
Dyslexic Lifestyle Design
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Are you curious about how to carve out a flexible, balanced life when your brain seems to operate on a different wavelength? In this episode, we dive into my take on life design. I share strategies that work for me and others who have dyslexia and ADHD. If you sometimes feel like the world moves too fast, or your mind goes in circles, this conversation might be exactly what you're looking for.
In a nutshell, we talk about creating realistic routines, shaping daily tasks to fit a neurodiverse mindset, and discovering tools that keep motivation flowing. I share a simple concept I call “To-do List Bingo” – a playful way to tackle tasks that often get pushed aside. By the end, you’ll have fresh ideas to help you design a life that feels easier to manage.
Why It’s Important to Design Our Lives
We’re told to follow a standard routine from a young age. That works for some people, but not everyone’s brain is built for it. Personally, I found that rigid schedules drained my creativity.
When you design your life around what you need, you give yourself mental space. You can choose tasks and habits that match your energy levels instead of forcing a “one size fits all” plan.
My Mind as a Dyslexic ADHD Brain
I used to fight my wandering thoughts. It felt like my mind took me on a constant roller coaster of ideas. Later, I realised it’s a gift, as long as I channel it well.
One of the best things I learned was to stop battling my own thinking patterns. I embraced how my brain works. I let my curiosity guide me, without floating miles away from serious tasks.
“When I stopped trying to fix my brain and decided to work with it, everything clicked into place.”
Practical Tools That Really Help
Some days, life can feel like a to-do list you might never complete. That’s when strategies designed for ADHD and dyslexia come in handy. I talk about these in the podcast, but here’s a peek:
- To-do List Bingo: Turn your tasks into a bingo card. Each box holds one task. Complete a row, and treat yourself – even small rewards keep your drive alive.
- Mental Rest Stops: Break your day into chunks. After a burst of effort, take a few minutes to breathe. This helps you reset and get back on track.
- Micro-Goals: Split tasks into tiny steps. Tick them off as you go, and watch your motivation build.
- Visual Reminders: Post sticky notes in eyesight for crucial tasks. A simple note can spark memory better than scanning a long, overwhelming list.
If you want a deeper dive into To-do List Bingo, check out this link. It’s one of my favourite ways to make mundane tasks a bit more fun.
Finding Balance and Embracing Joy
We can’t run on productivity hacks alone. We also need moments to refuel. Think about what sparks joy for you and schedule it in. With dyslexia or ADHD, your energy might shift unpredictably. That’s why a dash of fun can keep you engaged.
This doesn’t have to be grand. It could be a quick walk, a doodle session, or chatting with a friend. Let your brain unwind before diving into another work cycle.
Takeaways to Remember
- Designing your life can boost focus and creativity.
- Working with your brain, rather than against it, changes everything.
- Short, organised tasks help maintain momentum.
- Fun strategies like To-do List Bingo keep you motivated.
- Balancing productivity with joy is key for success.
Ready to explore these ideas in more depth? Have a listen to the full podcast episode to hear the full story, practical examples, and even more resources. It's right at the top of this page, waiting for you.