Updatecast: Breathing, James Clear And Neurodiversity

It’s astounding how often we overlook simple habits that could reshape our day. This episode delves into a few of those techniques. I’m experimenting with them in my own dyslexic and ADHD life, and there’ve been some jaw-dropping moments of clarity.

We cover how the way we breathe might change our focus, why dyslexic and ADHD minds need extra care, and how small daily habits stack up. There’s no magic wand, but I’ve noticed these tweaks give a boost to energy and calm in unexpected ways.

Becoming Aware of Your Breathing

One thing that jumped out for me is how we rarely pay attention to our breath. It’s automatic, so we rarely think of it unless we’re out of breath. That’s been me many times this week, yet taking control of breathing can sharpen my mind.

If you slow down your inhale or hold it for a beat or two, it might help you tune into the task at hand. It’s like training the brain to focus on one moment. I’ve found it especially useful when my thoughts are darting all over the place.

“Breathing can feel so automatic, so it’s wild to see what changing it can do to your focus and clarity.”

Why It Helps The Dyslexic and ADHD Brain

Dyslexic and ADHD brains run on an unusual rhythm. We can be super creative one moment and then forget our keys the next. The episode highlights how small tools, like mindful breathing, help slow the swirl of thoughts.

By practising a bit of control, we help the brain manage distractions. This might be an obvious idea, but the difference it made for me was incredible. I used to think helpful strategies had to be big and fancy, but sometimes a simple inhale/exhale works wonders.

Experimenting With Small Tweaks

Using simple strategies became my mantra for the week. I tried a handful of new habits to see what stuck:

• Short breathing breaks: I paused and took five deep breaths before emailing or texting people.
• Mental resets: Every hour or two, I’d stop and observe what was happening around me, focusing on one sense at a time.
• Better hydration: I started drinking an extra glass of water during the day to stay more alert.
• Micro-journalling: A quick scribble in my notebook, listing a worry or win from the day. Very short, yet so helpful.

They’re minor, but I’ve felt calmer and a bit more productive. My brain loves going on tangents, so these tiny breaks act like guideposts. You might discover your own set of habits that bring a splash of calm to the chaos.

Making It Stick

The hardest part is remembering to do these things when life gets busy. One trick is to tie them to daily events. For example, link five seconds of mindful breathing to your morning coffee. When you boil the kettle, remind yourself to breathe right and set an intention for the day.

I also realised it helps to be forgiving of myself. Some days, I forget every new habit I wanted to try. That’s normal. Instead of feeling bad, I try again later. Over time, you might see a real difference in your ability to focus.

Building on New Insights

Once you find a habit you like, go deeper. If simple breathing breaks feel good, expand them into a quiet moment for reflection. If journalling helps, keep a small notebook on hand. Too often, we talk about massive transformations, but it’s the little changes that make a day feel smoother.

Remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. This episode shines a light on small, repeatable steps we can take to better manage dyslexia and ADHD challenges.

• Micro-habits keep our busy minds on track.
• Breathing shifts can calm whirling thoughts.
• Link new habits to daily events for easy reminders.
• Forgiveness is vital when habits slip.

Why not give it a try this week and see what happens? You might uncover a surprising superpower in something as simple as breathing or note-taking.

Ready to dive deeper? The podcast player is at the very top of this page. I encourage you to listen to the full episode and see for yourself how these ideas might re-shape your daily life.