Tips for a sensory overload day
๐ Take it easy, dont force fast healing on yourself! What you're feeling is an important message for what your body needs!
๐ Turn the lights off, all of them! Try to sit in a dark room even just for 5 minutes! I usually cover my window, turns off the lights and put away the phone for a few minutes. It works as a fast way to cut out an overwhelming stimulus like the light!
๐ Put your headphones on! This is a very important tip that I learnt in therapy! You don't need a fancy or canceling one, regular headphones works just great and if you don't have them put your head under the pillow for a few minutes. I used to do that as a kid, I didn't know that it was a sensory thing!
๐งธ After you turned off the lights and wore your headphones, wait until you feel kinda okay and less bad then drink some water. Just a sip is enough. I know you feel like throwing up and the water taste is not great bust trust me your body needs it during a crisis! Remember just a sip is enough!
๐งฆNow it's the time for some stimming! Everyone stims! We autistic people need to stim more but I learnt that even neurotypicals can benefit from it! I usually close my eyes and rock back and forth! This is the best stim to express both happiness and discomfort. If you want to try something more, stand up and jump! Imagine yourself as Tiger from Winnie the Pooh! You can use music if you want! I use Sesame Street songs of the Count! Trust me it'll work!!
๐ฟ Finally, I guarantee you that after all of these steps you'll feel a little better, this is the time to eat something. I put this at the end because it's very difficult to eat something during a sensory overload episode. I know how hard is to even move your legs but trust me, just a bite will works immensely!
โ Here's a tiny list of easy foods that you can easily find in the kitchen to quickly eat:
โ These are all food that are ready to eat right away, a bite and that's it! Don't worry if they're healthy enough, you need and deserve food, especially after a crisis.
๐ I hope that I helped you and feel free to add your tips if you want! Remember to stay safe and take care of yourself! If you can do just one of these things, good job!!!! You're already did an amazing step for yourself!!! I'm so proud of you!!!
