Morning Coffee, Anxiety & The Never Ending To Do List

Ever had one of those days where your thoughts race at full speed, and you wonder if you can keep up? Whether you’ve just got too much on your plate, or you’re feeling that subtle buzz of anxiety creeping in, you’re definitely not alone. In this podcast episode, we explore the tight connection between dyslexia and anxiety, and how you can gently take some weight off your mind.

We look at why those of us with dyslexia can become so critical of ourselves—especially when we don’t hit 110% every single day. You’ll hear about the times we only had 75% to give, and how that’s actually enough. By the end, you’ll have some fresh strategies to help shift your mindset, lighten the load, and start feeling less overwhelmed.

“Dyslexia and Anxiety are very very close friends. Our minds are a mixture of warriors and worriers (see what I did there).”

Why Dyslexia and Anxiety Go Hand in Hand

Dyslexia isn’t just about reading challenges. It often comes with a deep sense of pressure to succeed, especially when you see others around you breezing through tasks that you find difficult. That struggle can stir up anxiety before you realise it.

You might feel it when you open your inbox each morning, see your task list, and wonder if you’ll ever be caught up. Anxiety can grow fast, and suddenly that small worry about spelling a word correctly spills over into feeling like you must do everything perfectly. But here’s a secret: you don’t have to be perfect.

The Warrior vs The Worrier

Our minds can be brilliant at problem-solving, creativity, and thinking outside the box. That’s the warrior side—driven to tackle challenges head-on. But there’s also that little voice that says, “What if I fail?” or, “I didn’t give enough.” That’s the worrier side.

It’s natural to have both. The trick is knowing when you’re letting the worrier take the reins for too long. Next time you feel yourself slipping, try asking, “Is there any proof that I always fail?” Often, you’ll find you have a track record of success, even if you stumble sometimes. Giving yourself credit for those wins will help keep the warrior in the driver’s seat.

Three Tools to Lighten the Load

When stress builds, it’s tempting to power through—until you burn out. Instead, give some of these practical tips a go:

1. Build a Brain Dump Routine
   Start your day by writing down everything on your mind. Don’t judge or organise these thoughts. Just get them out. This helps clear your mental clutter and reveal what truly matters.
2. Embrace the 75% Days
   Sometimes, you won’t smash every goal. Ask yourself, “What if 75% is enough today?” No one performs at 110% all the time. Aiming for your best, rather than perfection, is kinder and more realistic.
3. Create a Support Network
   Talk to mates, join a local dyslexia group, or find an online community. Sharing your challenges reminds you that you’re not the only one juggling a million thoughts at once.

These tools might seem simple, but they’re powerful. A brain dump can cut down on overthinking, while embracing imperfection lets you breathe a little easier. And when you connect with others, you realise you don’t have to do it all alone.

Being Kinder to Yourself

There’s a difference between being lazy and setting realistic limits. If you miss a deadline or an item on your checklist, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that you’re not good enough. Life, especially with dyslexia, is a process of exploration.

When I used to push myself to fill every spare minute, my anxiety would skyrocket. Big surprise, right? I now recognise that it’s healthier to leave room for breaks, mistakes, and reset moments. That might mean stepping away from your phone for fifteen minutes, going for a quick walk, or simply binge-watching a show when your brain needs a rest.

Next Steps and Lasting Change

Overcoming the anxiety-dyslexia cycle isn’t about flipping a switch. It’s small steps, each one reducing your daily stress bit by bit. You’ll learn to notice the early signs of overwhelm and take an action, even if it’s tiny, to soothe your mind.

Pay attention to tension in your shoulders. Are you holding your breath? Is your heart racing for no clear reason? Pause for a second. Ground yourself in the present moment by checking in with your body. Then reach for one of those handy tools—like writing a quick journal entry or texting a supportive friend—to help restore calm.

• Head off the spirals: Recognise the first hints of anxiety and meet them with a plan.
• Remember your strengths: Dyslexia comes with unique gifts—use them to spark your confidence.
• Be honest with yourself: If you only have 75% in the tank, that’s perfectly fine.
• Lean on community: Talking to others who understand can lessen the load.

Try not to beat yourself up when you struggle—it’s part of being human. The important bit is to keep going, trust the process, and be open to adjusting along the way.

Key Takeaways

• Dyslexia can make you feel anxious, but you have more tools than you think.
• Accepting imperfection can free up mental space. No one is perfect all the time.
• Having a go-to plan like a brain dump or a quick chat with a friend can help.
• Regular breaks for your mind are just as important as ticking tasks off your list.
• Support makes a difference—don’t carry it all on your own.

You’ve got a lot on your plate, but remember you’re capable of amazing things. If you’re ready to dive deeper, the full episode is waiting at the top of this page. Stick around, press play, and discover how you can turn that anxious “worrier” into a confident “warrior.”