Why Do Parents Get Overstimulated?
/Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the world around you? Are bright lights, loud noises, or crowded spaces leaving you feeling drained, anxious, or on edge? Many parents struggle with their children’s overstimulation while also trying to manage their own sensory needs. They often express feeling as though they’ve lost their patience, energy, and ability to cope with the daily challenges of family life. If this sounds familiar, you may be easily overstimulated, a state also known as sensory overload.
As a parent, you might recognize that your teenager faces high demands related to their growth, hormones, academics, sports, extracurricular activities, and peer pressure. This constant stress cycle can quickly drain their energy, leaving them feeling exhausted and rundown. The cumulative effect of years of stress can lead to symptoms as adults that are difficult to recover from, such as brain fog, poor sleep, and low energy. Chronic stress can overload the HPA axis (the body’s main stress response system that typically handles short bursts of stress by releasing cortisol and other hormones).
Overstimulation occurs when the brain becomes overwhelmed by the amount of sensory input it receives from the environment. This can happen when too much sensory information comes in too quickly or when the brain has difficulty filtering out irrelevant stimuli. It is a temporary state that can occur to anyone when the brain becomes overwhelmed.
The brain and nervous system constantly receive input from the environment through our senses- sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. This sensory information travels through complex networks of neurons, where it is filtered, interpreted, and integrated to create our perception of the world around us. The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating our body’s response to sensory input. It is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system, which activates the “fight or flight” response in stressful or threatening situations, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes “rest, regulate, and digest” functions and helps the body return to a state of calm. When the delicate balance between these two branches is disrupted, it can lead to a heightened stress response and difficulty processing sensory information.
TIPS FOR MANAGING STRESS
While seeking chiropractic care is crucial for addressing the root causes of overstimulation, here are some strategies that you can implement to better manage sensory overload in your daily life:
1.) Designate a quiet, calm area in your home or workplace where you can retreat when you are feeling overwhelmed.
2.) Engage in activities that help you feel more connected to your body and the present moment, such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation techniques, or prayer.
3.) Make time for activities that nourish your nervous system, such as exercise, spending time in nature, engaging in creative pursuits, or connecting with loved ones.
4.) Use noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, or weighted blankets and consider using soft lighting, comfortable textures, and soothing colors to promote relaxation.
5.) Don’t be afraid to let others know when you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a break or accommodations.
