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Written by Dyslexicdayna |
The close of another academic year is looming and with that, we ready ourselves for the next step. Whether it's facing the next year of your degree or heading into the workforce for the first time. Being dyslexic, this change can be intimidating and overwhelming. Here at Socolo, we want to support you with this next step, whatever it may be!
Acceptance
Picture this, you’re laid in bed late at night and your mind begins to race with thoughts of the change on the horizon. You feel your heart rate increase as your fingers tighten around your comforter and you feel a wave of nausea in your stomach. You’re desperate to get rid of the sensation and bury any thought of the upcoming change but, this does more harm than good. You’re teaching your body that this is something to be afraid of and so, the next time you think of it your response will worsen.
The first step to dealing with change is accepting it! And realising that not all anxiety is bad. In modern-day society, it's really easy to label any anxiety as ‘unhelpful’ but in actuality, some level of anxiety plays a vital role in our lives. So, the first step is to acknowledge that you are feeling anxious (that's ok) and realise that you're also probably excited.
Now you’ve acknowledged it, we need to learn to harness it and not let it control us. For many years, I have used a guided meditation to reframe my thinking towards change and the unknown and now, I want to share it with you here. (although the title suggests it's only for interviews I have found it applicable to any situation where something is expected from me and it gives me the confidence to feel in control)
Ready yourself and the people around you.
When you are dyslexic the next step can be scary. It often means meeting new teachers or employers and rehashing conversations about:
- What dyslexia is
- How it affects you
- What support you need
Not only is it overwhelming but also emotionally exhausting, but there is something you can do ahead of time and that is to prepare yourself and the people around you!
For example: if you are a student, take some time to sit down and read through units of work for the upcoming year. If you'd rather listen there is a free website called, Natural readers.
Next contact your lecturers and let them know you are dyslexic and outline how they can support you this year! (I’ll attach an email template). If you have overlapping assignments, account for them in a timetable and if you struggle to organise your time ask a family member or friend to help you out! (There's also no shame in approaching a past student about their experience) You can also pre-book one-to-one support at your university's study centre (I always try to book three per project: planning stage/ midway/ completion). These actions will help you feel in control and lessen any anxiety surrounding your dyslexia.
Rest, recharge and recuperate
Often upcoming changes can put us on alert but remember, this time is there for you to relax, recharge and recuperate. Being around nature is scientifically proven to reduce stress hormones and often, costs nothing! So, find your local woodland walk, take a flask of tea, some good company and an activity to do.
Find your local woodland walk here.
And here’s some inexpensive activity ideas:
Above all else, remember that change is a part of life and it's exciting. You’ve got this, whatever your change may be.
