#hpd - Sleep & Energy Anchors

Welcome to another dive into the dyslexic mind. If you've ever found yourself overthinking simple stuff or wishing you could snap into a calmer state, you've come to the right place. Today, I'm exploring two anchors I've started using to shift my mindset in a flash, and there's a special focus on how to use these anchors for better sleep—something I've struggled with for years.

In this episode, I talk about why anchors can help train your brain to switch gears when you need them most. I also share my own experiences trying to balance a busy mind with everyday tasks. It's still early days, but I'm excited about the results. If you've got a curious spirit or a restless mind, keep reading.

Why Anchors Matter

Anchors are triggers that help you switch your state quickly. Think of them like little cues that tell your brain, “Oi, time to flip that switch.” This can be super helpful when you're stressing out or having one of those nights where you can't shut off your thoughts.

I first learned about anchors from various mindset and personal development books. But I never tried them until I realised I needed a practical tool I could use on the spot. I thought, why not give it a go?

“It's early days in testing this, but I'm sticking to it and really liking the outcome—especially the sleep anchor for my overthinking dyslexic mind.”

That little excerpt from the episode sums it up: anchors can be subtle but powerful. If one anchor can help me doze off when I'm wide awake at three in the morning, that's worth shouting about.

The Sleep Anchor

Let's face it, overthinking at night is the worst. There's nothing like your brain deciding 2 a.m. is the best time to replay a silly conversation from five years ago. The good news is that setting a sleep anchor isn't complicated. It just takes consistency.

Here's the simple approach I use:

• Pick a consistent bedtime routine—something as basic as dimming the lights or reading a few pages of a book.
• At the moment you decide to go to sleep, do something small and unique, like gently tapping your thumb and forefinger together three times.
• Pair this gesture with a quiet, calming thought or a single word like “rest.”
• Keep repeating this each night until your body associates thumb-tap with winding down for sleep.

When my mind starts racing, I tap my fingers again. It's like flipping a switch that says, “OK, you're safe to switch off.” It doesn't work 100% of the time yet, but it's bringing me more restful nights than usual.

The Energy Anchor

Have you ever had those mid-afternoon slumps where it feels like your brain is swimming in soup? That's where a quick energy anchor can save the day. This anchor is all about boosting focus and motivation.

My process looks like this:

1. Choose a mini action, such as taking three deep breaths or clapping your hands once.
2. Link the action with something that sparks excitement—a short mental image of a goal or a moment of success.
3. Use it whenever you notice yourself drooping. It tells your body, “Right then, let's go!”

This anchor is about raising your overall energy level, so tweak it as you like. Maybe you stomp your feet or jump up and down. The key is that it's repeatable and makes you feel energised.

Practical Tips for Making Anchors Stick

Anchors sound simple in theory, but the real magic happens when you keep them going. Here are a few suggestions if you're hoping to give anchors a real shot:

• Start Small: Don't try to anchor every aspect of your life at once. Focus on one area—like sleep or energy—then gradually expand.
• Stay Consistent: Loop your anchor into an existing routine so you won’t forget it. Consistency is what creates that mental shortcut.
• Track Progress: Write down how you feel after using the anchor. Nothing fancy, just a quick note to see the patterns.
• Be Patient: Results can come slowly, but that doesn't mean the anchor isn't working. Keep at it and trust the process.

Making It Your Own

One of the coolest things about anchors is how flexible they are. Feel free to customise your trigger, your gesture, or your word. Maybe you prefer tapping your shoulders instead of snapping your fingers. Go for it.

What's vital is that it resonates with you. If something feels silly, tweak it. There's no one-size-fits-all approach for dyslexic or overthinking minds. We get to experiment and find what sticks.

I'm still finding new ways to refine my anchors. Early results look good, but it's a constant work in progress. If you want to explore deeper or compare notes, I’d love to hear from you.

• Try different times of day for your anchor setups.
• Add a small reward when your anchor works well.
• Review monthly to see if you're feeling calmer or more energised overall.

It's not magic. It's more like training a muscle. If it takes me 10 tries to remember to do my anchor, that's okay. Each time I practise, I'm making that mental pathway stronger.

Key Takeaways

• Anchors help shift your mindset in seconds.
• Consistency is king—from bedtime routines to energy boosts.
• Results might be slow at first, but perseverance pays off.
• Customise your actions so they feel natural and repeatable.
• Note down small improvements to keep yourself motivated.

Curious to hear more about how I’m using anchors in my daily life? The full episode is right above. Hit play if you want more tips, personal stories, and a bit of a laugh about my trial-and-error journey. You never know, these anchors could be the mental tools you’ve been waiting for.

Give it a listen and let me know what you think. Your mind might just thank you.