Favorite Sensory Overload Helps

I’m sitting here listening to Benny Friedman’s song Toda on repeat. It seems like every time I go to work, I have the song stuck in my head. XD I love it, though.

Today I thought I’d share my favorite sensory helps. Pretty much everyone in my family has sensory issues and a couple years ago we realized that and started doing stuff to help. For me, light and sound and (depending on my anxiety) touch are not happy things to me. Here are my favorite things.

Weighted Blanket

Everyone needs a weighted blanket, in my humble opinion. These things are AMAZING!!

A few years ago, my grandma gave me a 20-pound one, I believe. I have slept with it every night since. It is so comforting!

Stress Toys

My OT therapist back in GA recommended that I get some fidget toys. I got some AMAZING squishy ball things. They have a really unique texture and they smell amazing! Unfortunately, I lost them and don’t remember which company sold them…

I also spent $5 of my precious money on this Fat Brain popper. I REALLY dislike the cheap versions that they sell pretty much everywhere. But the ones by Fat Brain are perfect.

Also Aaron’s Putty. I have a love-hate relationship with that stuff. It is relaxing and fun to squeeze, but I HATE the smell and the way that it gets stuck under your fingernails. *shudders*

Spinner Ring

Again, love-hate relationships with fidget rings. I really like the concept. It’s something small that you can have on you at any time and that you can play with in a not-super-obvious way. But if you don’t get a good one, they drive you insane. I have three. The first one is made of…uh, whatever that metal is that stinks whenever it touches your skin (maybe I am more sensitive to smells than I thought…hmmm…). The second sticks horribly and it won’t even turn half of the time.

The third was my favorite. It was a slim metal band with six little metal beads that would move around the ring. I LOVED it, but unfortunately, my little brother did as well and one morning while I was sleeping he snuck into my room and lost it. I literally tore my room apart looking for it, but alas…farewell, little ring…

Headphones & Earplugs

I can’t tell you what a help headphones and earplugs are. Whenever things get too loud, it so so nice to be able to go downstairs and at least dampen the sound.

I also have nocturnal animals in my room and they can get pretty loud sometimes. Sleeping with earplugs has helped so much.

Comfortable Clothes

I did a whole post on why clothes should be comfortable, lol, so I won’t say much here except that uncomfortable clothes can literally drain away your strength. I know it sounds weird, but it’s true – at least for us sensory-sensitive people. Dress comfy whenever possible and you’ll feel so much better. For me, that’s super loose, baggy clothes with soft materials. AND NO TAGS. There is nothing worse than squirming all through church because there is a tag stabbing your back and you can’t rip it out. 😂

Gum & Ice

Chewing gum and ice shavings can be calming when you need something to do with your body but you’re in a situation where you have to sit still. It isn’t the greatest, though, because it kills your jaw especially if you have suspected TMJ like me. XD

Sugar Gliders (or other animals!)

Animals are the best! Gliders are particularly nice because they sleep during the day. You can just put them in the bonding pouch and carry them where ever. They are so insanely soothing. Just something about having them near you, so trusting and peaceful, brings so much peace. ❤

In my humble opinion, sugar gliders are the best therapy animals. Unless you manage to get a biter like Ilona…then it’s kind of the opposite. XD

Alone Time

Alone time is super important. It gives you a minute to breathe, collect your thoughts, recharge, and find the energy to go back and be around people. I’m a super introverted human. That doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy people. I really do. But they’re just exhausting.

Every night after I get home from work (and have a little time with my family before they go to bed), I spend 40 minutes to an hour with my sugar gliders. I sit in my nice dimly lit room (with my red lamp that is super soothing), my audiobooks, blanket, and my gliders. It’s just a super nice time to relax and collect myself before going to bed.

Exercise

Whenever I’m super overwhelmed or can’t sit still or find myself flinching and yelling at people whenever they get anywhere near me, I usually go for a walk or a run. It relieves stress and gives me so much peace. It’s time to be alone, to enjoy creation, and to just calm down.

Sugar-Free/Low-Sugar Foods

I hate to say this because I really, really love sugar. But apparently, my body doesn’t. You should have seen me a few weeks ago. I’d had way more sugar than I should have and I was bouncing around the house like a maniac. XD I couldn’t sit still and I couldn’t have people within five feet of me. It all could have been avoided if I hadn’t stuffed myself full of that lovely sugar…

Caffeine Free Drinks

Same point as above. Caffeine does NOT do well in my body. Even small amounts. I get super jittery, can’t sit still, can’t be around people, get headaches, and…well, basically, all of my sensory issues just explode and it isn’t fun for hours and hours afterward.

---

That wraps up this post. If you struggle with sensory problems, I hope that some of the tips here will be helpful. What are some ways that you have found to get through hard/tough sensory times? Let’s chat in the comments. 😉

~Hattush