
The ‘Who Cares’ Method
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Overthinking can creep in at the worst times. It makes your mind spin over every detail and possible outcome, creating a whirlpool of anxiety. If you’ve ever felt like your thoughts are working against you, this podcast episode has a method worth exploring.
In today’s conversation, we look at why overthinking can be paralysing for dyslexic minds. We also dig into a simple solution to break free. You’ll get practical tools and insights that help you stop the spiral before it takes over.
Why Overthinking Affects Dyslexics
Dyslexia often comes with creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and a dash of quick thought processes. That can be amazing when you’re brainstorming fresh ideas or tackling new challenges. But it sometimes turns into overanalysis.
When our minds latch onto a worry, they can repeat it again and again until it grows. This extra loop of concern triggers anxiety, which stops us from taking bold steps or trying new things. In this episode, we uncover why that happens and share a simple tool to lighten the mental load.
The Anxiety Spiral
Anxiety can trickle in when you start to wonder whether you’ve missed a step or misunderstood something. The fear of making a mistake—especially one you’ve made before—leads to second-guessing. Before you know it, you’re stuck in a loop of “what if?” and “I should have.”
The episode highlights why this spiral is so harmful. Dyslexics often feel their confidence drain away. Little tasks feel bigger than they are. You might even give up on an idea that once excited you. The good news is that it doesn’t have to stay that way.
“Overthinking leads to anxiety in a dyslexic’s life, and it can be paralysing. This method is simple to do, and it will surprise you how well it works.”
A Quick Grounding Method
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most powerful. This episode walks through a quick grounding method to disrupt overthinking. It’s not fancy. You don’t need loads of time or special tools.
Picture this: Your mind is racing, and you feel that knot in your stomach. The trick is to pause and focus your attention on something concrete. Maybe you notice five things around you—like the chair you’re sitting on, the colour of your shoes, or the sound of a clock ticking. This technique breaks that overthinking loop by forcing the wandering mind to settle on the present moment.
To take it further, practise a simple breathing exercise alongside your observation. Breathe in for a count of four, pause, then breathe out for a count of four. As you do it, pay attention to each breath. This combo of grounded focus and controlled breathing gives anxious thoughts less room to roam.
Practical Steps to Start
You might be wondering how to slip this method into everyday life. It’s easier than you think. Try it when you notice thoughts revving up. Better yet, schedule it proactively—take a minute every morning or once before bed. Small steps add up.
- Pick a cue: Maybe it’s your morning coffee or the moment you sit at your desk.
- Brief check-in: Ask yourself, “Am I already overthinking?”
- Apply the grounding: Look at your surroundings, breathe in and out slowly, and name what you see or hear.
- Reflect: Notice if your mind calms down even slightly.
Repeating this process makes it part of your routine, preparing you for moments when anxiety attacks out of the blue.
Key Takeaways
- Overthinking is common in dyslexics, but it can be disrupted.
- A quick grounding method focuses your mind on the here and now.
- Combining observation and measured breathing calms the racing thoughts.
- Regular practise is more effective than doing it once in a while.
If you want more details, tune in to the full chat. The podcast player is right at the top of this page. Press play when you’re ready, and discover how to stop overthinking in its tracks. You’ve got this.