Mind Body Connection

Have you ever felt like your body’s trying to tell you something, but you’re not quite listening? Maybe you eat a bit too much before you realise you’re full or notice you’re freezing after staying out in the cold for hours. That’s exactly what we explored in this podcast episode on the mind-body connection and what it means to live with dyslexia.

In the episode, I open up about how dyslexia doesn’t just affect reading and writing—it can also affect how we sense our own body cues. We talked about the challenges of noticing hunger, thirst, or temperature too late. We also covered how easy it is to slip into harsh self-talk when we feel out of control. If you’ve ever struggled with these sorts of signals, you’ll hear some candid thoughts and practical tips to recalibrate your mind and body. It’s not about achieving perfection. It’s about learning to listen so we can gently steer our day in a better direction.

The conversation also touched on the importance of giving ourselves grace. Sometimes we get so caught up in overthinking that we forget to pay attention to the simple messages our body is sending. In this post, I’ll share a few highlights about noticing shifts in mood or comfort. We’ll also look at real-life strategies to stay more grounded. Have a read, then check out the full episode at the top of this page.

Understanding Body Signals

Many of us with dyslexia have an internal chatter that’s always running. We might be juggling creative ideas, remembering tasks, or drifting off into daydreams when we should be focusing on something else. In the middle of all that mental noise, it’s surprisingly easy to miss what our body is quietly saying. By the time we realise we’re hungry, we may already be tired and grumpy.

If someone asks if you’re cold, you might suddenly notice a shiver and realise you’ve been feeling cold for a while. The problem isn’t that our body isn’t talking. It’s that we don’t always pick up on the signals until later. Our mind’s like a busy motorway, and simple things—like thirst or a slight ache—often get lost in the roar of traffic.

The Mind-Body Connection with Dyslexia

Dyslexia doesn’t just colour how we read letters or process written words. It can affect how we translate all sorts of information, including sensory data. In the episode, I share a moment that struck me:

“I never realised just how disconnected I was from my own body until I tried to listen closer.”

That’s when I understood I’d been ignoring signals for ages. It’s like our brain is wired to filter out details that feel boring or insignificant. We notice big things—like a strong headache—but we might miss the smaller clues that something’s off. Where others might pause to stretch or grab water if they feel a slight strain, we end up pushing it aside until it becomes a bigger issue.

For me, it was a wake-up call. Realising how my dyslexia influences this in subtle ways gave me a new level of self-compassion. It made me see that it’s not laziness or a lack of discipline. Sometimes our brains just process information in a unique way, and that includes physical signals.

Embracing Tools and Strategies

One key focus of the episode was finding practical ways to reconnect with your own body. We can’t rely on telepathy to remind us when it’s time to eat or how to balance our energy levels. So we chatted about using alarms, reminders, and simple checklists on your phone. Honestly, something as basic as a timer can make all the difference.

You could try setting a little buzzer to go off every two hours. When it does, give yourself ten seconds to pause and think: “Am I thirsty? Is my body tense? Do I need a quick stretch?” It might feel odd at first, but these small breaks can help refocus your day and reduce overwhelm. The trick is to keep it simple and consistent. You don’t need a complicated routine. You just need a gentle nudge that helps you look inward.

Breaking the Cycle

When we ignore our body’s signals, we often end up in a loop of self-blame. We might say, “I should have known to bring a jumper,” or “Why didn’t I notice I was starving?” That frustration can be louder than any physical discomfort. Yet breaking this cycle is possible. It starts with observing yourself in a calm, non-judgemental way.

Ask yourself if there’s a pattern to when you notice your body signals. Maybe it’s often at the end of the workday, or you only pay attention when someone else points it out. Recognising these patterns is step one. Step two is seeing where you could insert a small habit—a reminder on your phone or a post-it note on the fridge—to tune in more frequently. Over time, these mini check-ins become second nature, so you’re less likely to be caught off guard.

It’s also helpful to share these insights with the people around you. If your partner or friend notices you haven’t eaten, ask them to remind you. That’s not a failure. It’s a recognition that partnership and community can help all of us do life better. Plus, it fosters a bit of teamwork if you’re both trying to stay aware of your own needs.

Ultimately, it’s about being kinder to ourselves. We’re not robots—some days we’ll stay hydrated and comfortable, other days we won’t. The goal is progress, not perfection. And if you slip up, that’s just another learning moment. Remember that your value isn’t tied to how perfectly you keep track of your body signals. It’s about continually trying to do a bit better each time.

• Give yourself mini reminders to pause and check your body.
• Notice patterns in your routines and energy levels.
• Use a timer or an app that suits your lifestyle.
• Talk to friends or family—ask them to point out when you seem off.
• Be patient with yourself. It’s a journey, not a race.

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode right at the top of this page. You’ll hear more about my personal experiences and gentle strategies for tuning in before life gets too loud. It’s easy to overlook our own bodies, but there’s real empowerment in learning to hear those subtle messages.