If you consider yourself a person who is highly sensitive or stressed out a lot, you might be suffering with something called overstimulation.
This might surprise you, but overstimulation is not just a feeling that babies get. Search online and you’ll get a ton of information regarding how to help a baby that’s feeling overstimulated, but absolutely nothing for adults. We get stressed and overstimulated too! Maybe you haven’t had any time to recharge – you’ve been rushing from A-B, doing lots of different things, speaking to lots of different people, and just feeling rushed off your feet in general.
Below, you’ll find 11 ways to relax when you’re feeling overstimulated. Next time you need a break or you want to lock yourself away from the world for a little while, try the methods below.
#1: Remove Yourself From the Situation That’s Stressing You Out
If you haven’t already, remove yourself from the situation that seems to be stressing you out. It doesn’t matter if you have to leave a party early or do something else that seems ‘socially unacceptable’ – you have to do what’s right for you and your mental health.
#2: Take Deep Breaths
Deep breaths are something you can do in the moment that will instantly help you to ground yourself and calm down. You can do them anywhere, and nobody needs to know what you’re doing or why. Take deep breaths in and count, and then see if you can make the out breath longer than the in breath. Try to avoid taking short, sharp breaths as they signal to the body that we are stressed.
#3: Read A Book
Reading a book can be a great way to get away from the world for a little while and lose yourself in a story. Don’t read anything non-fiction as you might find that this continues to stress you out or make you feel overstimulated.
#4: Take A Hot Bath
Hot baths do more than just get you clean – they release serotonin and help us to feel more relaxed right away. Use things like salts, essential oils or bath bombs to enhance the relaxing effect. Try other forms of self care too; face masks, a hot towel shave, a bouncy blow dry – whatever you like.
#5: Use Safe Supplements
Supplements, alongside a healthy diet, can help you to keep stressful feelings under control and improve your health. You don’t need every supplement under the sun, though, and it’s probably a good idea to visit your doctor beforehand to ensure that it’s right for you. However, supplements like Ashwagandha can help to improve mental clarity and stress, while White Tiger CBD can help you to relax more readily. Do your research and try one thing at a time so you don’t end up doing too much.
#6: Listen To Calming Music
Put on some calming meditation music and sit for a while. You could even have some on while you’re in the bath, or reading a book. Both YouTube and Spotify have a ton of playlists you can try.
#7: Try A Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are the new ‘in’ thing, but they really work! You’ll need a different weight depending on your own weight and size, but providing you choose the right one you’ll feel more relaxed straight away.
#8: Stay Well Away From Social Channels
If you’re feeling overstimulated the last thing you want to do is use social media. It can be difficult, as these sites are addictive, but you’ll only make things worse. You don’t want to read about the problems of others, or check up on people you haven’t seen since school. Focus on yourself. It’s all too easy to spend hours scrolling on social media, and in the long run, you’ll feel worse for it.
#9: Don’t Compare Yourself To Others
Not everybody is highly sensitive, and it’s definitely not a bad thing that you are. Don’t make yourself feel even worse for feeling the way you do. Accept yourself and the fact you’re more sensitive than others!
#10: Know What Your Triggers Are
When you know what your triggers are, you can make other arrangements or make plans to feel more comfortable and avoid overstimulation. Driving on the motorway triggers some people, or maybe you don’t like social situations where you’re in a large group. Whatever it is, try to identify it and figure out how you can make it better for yourself.
For instance, if you get stressed out when you’re driving in heavy traffic, could you take a little extra time and get the train instead? Maybe you could take a slightly longer route that helps you to avoid busy areas?
#11: Set Boundaries
The happiest people set boundaries. This doesn’t mean only looking out for number 1 and ignoring the needs of others, it simply means putting yourself and your own needs first. Imagine a protective wall or light around you when interacting with others, and try not to let their own issues drag you down.
Don’t agree to doing too many things one after the other, either. Know your limits and learn how to say no kindly but firmly so you don’t feel under pressure to do something you really don’t want to do. Boundaries are key for avoiding overstimulation.
#12: Take A Nap
Napping can be seriously beneficial – it’s not just for toddlers. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep the rest of the time too, and go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning including weekends. You’ll feel so much better for it!
Avoiding overstimulation isn’t always easy, so make sure you use the above methods for relaxing when you feel overstimulated in future. All you need to do is find healthy ways to calm your senses. Don’t feel bad for needing some time out. If you’re a highly sensitive person, this is especially normal.
How do you like to relax when you’re feeling overstimulated? Leave a comment below!
