Tools I Use To De-stress

This is the place to be if you sometimes feel your thoughts spiralling in circles. Our latest episode explores how I tackled a big house move while juggling a dyslexic brain that can’t stop over-analysing. If you’ve felt alone in your mental chatter or worried about taking on large life changes, you’re not alone.

In this episode, I share how a move to a new home triggered all sorts of anxieties. I talk about the “little voices” that make you double-check every box, wonder if you’ve labelled things correctly, and suspect you’ve forgotten something important. I also cover ways to hit pause on that runaway train of worry so you can set your mind free for a bit. Let’s get into the highlights and explore how you can do the same.

Why Overthinking Gets Louder

Overthinking has such a strong pull because it feels like you’re solving problems. In truth, it can create new ones. Whenever we’re told there’s a big change coming, our brains start scanning for landmines. Add dyslexia into the mix and you might also fret that you’ve misspelled important documents or misplaced a key item along the way.

But awareness is half the battle. Once you notice your mind spiralling, you can stop it faster. This might mean literally saying, “No, I’m not going down that rabbit hole,” or taking a breath whenever caution morphs into panic.

Habits That Calm an Overactive Mind

During my recent move, I found some small routines that made a big difference. The idea was to give my mind something positive to focus on instead of the usual doom-and-gloom thinking. Here are a few rituals you can try:

• Breathing Breaks: Stop, take five deep breaths, and exhale slowly. This might sound simple, but it can give your mind a mini holiday from racing thoughts.
• Music or Podcasts: It helps to have background noise that isn’t your own internal chatter. If you’re packing or unpacking, stick on a favourite playlist or re-listen to an episode you find calming.
• Daily Gratitude: Write down one or two things you’re thankful for. Even if it’s the fact you remembered to bring spare keys, focusing on small wins works wonders.

Over time, your brain starts to realise it doesn’t have to panic. It’s allowed to rest and enjoy the present moment. These habits don’t magically erase dyslexia or remove stress, but they do create space for clarity.

When Your Environment Changes

I quickly realised that a fresh environment can either give you peace or add to your chaos. If you find yourself overwhelmed in new surroundings, remind yourself it’s normal to feel uneasy at first. We often associate our old home with comfort and familiarity.

“When your environment shifts, your brain can go into overdrive. It’s so easy to second-guess every box you’ve packed, every choice you’ve made, and worry about misplacing things.”

That moment of doubt is totally natural. My strategy was to zone in on one room at a time. Instead of thinking, “I must organise the entire house today,” I focused on one specific task, like sorting out the kitchen utensils. Breaking tasks into smaller chunks stops the mind from racing in too many directions.

Recognising You’re Not Alone

It’s easy to feel isolated when your own brain is running non-stop. That’s why I wanted to highlight this episode for those who might also have a dyslexic mind that loves tangents. If you’ve ever caught yourself lost in a sea of “what ifs,” you’re in good company.

Talking about this shared experience can be therapeutic. Our community is living proof that the overthinking loop doesn’t have to rule your life. Giving your brain a break isn’t always simple, but even small steps can make a real impact.

We don’t have to keep it all bottled up. Sometimes, a quick chat with a friend or fellow listener helps remind you that your anxious thoughts aren’t the only voice in the room. That sense of connection beats back the feeling that you’re tackling everything alone.

• If you’re battling with a million to-dos, try listing them out in a visible place instead of letting them buzz around endlessly in your head.
• If you doubt you can manage something, break it down further. Slow progress is still progress.
• Remember that some worry is natural. It’s only when it becomes crippling that we need to re-centre.

In the episode, I mention a few tips that can stop the overthinking spiral before it fully takes hold, and I share more personal stories about how my move gave me a crash course in mental maintenance.

Key Takeaways

• Overthinking can feel productive, but it often creates stress instead of real solutions.
• Simple rituals like breathing breaks or music can reset your mind fast.
• Breaking tasks into smaller chunks keeps you focused and less anxious.
• You’re never alone in your worry. Talking it through can lighten the load.
• It’s OK to start with tiny steps. Even one well-placed break can bring relief.

If you want more details, stories, and honest insights, listen to the full episode. You’ll hear how I kept my sanity during a chaotic house move while navigating a dyslexic mind that likes to overthink. The podcast player is right at the top of this page waiting for you—press play and join the conversation.