What’s Working For Me…

If you’ve ever wondered how two small techniques can transform your day when you’re living with dyslexia, you’re in the right spot. Today’s episode covers exactly that, plus a short catch-up on what’s been happening behind the scenes.

I touch on a few personal updates, but the main highlight is two powerful methods that are boosting my focus and calm right now. Curious? It’s all about simple routines and DIY tools that keep you from getting trapped in an overthinking spiral. They might sound obvious, but I’ve found them to be game-changers.

A Quick Update

Before diving into these techniques, I wanted to share a quick look at my life lately. The Truth About Dyslexia podcast has been reaching more listeners who say they find relief in knowing they’re not alone. That sense of connection keeps me going.

I’ve also been experimenting with different ways to achieve balance. Sometimes I’ll wake up energised, ready to tackle anything. Other times my brain decides it’s time to work on about fifty new ideas at once. It’s a roller coaster, and these updates are a reminder that we’re all constantly evolving.

Technique 1: Journalling with Specific Intent

Let’s start with something simple: journalling. I know, I’ve talked about it before, but this time it’s more focused. I’m not just scribbling random thoughts. I keep it to bullet points on what I need to do, why it matters, and how I’m feeling. This structure prevents my brain from running in circles.

It’s much easier to write a couple of lines than to fill an entire page. I’ll often add tiny notes about what I’m grateful for and what’s top priority. It keeps me directed, helps me remember important tasks, and, best of all, it feels good to reflect on something positive.

“I never realised how a small shift in perspective can change my entire day.”

That’s a direct quote from the episode. I stand by it. You can turn a stressful morning into a clearer, calmer start if you organise your thoughts on paper, no matter how briefly.

Technique 2: The Visual Cue Hack

Along with journalling, I’ve been testing something I call the ‘Visual Cue Hack.’ It’s all about having a short visual reminder of what matters most right now. For me, that’s a post-it taped to my laptop or a small note on my phone screen. The key is keeping it visible and simple.

If you try to remember everything in your head, you’ll burn out. Constant mental chatter can feel overwhelming. A visual cue offloads that worry. It might say, “Focus on one thing now” or “Check your schedule.” Quick, direct prompts stop me from drifting off into daydream land.

One friend of mine uses colour-coded sticky notes to organise tasks by type. Another friend sets daily phone alarms that display short motivational quotes. The goal is the same: break the overthinking cycle by turning intangible thoughts into physical reminders you can’t ignore.

Why They Work

You might wonder, “Is it really that easy to see big results from small steps?” To be honest, yes. A lot of it comes down to one principle: you give your brain less work during the day. By journalling, you create an easy place to store all your swirling ideas. By adding a visual cue, you focus on what’s most pressing, so you don’t forget your top priorities in a wave of mental clutter.

We all know how quickly thoughts can vanish. You might have the best plan ever, but if you don’t plant it somewhere physical, it can slip away. These two techniques anchor your best intentions in reality. They become gentle reminders to pause, breathe, and act with intention.

Everyday Dyslexic Struggles and How These Help

Life with dyslexia is full of unique ups and downs. Here are a few common struggles these two hacks can ease:

• Memory fluctuations: Journalling keeps track of what you’re working on, so forgetfulness doesn’t slip you up as often.
• Overwhelm: Visual cues reduce the mental load. You see your next step instead of juggling a hundred thoughts at once.
• Stress spikes: When you’re mentally swimming, both journalling and visual prompts feel like calm anchors, letting you resurface quicker.
• Self-confidence: Small wins build momentum. Being consistent with these techniques can show real progress, even on tough days.

Key Takeaways

• Short journalling sessions keep you focused on what matters most.
• Visual prompts act like ongoing reminders of your priorities.
• Both methods free up your mental space, so you use less energy staying on track.
• Even if you’ve tried something similar before, these small tweaks might surprise you.

If you’re seeking straightforward ways to boost your daily routine, these two approaches are definitely worth a shot. They don’t take a lot of effort, and you can adapt them to fit your lifestyle.

Ready to hear more about these techniques in action? Press play on the podcast at the top of the page to dig deeper. You’ll get a closer look at my experiences, and maybe a few laughs as I share the behind-the-scenes reality. Happy listening!