Slowing Down The Dyslexic Mind To Listen

If you've ever felt like your own thoughts can lock you inside your head, you're not alone. This week's podcast delves into a sneaky pattern many of us with dyslexia come up against—something that was jokingly described as a kind of “prison.”

In this episode, we explore why feeling trapped happens, how it tends to show up, and a simple first step to handle it. By looking closer at our own thought processes, we can learn to spot unhelpful mental ruts and find ways to break free. Below, you'll find the core ideas from the conversation, plus a few handy links to dive deeper.

Why Does It Feel Like a Prison?

We often battle with internal routines that feel impossible to escape. Things like overthinking, procrastination, or losing hours to daydreaming can seem normal until we notice how they hold us back. The pressure weighs us down until we start calling it a “prison.”

"To me, the title of this podcast sounds like a prison haha! But it is a real challenge that I am noticing in my life."

For many people with dyslexia, these moments can sneak up quietly. We might sense it in the pit of our stomach when we see unfinished tasks or feel behind on goals. The more we dwell on it, the more we're tempted to hide from those responsibilities.

The Subtle Signs of Feeling Trapped

Sometimes it's not obvious we're feeling trapped until we step back and ask ourselves if a cycle is repeating. Here are a few signs to watch for:

• Constantly rewriting a to-do list but never crossing items off.
• Having important ideas yet struggling to get started.
• Complaining that there's no time, but finding time for scrolls or distractions.
• Telling yourself you'll do something “tomorrow,” only for tomorrow to arrive unchanged.

These patterns often come with a pinch of guilt or shame, which can keep us on the same loop day after day.

Breaking Out of Unhelpful Loops

To break free, it helps to see these behaviours for what they are—learned habits that can be undone. The first step often involves getting real about what's actually happening, instead of telling ourselves everything is fine until it all overflows.

Try starting with one small action. Instead of attacking your entire to-do list, choose one item you're determined to tackle today. Once you do it, notice how it feels to finish. It might not cool all your stresses immediately, but it challenges the belief that you're stuck.

We also chat about the power of noticing patterns. Triggers like certain times of day, specific tasks, or emotional states can pull us into that “prison” feeling. Spot the triggers and you'll stand a better chance of dodging the mental quicksand that follows.

Practical Steps to Move Forwards

There's tension between wanting to get things done and feeling that it must be perfect. Feeling restless can lead to avoiding anything that doesn't spark immediate interest. Here are a few practical tips that surfaced in the episode:

• Pick one thing: Start your day with a single clear objective. No more than that.
• Create simpler tasks: Break your goal into smaller actions. Sometimes half a step is all you need.
• Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge each step forward. This helps your brain see success as possible.
• Seek tiny moments of calm: Build quick pauses into your routine. Breathe, stretch, or take a moment to refresh your headspace.

Once you feel some relief, you can dig deeper into the bigger changes that help free you from those unhelpful loops.

Along with the podcast, we've just launched a new Mini-Course—The To Do List For Dyslexics—to tackle procrastination head-on. If you'd like to explore it, check it out here: The To Do List For Dyslexics.

If you're keen to share your own story or insights on the podcast, we've set up a simple link: Be on the Podcast. We love hearing your unique experiences.

Also, if you want to join our next training, jump on the waiting list here: The Confident Dyslexic Course. And if you're seeking a supportive community, meet us in our private Facebook group where we talk about the ups and downs of life with dyslexia.

Finally, don't miss our YouTube series, My Dyslexic Life, for more stories and practical tips: Subscribe on YouTube.

• Takeaways from the Episode:
• You might feel stuck, but there's always a path forward.
• Small actions break down those huge walls in your mind.
• Guilt and shame can fuel the cycle—awareness helps you move on.
• Support and community lighten the load.

Curious to learn more? Listen to the full episode at the top of this page and get fresh insights on managing your mental “prisons” in a brand-new way. By reframing how you tackle tasks, you can free yourself to explore what's possible, one small win at a time.