Write Off Days - Those Days It All Falls Apart

Have you ever had a day where everything goes sideways, and you feel like you’re clinging to sheer willpower? That was me yesterday, and it’s why this podcast episode landed late. Sometimes we push ourselves past the limit without realising there’s a simpler way to handle the chaos.

In this episode, I unpack the idea of “Write Off Days,” a strategy I forgot to use in the heat of the moment. These days are powerful for anyone with dyslexia or ADHD who’s feeling overwhelmed. They’re a helpful mental reset button. Below, I’ll delve into what a Write Off Day is, why it matters, and how you can use it when stress starts to pile up.

When Everything Falls Apart

We all try to hold it together, but sometimes our minds decide enough is enough. Things seem to break down in record time. That’s exactly what happened to me.

“Everything just fell apart. I got overwhelmed, stressed, and was using Will Power to survive.”

In moments like this, it’s tempting to plough on and force productivity. But that often amplifies the stress and anxiety, especially if you’re wired differently. Dyslexia and ADHD minds can spiral quickly when the pressure hits.

Introducing Write Off Days

A Write Off Day is a conscious choice to stop wrestling with your brain. Instead of pushing through tasks when you’re out of mental energy, you step back and acknowledge it’s not working. That might sound strange at first, but it can be incredibly liberating.

Think of it like giving yourself a “hall pass” from the day’s responsibilities. Rather than punishing yourself for having an off day, you can gracefully hit pause and reset.

Why Write Off Days Work

Write Off Days remind you that your well-being is more important than any to-do list. When stress piles up, our dyslexic or ADHD brains can struggle with organisation and focus. Taking a strategic break helps break the cycle.

During a Write Off Day, you can:

• Spend time outdoors or read a fun book
• Watch something that makes you laugh
• Nap or relax without guilt
• Record random thoughts without editing them

This doesn’t mean you’re lazy. It’s about avoiding mental burnout and letting your mind recharge so you can come back stronger tomorrow.

Using This Tool for Dyslexia and ADHD

Sometimes we forget our own advice. That was me yesterday. But today, I’m sharing this tool as a reminder for both you and me. Write Off Days are especially helpful if you’re highly sensitive to overstimulation.

We don’t always give ourselves permission to stop forcing things. A Write Off Day protects our mental energy, which is a precious resource if you handle dyslexia or ADHD. It’s a friendly nudge to treat yourself with kindness and patience.

• Write Off Days are a valid coping strategy
• They reduce emotional overload
• They help you bounce back faster
• They’re a reminder that rest is productive too

Whenever you sense the pressure rising, try a Write Off Day. It might feel odd at first, but it can save you a world of stress in the long run.

Key Takeaways

• Recognise when you’re mentally spent
• Try a Write Off Day to hit the reset button
• Allow yourself space to recover without guilt
• Return refreshed and better equipped to tackle tasks

If you’d like to hear more about this concept, the podcast player is at the top of the page. Give it a listen for the full story and more insights. If you want to learn more about how dyslexia and ADHD affect us in daily life, visit TruthAboutDyslexia.com. Taking care of your mind is worth it.