Do you sometimes feel like the world around you is too intense? If so, you’re not alone. Just browsing through Brillia reviews, you can see stories from people who struggle with sensory overload, a physiological experience that can negatively impact mental health. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid it.
What Causes Sensory Overload?
Everyone experiences sensory overload at some point, though neurodivergent individuals are more likely to experience it due to their neurological differences. Sensory overload happens when a person experiences too much stimulation at once:
- Intense physical sensation
- Loud or repetitive noises
- Bright lights
- Pungent smells
- Intense or complex tastes
The neurological system becomes overwhelmed by the incoming information, leading to distress, panic, a fight-or-flight response and even meltdowns.
Mindful Solutions To Calm Your Mind
Sensory overload is common among individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, so over the counter ADHD medication for adults may help alleviate the symptoms. Of course, you don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from mind-calming techniques. If you ever find yourself in a place that’s too loud, too bright or too busy, there are ways to cope.
If you can, remove yourself from the situation. You can step into a hallway, bathroom or even outside for a few minutes to take a breather. If you can’t get away entirely, you can try self-calming techniques to take your body out of fight-or-flight mode.
Use Self-Calming Techniques
Fidgeting is one of the best ways to calm yourself. Jiggling your leg, playing with a fidget toy or swaying can actually help you express the stress you feel and find relief. Keep in mind that other people may not understand your need to fidget, so you may need to step away to do so or explain your needs.
If loud noises or bright lights trigger sensory overload, come prepared. Keep noise-canceling earbuds and sunglasses in your pocket or purse and utilize them as necessary. Again, people who don’t experience sensory overload frequently may not understand, but that shouldn’t deter you. You deserve to feel comfortable and have the right to use the tools at your disposal to do so.
Set Boundaries
Boundaries are instrumental in preventing sensory overload. If crowded places trigger a stress response, you can avoid them or take steps to mitigate the effects. For instance, if you need to visit a popular store, you can go during the off hours when there aren’t as many people.
Routines are also a powerful tool in preventing sensory overload. Daily routines ensure you always know what to expect, decreasing the likelihood of getting caught off-guard by intense stimuli. If you have to break your routine, take precautions to mitigate issues, such as bringing a snack if you know an activity will interfere with lunchtime.
Kids may also struggle with sensory overload and may have difficulties calming themselves due to their young age. Fortunately, you can try the best over the counter meds for ADHD child to see if they reduce symptoms. Less intense symptoms provide a better chance for kids to regulate their emotions and practice self-calming.
