regular habits can keep your energy levels healthier. One of my favourites is taking micro-breaks throughout the day. Instead of powering through tasks until your head aches, try a quick stretch or a fast walk around the block.

Also, don’t forget the value of digital organisation. Use alarms, apps, and reminders that remove pressure from your memory. If you colour-code tasks or break them into small chunks, you might notice your mind relax. Consistency in these strategies will give you more breathing space and reduce moments of panic.

Practical Tips When You Feel the Tension Rising

Sometimes you can catch the warning signs early. If you notice that reading a single line feels like scaling a mountain, or you keep making the same mistakes, it might be time to pause and recalibrate.

Here are a few tips that can help:

• Take a five-minute break to clear your head.
• Try a two-minute guided meditation on YouTube or a favourite app.
• Write down the top three things you want to achieve and ignore the rest until those are done.
• Reward yourself after you've pushed through a challenging task, even if the reward is small.

Remember that these strategies might need a little experimenting. Different approaches suit different temperaments and contexts, so be open to finding what clicks.

Takeaways

• You’re not lazy—burnout can happen when your mind is working overtime.
• Dr K emphasises the importance of stepping away before you reach a breaking point.
• Meditation offers a mental timeout that can grind the hamster wheel to a halt.
• Small, consistent habits help manage daily pressure and prevent long-term fatigue.
• There’s no perfect system. Try a few tactics until you discover the routine that fits.

If you want the full conversation, head over to the episode at the top of this page and give it a listen. I share more detail on each tactic and how I’ve worked through my own challenges. You’ll also hear extra gems from Dr K’s perspective on mindful strategy and what it really takes to break free from the cycle of burnout.