Why Does Slowing Down Seem So Painful?

Why Does Slowing Down Seem So Painful?

Have you ever felt your mind racing ahead, even while you’re desperate to slow down? That’s exactly where I found myself in this energised podcast episode. I explored how dyslexic and ADHD brains can crave new ideas, even when we know we need to take a breath. If you've been feeling a little overwhelmed, this one’s for you.

I dove into the importance of slowing down, letting our minds catch up, and finding some sense of calm in the middle of our fast-paced thoughts. I shared personal tips and real-life stories about navigating that constant urge to jump ahead. It’s not always easy. But we can discover ways to embrace our wonderfully creative minds without feeling like we're sprinting through life.

Why Slowing Down Feels So Hard

Many of us with dyslexia or ADHD find it tough to simply pause. Our brains light up with new ideas, distractions, and even random sparks of inspiration. It’s exciting, but it can also create anxiety when things pile up. Slowing down means we have to press pause on all those buzzing thoughts.

“I find it so challenging to slow my head down. My dyslexic brain sees endless possibilities, which is amazing, but it can leave me drained if I try to chase them all at once.”

That tension between excitement and exhaustion is something I tackled head-on in this episode. Slowing down is about choosing which threads of opportunity to follow and which ones to park for later. It’s a learning process that never really finishes.

The Overthinking Mind

Sometimes the hardest part of having a busy mind is overthinking every step. Do you ever wonder if you’re missing something bigger just around the corner? I know that feeling well, especially when my creative gears spin up.

Overthinking can lead to:

  • Feeling paralysed by choices
  • Putting off tasks until they become more stressful
  • Missing out on enjoying the present moment

Bringing some awareness to that swirling mind is a simple but highly effective first step. Through mindful pauses or even just a quick journal scribble, we can take a snapshot of what’s really going on in our heads.

Tips for Finding Balance

During the episode, I shared a few strategies for letting your mind slow down, without sacrificing that spark of creativity. One approach is setting small steps forward instead of looking at the entire mountain.

  1. Chunk it down: Break your tasks into digestible pieces, so the overall goal feels less intimidating.
  2. Mental check-ins: Pause for a minute or two, ask yourself if you’re on track, and gently return to the task if you drifted off.
  3. Celebrate tiny wins: Enjoy the feeling of finishing small actions. Success leads to momentum, which combats procrastination and overthinking.

None of these tips are a magic wand. But they offer small victories, which add up over time and help you feel more in control.

New Ideas and Project Overload

My dyslexic brain always hunts for new ideas, which can be a blessing and a bane. There’s a thrill when a fresh project comes to mind, yet it’s easy to lose enthusiasm for existing goals. I’ve learned to be more selective about what I take on.

Keep a notepad or digital note on hand for random lightning bolts of inspiration. That way, you can save them for later without jumping into everything at once. Whenever I spot a new opportunity, I try to take a breath and see if it genuinely fits my priorities before diving in.

A Quick Interview Shout-Out

I also had the chance to talk about slowing down and other dyslexia hacks on another fantastic show. I was interviewed on Dyslexia Life Hacks recently, where we covered my personal experiences and what keeps me energised in the face of constant brain chatter. If you’re hungry for more insights on living with a dyslexic mind, check it out.

The full podcast player for this episode will sit at the top of the page, so keep an eye out if you want to listen in.

  • Take small pauses throughout your day.
  • Capture new ideas in one place.
  • Celebrate tiny wins to build momentum.
  • Check priorities before adding another plate to spin.

Ready to learn more about staying calm inside a busy mind? Ask yourself if you could enjoy a little less speed and a bit more space. If that idea makes you breathe easier, you’ll want to hear the full story.

Listen to the full episode at the top of the page and discover ways to keep that spark alive without burning out. We all need a reminder now and then that going slower doesn’t mean missing out—it means making life a little more enjoyable.

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