The Afternoon Energy Vampires

Ever feel like you’re stumbling through the day on the last drop of mental energy? This episode was all about that exact feeling—when dyslexia, ADHD, and life’s demands converge, leaving us out of breath. We explored the idea of “energy vampires,” how they drain our momentum, and what it’s like trying to recharge when everything feels a bit too noisy.

We also talked about ways to handle that energy crash and how being part of a supportive community can help. If you’ve ever felt broken, or like you’re running on empty, this one’s for you. Below, you’ll find a quick dive into the main points, along with tips on boosting your energy when it’s most needed.

Energy Vampires: A Real Drain

We all have those moments when the day seems longer than usual. But for many dyslexics, that mental exhaustion arrives a little earlier or hits a little harder. Everyday tasks, small talk, or even constant phone notifications can feel like they’re sapping energy faster than we can replenish it.

Energy vampires can be anything that puts unusual strain on your mind. They might be hectic work emails, noisy environments, or complicated conversations. Sometimes, we feel powerless in the moment. Identifying which tasks or situations deplete your energy is key. Once you spot those vampires, you can start finding strategies to stay in control.

“It’s like a car running on fumes. I just felt broken today and wanted to record this, while I’m at the mercy of these energy vampires.”

Recognising When You’re Running on Fumes

It can be easy to overwork your mind without realising you’ve taken on too much. Dyslexia and ADHD can often make concentration and information processing more draining than usual. Before you know it, the day’s nearly over and you can’t remember how you even got there.

Spotting the signs early helps you manage your energy levels better. Do you catch yourself rereading the same line repeatedly? Are you feeling frustrated answering simple questions? Maybe you’re slower to respond, or you’re zoning out when people speak to you. All these can indicate those “fumes” are about to run out.

If this sounds familiar, try to slow down. Have a quick break—even five minutes to breathe or step outside can help ground you. Sometimes, just noticing you’ve hit that limit is enough to change from drained to recovering.

Strategies to Refill Your Tank

Finding practical tools to manage energy dips is life-changing. Rather than pushing through until you collapse, you can create little patches of rest and recovery during the day. Here are a few suggestions:

• Short Breaks: It may sound obvious, but many of us forget. A few minutes away from your workspace helps break the stress cycle.
• Mindful Movement: Light stretches or a quick walk can reconnect you with your body and recharge your brain.
• Chunk Tasks: Break big projects into smaller parts. Ticking off each step is motivating, which helps preserve energy.
• Voice Notes: If dyslexia and ADHD make note-taking tough, record quick thoughts and reminders on your phone.
• Healthy Fuel: Drink water, snack on something nutritious, or sit quietly for a minute if that’s your version of a “refuel.”

Try a few approaches to see which feels most natural. Everyone’s different. Once you find what works, add it to your daily routine to keep your battery from hitting zero.

The Overlooked Power of Community

When you’re drained and a bit lost, it’s tempting to isolate yourself. Yet community support—whether online or offline—offers a different kind of energy boost. Sharing your challenges with people who truly understand can lighten the load. It’s surprising how much better you feel just by talking to someone who gets it.

In the podcast, we talked about how finding a space to voice concerns, ask questions, and laugh over shared experiences can help you stop bottling things up. Knowing you’re not alone can dramatically reduce stress. You see that this “I’m out of energy” feeling isn’t personal failure. It’s part of the dyslexic and ADHD experience, and there are ways to move through it.

This is the reason I always encourage dyslexics to join supportive groups, jump on webinars, or subscribe to helpful channels. Even if you tune in quietly at first, you’ll likely pick up motivating ideas and fresh outlooks.

Quick Takeaways

• You’re not broken, even when you feel you can’t go on.
• Energy vampires are real, so name them, then plan how to manage them.
• Short, mindful breaks can transform your day.
• Community support makes a difference—don’t do this alone.
• Keep track of what lifts you up and do more of it.

Most of all, remember that feeling drained doesn’t mean you’ve failed. We’re all figuring this out, and there’s always another day to try again.

If you’d like the full story, the podcast player is right at the top of this page. I’d love for you to listen and share your thoughts. If you’re looking to build more confidence, don’t forget these resources below:

• Sign up for our next Webinar Video Series on Building Confidence as a Dyslexic
• Join our Private Facebook Community
• Explore Our Courses
• Discover The Confident Dyslexic Programme
• Subscribe on YouTube

Thanks for reading, and I hope you find new ways to refuel when you need it most.