I Feel.... [Enter Expletive]

Feeling overwhelmed can strike out of nowhere, especially when you’ve got a busy mind that never seems to switch off. Welcome to today’s blog post, where we dive into the “I’m in my head” moment from the latest podcast episode. By the end of this read, you’ll know what it’s like to juggle multiple “pots on the boil,” recognise when dyslexia fuels that sense of overload, and discover a few ways to calm your racing thoughts.

This episode is all about being real. You’ll hear an honest conversation about how easy it is to slip into overwhelm when life and work pile up. The host openly shares what that looks like in the day-to-day and offers practical tips for making sense of it all. If you’ve ever felt like your dyslexic wiring runs the show sometimes, you’re in good company here.

Overwhelmed Thoughts

There are times when everything feels cluttered in your head. Projects, meetings, family commitments, and more all stack up until it’s hard to even start. It’s easy to believe you should be able to handle it, yet your dyslexic brain might say otherwise. Overwhelm is that nagging sensation that your mental plate is fuller than you can manage.

In the podcast, the host talks about acknowledging this swirling cloud of thoughts. The trick is admitting it’s happening rather than pretending you’ve got it all sorted. Sometimes, the best way through is to stop, take a step back, and notice what you’re feeling. Even one moment of pause can ease the pressure. You can’t fix what you won’t face.

“I find it so important to share the real side of living with dyslexia, because it’s not always easy, but there’s always a lesson in the tough times.”

Too Many Pots on the Boil

At times, people with dyslexia can be masters at spinning many plates. We’ve got big ideas and a knack for creativity. But having too many pots on the boil can also leave you feeling like nothing is cooked properly. You might start a project, begin another, then jump to a third because you love new plans and possibilities.

The downside is that a bloated to-do list can muddy your focus. Visual thinkers often see the big picture, which is great until the details slip through the cracks. If your workload is leaving you mentally tapped out, it’s time to check whether you’re taking on more than you can realistically finish. It’s not about limiting your imagination; it’s about learning to pace yourself.

One way to handle this is through short daily reviews of your priorities. Ask yourself: which three tasks do I absolutely need to complete today? If you’ve got a list of twenty, that might be a sign you’re pushing your limits. Narrowing your focus can free you up to do your best work without drowning in unfinished projects.

Simple Steps to Calm the Dyslexic Mind

When overwhelm hits, small strategies can make a big difference. Here are a few suggestions:

• Brain dump: Write out every thought on your mind. It doesn’t have to be neat or pretty. Getting ideas out of your head onto paper (or a screen) stops them swirling around endlessly.
• Mindful break: Take even two minutes to close your eyes and breathe slowly. You’re giving your brain a moment to rest and reset.
• Chunk tasks: Instead of looking at an entire project, break it into bite-sized pieces. Focus on the next step, not the whole journey.
• Healthy distractions: If you find yourself stuck, try something active. A short walk, a stretch, or a quick dance can help you shift mental gears.

The episode goes into what works for the host, reminding us that each dyslexic mind is unique. The key is experimenting with different approaches. It’s a journey of finding out what sparks calm and clarity for you.

Learning to Embrace Our Unique Brains

We often forget how powerful it can be to understand our own strengths and weaknesses. Dyslexia doesn't just affect reading or writing—it influences how we process the world. By realising we might be wired to think differently, we can learn to play to our strengths while giving ourselves grace when we trip up.

That’s the heart of the episode: acceptance and self-compassion. No one is ever going to be perfect, and that’s alright. It’s about seeing the bigger picture and reminding ourselves that mistakes or slow days come with the territory. When you lighten up on yourself, you give your brain space to do its best work.

Rather than battling your dyslexia, try inviting it in for a chat. The better you understand it, the easier it becomes to work with your own mind. You’ll discover new ways to harness that creative spark while knowing when to pause and recalibrate. The more you learn about how you tick, the better you’ll be at juggling those pots without getting burnt.

• Recognise your overwhelm signs early.
• Use simple strategies to reset and recharge.
• Give yourself permission to slow down when needed.
• Know that every challenge has a lesson.

If you want to hear the full story on keeping your head above water when you’re swamped, be sure to check out the audio above. You’ll also get more detail about practical tips and real-life examples from someone who’s been there.

Ready to continue your journey? Here are some next steps:

• Sign up for our next Webinar Video Series on Building Confidence as a Dyslexic: https://go.truthaboutdyslexia.com/webinar
• Join our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia
• Learn about our courses: https://truthaboutdyslexia.com/courses
• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6eO96kabO3y66aUeaEKbIg

Give the episode a listen, then let us know how you cope with those busy moments in your own dyslexic life. We’d love to hear from you and keep the conversation going.