Rollercoaster Of Life

Do you ever feel like your mind is racing through twists and turns you never signed up for? That sudden rush of adrenaline can be exciting at first, but it soon becomes exhausting. If you’ve been wondering how to slow that rollercoaster of thoughts, you're in the right place.

In today’s episode, we explore why dyslexia can feel like a whirlwind and uncover a simple technique to help manage it. You'll discover how to calm your mind instead of feeling at the mercy of the ups and downs. Keep reading for practical steps you can start today.

A Constant Ride of Highs and Lows

Dyslexia isn’t only about reading challenges. It also shows up in how your thoughts jump around, tossing you from excited ideas to anxious worries. When you wake up in the morning, you might feel you’re on solid ground. Then something small sparks your brain and you’re racing again, wondering where you’ll land.

No two days are the same. Sometimes you see possibilities everywhere and can’t wait to share them with the world. Other days you’re sorting through the messy stuff in your head, while people around you look totally calm. That contrast can be tough to handle, especially when you feel you’re the only one in the ride queue.

“Sometimes it can feel like you’re on the edge of your seat, not knowing what’s next.”

This quote from the episode speaks volumes. You’re not alone, even though it might feel that way. Recognising that others share this experience is the first step toward finding new ways to cope.

Slowing the Rollercoaster

The technique we explore in the podcast teaches you to zoom out rather than fixate on the next bend. It’s about stepping back from your immediate reaction and asking yourself a question that puts you in the driver’s seat. Here’s the gist: whenever you feel your mind swirling, pause for a second and ask, “How do I refocus right now?” This gently reminds your brain to centre itself.

Many of us think of coping techniques as complex or time-intensive, but this approach is simple. You don’t need an app, fancy gear, or a 30-minute routine. Just a quiet moment and the willingness to step out of autopilot. That momentary pause can bring the clarity you’ve missed while you’ve been gripping the safety bar.

This technique also helps you notice patterns. If you consistently ask how to refocus, you’ll start to track what spirals you the fastest. Maybe it’s a criticism from a colleague or a rushed morning routine. Understanding those triggers allows you to anticipate the rollercoaster’s big drop instead of getting caught off guard.

Ways To Practise This Strategy

It’s one thing to know a technique but another to weave it into real life. Let’s talk about how to do that without adding pressure:

• Set a Refocus Reminder: Use a sticky note or phone reminder that simply reads, “Refocus, don't react.” The visual cue boosts your chances of actually pausing when things heat up.
• Breathe Before Speaking: If you’re in conversation and notice your heart racing, pause and take one slow breath. This micro-delay can make all the difference in steering yourself back to calm ground.
• Journal the Peaks: Keep a quick note of what triggered your mind to race each day. Then note what you did, or could do, to slow it. Over time, you’ll spot patterns.
• Share With Someone: Tell a friend or loved one you’re trying this technique. When you voice it, you’re more likely to follow through.

Adapting a technique doesn’t mean it has to work immediately or solve all your challenges. It’s a process. Some days you’ll pause and feel calm, other days you’ll stumble. That’s normal.

Using It in Your Daily Routine

All these ideas might sound helpful, but you might be wondering how to fit them into an already busy day. One suggestion is to practise when you’re in a low-pressure situation, like waiting for the kettle to boil. You’re standing there anyway, so take that moment to ask yourself, “How can I refocus right now?”

When this question becomes a casual part of your day, you’ll find it easier to use in bigger moments. It’s like building a muscle. You don’t jump straight into lifting heavy weights on your first day at the gym. You start light and grow over time.

This routine can also help you feel more in control of your dyslexia-related ups and downs. It doesn’t erase them, but it makes them less overwhelming. Little by little, the ride slows down. You spot more detail in the scenery. You notice which turns are fun and which ones make you ill. That knowledge is power.

Staying Kind to Yourself

Self-kindness is key. We sometimes beat ourselves up for not staying level-headed. Yet dyslexia affects how we process information, so it’s no surprise we take in the world a bit differently. If you didn’t see the turn coming, it’s not a failure—it's just part of the ride.

When you apply the refocus technique, remember it’s not a quick fix. It’s a way to gently guide your brain toward what truly needs your attention. You’ll have moments of total clarity and moments when it all feels like a lost cause. That’s perfectly fine. What matters most is that you keep practising and learning from each experience.

• Give Yourself Space: Even a five-minute break can help reset your thoughts.
• Celebrate Small Wins: When you do manage to slow your thoughts for a second, it’s worth a mini-celebration.
• Keep Talking: Share your experiences with friends, a coach, or online communities.

These small actions build a foundation of kindness toward yourself, something that’s often overlooked in the day-to-day rush.

Key Takeaways

• Recognise you’re not alone in feeling like you’re on a never-ending rollercoaster.
• Slow the ride by pausing and asking, “How do I refocus right now?” when stress hits.
• Use small, simple routine changes—like a daily reminder—to build consistency.
• Remember self-kindness. You’re doing the best you can.

If you’d like to dive deeper into this simple but powerful technique, be sure to listen to the full episode. The player is right at the top of the page, so tune in when you’re ready. Once you hear the complete conversation, you’ll pick up more tips and personal stories that bring this idea to life.

Give it a try, keep practising, and let me know how it goes. Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps you find a calmer rhythm in your day.