Dealing With Overwhelm

Overwhelm can sneak up when we least expect it. In this episode, I share how I recognised my own role in creating that heavy feeling. If you’ve ever felt like your mind’s a constant buzz, this might give you hope. This blog post explores the highlights of how dyslexic overwhelm happens and what we can do about it.

One of the biggest shifts was understanding how small habits pile up until they feel massive. I also talk about the highs and lows many of us experience. If you’ve ever felt like dyslexia is a rollercoaster, you’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of what we covered.

Why We Create Our Own Overwhelm

It’s frustrating, right? Sometimes it’s the to-do list that gets too long. Other times it’s the inner voice that nags us about everything we “should” do. This can cause so much stress that we freeze up and do nothing. Or we try to do it all, which never works for long.

In the episode, I realised it’s not always outside demands that cause overwhelm. We can be our own worst enemy. We add social engagements, say yes to projects, or set impossible goals. Then we look at the list and feel we can’t cope.

"Dyslexia feels like a rollercoaster and being overwhelmed is so common even if we don’t show it."

This comment from the podcast sums it up perfectly. We know that sense of being up and then suddenly, way down. It can shift in seconds. Knowing this helps us accept our natural ebb and flow instead of trying to fight against it.

Spotting the Signs Early

When I talked about overwhelm in this episode, many listeners shared how they ignore early warnings. They wait until things are urgent or they’re feeling trapped. That’s when our nerves go haywire. Sound familiar?

It doesn’t have to reach that point. By noticing little clues, we can manage overwhelm before it grows. For example, you might rush from one task to another without a break. Or you might obsess over a tiny detail and lose track of the big picture. These are gentle signals we're doing too much.

• Constantly checking your phone or email.
• Guilt about unfinished tasks.
• Difficulty focusing on one thing at a time.
• Feeling tired even when you’ve slept well.

These signs show it’s time to pause and reset. Once you spot them, you can take small steps to lighten your load. Sometimes that might be saying no. Other times it means shifting due dates. Either way, it starts by noticing when you’re straying off balance.

Fun Ways to Reduce the Load

Ever heard of “To-Do List Bingo”? It’s a tool I mentioned in the episode. It’s designed to make boring or repetitive tasks a bit more playful. You can download it for free here: To-Do List Bingo.

Having fun is a huge help if you’re easily overwhelmed. It breaks tension and makes those tasks feel just a little lighter. I’ve found it especially good for tasks I never seem to get around to, like sorting paperwork or catching up on emails.

Here’s why it helps:

1. It turns mundane tasks into a game: If there's a fun angle, we're more likely to engage.
2. It breaks tasks into chunks: Instead of facing a huge to-do list, we focus on smaller wins.
3. It helps track progress visually: We see how far we've come, which boosts motivation.

If you’ve found yourself putting off big or small tasks, consider giving it a go. It's a bit goofy, but that’s half the point. Sometimes we need a laugh to get moving.

Practical Tips to Manage Overwhelm

One of the best ways to manage overwhelm is to stop it early. Many of us with dyslexia or ADHD need simple and consistent tricks. Here are a few that have helped me.

• Write it down: If you can actually see all your tasks, you’re less likely to forget them. That means they won’t swirl in your head.
• Prioritise tasks: Pick one or two must-dos each day. The rest can wait or be spread across the week.
• Take tiny breaks: A quick stretch. A cup of tea. A minute of mindful breathing. These mini resets matter.
• Ask for help: If you’re overloaded, delegate or postpone. Sometimes we think we have to do it all. We don’t.
• Use a timer: Set it for 10 or 15 minutes. Do the task. Then take a short break. This keeps your brain fresh.

Overwhelm rarely vanishes with one big change. It’s the little habits that keep it in check. When everything is swirling, remember you can always ask a friend or colleague for support. That quick conversation can make all the difference.

And if you need a bigger strategy, pick up new tools one at a time, like switching to an app or a physical planner. If you jump in with too many new systems, you might create more confusion. Keep it simple so you can actually stick with it.

Reclaiming Calm and Confidence

In the end, this episode was all about reminding ourselves we can find calm in the chaos. Dyslexia or not, life gets intense. But spotting your triggers early and building small but powerful habits can help you feel more confident.

When you recognise your own patterns, you learn how to navigate them. It might still be a rollercoaster, but you can predict the ups and downs. You can realise when a loop is coming and prepare before you get fully overwhelmed. In doing so, you’ll feel more prepared for whatever’s next.

• You can recognise your own overwhelm triggers.
• Focus on fun tools like “To-Do List Bingo” to break tasks into chunks.
• Aim for small wins and mental breaks to reset your focus.
• Ask for help when you need it, rather than pushing through alone.
• Keep things simple to reduce stress and keep consistent routines.

That’s the heart of this conversation. We can’t erase every stressor, but we can decide how we respond. By noticing what we need and taking those first steps, we start to take back control.

If this resonates with you, check out the full podcast episode above. It's packed with personal examples, real-world tips, and my honest experiences. Give it a listen if you want more detail on how to calm the chaos.