Stimulants - The Good, The Bad And The 'hey Maybe'

Do you ever look in the mirror and wish you could just breathe easier? That nagging anxiety can feel unshakeable, especially if you’re working through challenges like dyslexia and ADHD. But there’s light at the end of that tunnel. In this episode, I’m sharing my goal to stand in front of the mirror by year’s end and feel calm in my own skin.

This conversation dives into key mental hurdles many of us face. We explore how dyslexia shapes our thinking, how ADHD nudges our focus, and how different stimulants and habits play a part in our day-to-day. If you’re on the path of shedding old beliefs, this is right up your alley.

Facing Anxiety Head-On

I’ve spent years tiptoeing around my anxiety. It was easier to push it aside. Now I’m determined to address it straight on. I’m asking myself tough questions: Why does this happen? How can I loosen its grip?

There’s a sense of relief when you stop running from anxious feelings. It’s like ripping off a bandage. Sure, it stings but you also start healing. Imagine standing in front of the mirror feeling some unease, then deciding not to let it control you. That’s a powerful shift.

“I realised anxiety was telling me something deeper. Instead of shutting it down, I decided to listen.”

Dyslexia and ADHD: A Unique Lens

Dyslexia and ADHD often come with their own brand of stubborn beliefs. We might think we’re not smart enough or that we’ll never stay on track for more than a day. Yet these struggles can also be our strengths. Creativity often springs from these conditions and we can learn strategies to hone that creativity.

I’ve discovered that giving myself small breaks and gentle deadlines helps me work with dyslexia. It also reduces anxiety. ADHD can make me feel like I’m juggling too many projects so I try to streamline my tasks. This starts with recognising that my brain’s wiring is different, not broken.

If you find yourself bouncing from idea to idea, that might be your ADHD. If you get stuck in overthinking, dyslexia might be adding its twists. Awareness is the first step. Once you see how your mind works, you can restructure your routines to suit you better.

The Role of Meds, Caffeine, and Stimulants

Some people find medication is a lifesaver. Others see it as a last resort. In this episode, I chat about how meds can balance out that internal chatter. Taking the right dose at the right time might make the day go smoother. It’s not a magic fix but it’s an option worth exploring with a professional.

Caffeine is another puzzle piece. Many of us lean on coffee or tea to get a boost. For some, a cup in the morning feels like clarity in liquid form. For others, it sparks jitters. My coffee habit can turn on me if I overdo it. Yet it gives me a short burst of focus when used wisely.

Stimulants come in many forms. We often think of them as medication but they can be as simple as an energy drink or strong peppermint gum. When used moderately, they can sharpen our minds. When we rely on them to handle stress, though, they may add to anxiety.

Changing Old Beliefs

One of the biggest barriers is what we tell ourselves. I mentioned my stubborn dyslexic brain. That label might keep us trapped if we use it as an excuse to stay stuck. But the truth is, I’ve found that swapping out those old beliefs is a daily practice.

Some helpful steps include:

• Noticing a negative thought when it appears.
• Asking if it’s based on fact or fear.
• Replacing it with a statement that feels more helpful: “I can manage this task in my own way.”
• Giving yourself grace to fail and try again.

We don’t overcome deep-rooted beliefs overnight, but each small step counts. It’s like building a new mental muscle. Repetition, patience, and a bit of kindness to ourselves can go a long way.

Practical Ways to Feel Relaxed

Relaxation sounds like a fancy unicorn when you’re facing anxiety or racing thoughts. It’s not impossible though. In this episode, we also talk about ways to come back to a calmer state even when the world is spinning.

A few simple ideas include:

• Breath Work: Breathing slowly for a minute can take the edge off.
• Visualisation: Picture a calm place and place yourself there for a moment.
• Journalling: Offload your thoughts onto a page. It’s a cheap form of therapy.
• Short Walks: Hit the pavement or park for a quick reset.

These don’t fix everything, but they create pockets of calm. As you build a habit of checking in with yourself, you start catch ing anxious patterns earlier.

• If you often second-guess yourself, remember you choose how you frame your story.
• Dyslexia and ADHD aren’t flaws. They’re different operating systems.
• Medication and stimulants have pros and cons. Use what serves you best.
• Changing old beliefs takes consistent effort. Be patient with the process.
• Try small relaxation methods daily so they become second nature.

If you’d like to hear the raw conversation, check out the podcast player at the top of this page. I share personal stories and practical tips to help you navigate dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, meds, and stimulants. It’s a down-to-earth talk aimed at helping you feel a little less trapped by your mind.

Give it a listen and let me know if anything resonates. You might find one small tip or mindset shift that makes a big difference in your day. I can’t wait for you to join me on this journey.