How To Mitigate Sensory Overload

Finding relief from sensory overload can be difficult. When it happens, patients might think it is never going to end. However, there are some measures individuals can take to ease the symptoms. Most remedies will seem like common sense, while other remedies individuals may never have considered or even heard of. When dealing with sensory overload, it is important to be familiar with some coping mechanisms, so when the time comes patients have some resources to fall back on. So, here are the best ways to mitigate sensory overload.

Keep The Body Rested

It is important to keep the body rested, especially after an episode of sensory overload. The body needs to relax and recuperate from the episode. Additionally, trying to lay down and get rest at the onset of the overload can help with the overall effect. Laying down can help individuals focus on what is going on and help them better manage the symptoms. If the body is on high alert and tense, they can suffer more from sensory overload. The importance of getting enough rest cannot be understated because rest allows the brain to relax, reset, and repair itself. Without proper sleep, the brain does not have the chance to repair itself and can be subject to allowing sensory overload.

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Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is another way of trying to deal with sensory overload and avoid it (and recover from it) is by staying well-hydrated. Hydration keeps the systems in the body functioning properly. Additionally, dehydration can bring about its own set of consequences, like fatigue, brain fogginess, headaches, and an overall feeling that something is wrong with the body. By eliminating those sensations and making sure they are getting enough fluid, patients can help reduce the chances of suffering from sensory overload and mitigate its effects if it does still occur. When patients are dehydrated, they put their body into sensory incapacitation. Any external sources that can impact sensory overload should be avoided.

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Weighted Blanket Therapy

Weighted blanket therapy can be used to great effect when it comes to the senses and sensory overload. If an individual has a sensory disorder or is suffering from sensory overload, information can get all mixed up and clogged in the brain. They can be overstimulated! Weighted blankets seem to have a calming effect on individuals with sensory overload, as the weight of the blanket feels like gentle pressure on the body and helps reduce the senses going on in the brain. This helps calm patients down and gives them the relief they need from the overwhelming sensations they are experiencing. Weighted blankets can be used as often as needed, even on a daily basis. They help the body get the rest it needs to overcome sensory overload.

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Take A Timeout

It is important to sometimes take a timeout. Removing oneself from an environment can help the brain calm down and reduce sensory overload. Sometimes, especially in individuals prone to sensory overload, there may be too much going on in the environment, and the brain cannot process it properly. It can make them want to put their hands over their ears and yell. But, this action causes the individual more distress and can cause chaos around them. When patients experience sensory overload, the last thing they want to do is exacerbate the situation. If they do not learn from experiences to walk away and remove themselves from detrimental situations, the situations will only become worse. It can only help to get out of the situation and get some breathing room. This will reduce the amount of stimulation the brain is trying to deal with and process. As the brain does not have as many senses and situations to process, it will calm down and relax.

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Avoid Serious Triggers

Individuals who are prone to sensory overload should have a good idea of some of their biggest triggers. If a patient cannot personally manage their condition, their healthcare provider should be able to help them navigate this area. This would mean making sure they avoid situations that will make them experience sensory overload as much as possible. For instance, if a patient knows large crowds and parties are often too much for them to handle without experiencing sensory overload, they may wish to seriously consider not attending, or coming up with appropriate coping mechanisms with their doctor to make a short appearance possible. If patients must avoid big parties, they may wish to let their friends and family know they can really only attend smaller gatherings. Individuals who are close to the patient will understand and try to help them out in any way possible.

Employing several of these methods can help with sensory overload and give patients the much-needed relief you are looking for. These measures can help with irritability, restlessness, and discomfort due to sensory overload. It can be scary and overwhelming, so knowing techniques that can help ahead of time is very useful.