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Navigating Slow Processing: 3 Strategies for Dyslexics to Boost Productivity

This week The Hive had our first-ever Deep Dive event! Natalie gave us an in-depth look at slow processing for this Deep Dive. That got us thinking we have not broken down what slow processing is! We're sharing 3 ways to navigate slow processing that we got from our talk!

What is Slow Processing?

Slow processing is a challenge in receiving and perceiving information. Another way of looking at slow processing is that information goes into your brain; your brain processes it, then you understand it. When you have dyslexia, the little mini you in your mind takes longer to translate information from receiving to understanding than it does for non-dyslexics.

3 Ways to Increase your Processing Speed

Before we get too far, we want to point out that there is no cure-all method to have fast processing speed. We are dyslexic, which means that we will have good days and bad days. Pesky things like lack of sleep, movement, and increased stress will worsen things. That said, we know these 3 strategies will make those hard times a little less painful!


Reducing Mental Load

When you are working, processing speed is a huge priority! One of the BEST ways to ensure you have all the power you can is by reducing all the extra noise your brain tries to process.


Few examples:

  • Take enough breaks. Think of your brain like a computer; if you work too hard, it will overheat and stop working. If you struggle to take breaks, try the Pomodoro Method!

  • Work in the right environment. Do you get distracted by your laundry while working at home? Go to a coffee shop. If you get distracted by the chatter in the office, try wearing headphones.

  • Silince notifications. Lock your phone away, and close your emails. Notifications are the kind of extra noise that adds mental load.

Get information in the way you NEED

Learning your way is one of the BEST ways to increase processing speed! Our brains are good at taking in information if formatted, so we can easily digest it! A quick note, often, the way people with dyslexia want to take in information is great for everyone. So know that when you are asking for accommodations, you might be helping those without dyslexia as well. This kind of information delivery is needed for dyslexics and helpful for everyone else.

Give Yourself More Time or Less Work

Time blindness coupled with slow processing speeds leads to even slower processing speeds. To increase your processing speed, you have to decrease your stress.


Less stress can mean asking for more time on projects done or asking for a reduction in your workload. Asking for changes can feel impossible, but we're here to tell you it's not! Just know when you do ask, it's essential to highlight where your value is and clarify the importance of amending your load.

If you feel uncomfortable asking for more time or less work, try looking for more control of your schedule or creating flexibility in your day, so you can build your time the way that fits your needs.


Remember, slow processing is a natural part of being dyslexic, and you will have both good and bad days. The goal is always to find ways to minimize the bad and increase the good! Want more great advice like this? Be sure to check out The Hive; we have a vault of resources covering almost every topic you can think of!

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