Energy Sapped Days (Do You Get Them?)

Have you ever hit that wall where your mind goes fuzzy and you can't bring yourself to care about much? That feeling showed up for me recently, and it felt like I was wrestling with quicksand. This episode is all about those tough dyslexic lows, and what it’s like to push through when your mental battery says “No thanks.”

In this chat, I share how my brain tends to slow down, and how the nagging thought of “maybe I shouldn’t share this” nearly stopped me from hitting record. But I’m glad I did, because experiencing both the highs and the lows is part of being neurodiverse. If you've ever felt like your mind occasionally hibernates, this is the episode for you.

Why Dyslexic Lows Happen

Sometimes, our brains need a break. For many of us, having dyslexia means our mental energy fluctuates in ways we don't always understand. We can be buzzing with ideas one day, then suddenly it's like someone unplugged our power cord.

It’s more than just feeling tired. It can be a deep, blue dip into disinterest, like our brain is insisting on a forced rest. Instead of fighting it, recognising what’s going on can help us find tools to move forward.

The Bean Bag Moment

I almost stayed on my bean bag and kept this struggle silent. Lying there, I wondered if anyone needed to hear about these exhausted lows. Then I remembered how many times I’ve heard from listeners who said, “I thought I was the only one.”

“I was not sure if I wanted to share this, but I got off my bean bag and recorded it anyway.”

That quote pretty much sums it up. I realised that by shining a little light on the messy parts, I was also giving others permission to do the same. We don’t have to wait until we’re feeling brilliant to share who we are.

How to Notice the Signs

As soon as I feel that slow, heavy apathy creep in, I know I’m entering “low energy mode.” My brain starts to switch off. I lose interest in work, conversation, or even my favourite hobbies.

If this resonates with you, think about:

• Muscle tension or odd aches that signal exhaustion.
• Forgetfulness around small tasks you usually manage.
• Feeling like you can’t engage in things you normally enjoy.

Once we notice these signs, it becomes easier to adjust and practise a bit of self-compassion.

Small Steps, Big Difference

When I see my low coming, I try not to panic. Instead, I give myself some breathing room. A quick walk outside or a short creativity break can help refuel my mind. Other times, all it takes is telling a friend how I’m feeling.

Here’s what I’ve tried, though it may differ for everyone:

• Physical reset: Step away from the screen, stretch, or do a few star jumps.
• Mental refresh: Try sketching or doodling for five minutes.
• Dyslexia-friendly planning: Use sticky notes or mind maps to prepare tasks.

Simple actions can break that cycle of “I don’t care” thinking and offer a gentle shift back to feeling OK.

Turning Lows into Learning

This episode reminded me that even our lows can be part of our superpower. They invite us to slow down and refill our mental cup. Where I once saw these dips as failures, I now see them as a chance to gain perspective.

Being dyslexic doesn’t always mean unstoppable creativity. It can also mean spending a bit of time in that fuzzy, disengaged place. However, I’ve realised that sitting with those lows can prompt reflection on what’s working well and what needs a tweak. It’s all a journey, after all.

• We all experience dips, even when we appear strong.
• Acknowledging the low can help us bounce back faster.
• Small actions can soothe an overloaded mind.
• Vulnerability connects us, because none of us is perfect.
• Sometimes all you need is a reminder you’re not alone.

If you want to hear more about my real-time thoughts on those tough moments, the podcast player is right here at the top for you. Give it a listen, because you might spot your own experiences in my story. You never know when a candid conversation can spark a breakthrough.

Take a breather, then hit play. Let’s explore our dyslexic highs and lows, and figure out ways to keep going even on the toughest days.