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Sensory Overload can lead to anxiety, fatigue. How to renew energy and calm?
Manage episode 486515030 series 3290787
As various researchers and therapists note, being a highly sensitive person or another form of neurodivergent, with different "neurological wiring," we can experience many positive qualities, such a greater appreciation of beauty and art, a heightened awareness of subtleties, emotional depth, stronger empathy, and more.
All of which can enhance creative expression and performance, as shown by many actors, musicians, writers and other artists.
But we can also be more vulnerable to stress and overwhelm.
Therapist Julie Bjelland, LMFT talks about sensory overload in multiple posts, videos, podcasts, and the image refers to one of her suggestions to relieve unwanted effects:
"Watching news visually can cause a lot more anxiety than reading it for most highly sensitive people. Take breaks from reading or watching the news."
This audio is a short excerpt from one of her free classes: Sensory Overload & Sensitivity.
~~~~
In one of her articles, "Managing Sensory Overload: A Guide for Sensitive and Neurodivergent Individuals," she explains more. Here is an excerpt:
"Sensory sensitivity means experiencing heightened awareness of sensory input such as sounds, lights, textures, smells, and more. For instance:
Sounds: Struggling with the background noise in a cafe.
Textures: Avoiding certain fabrics or cutting clothing tags.
Lights: Feeling overwhelmed by fluorescent lighting.
This happens because neurodivergent brains process sensory input differently. In many cases, there’s reduced "brain pruning," meaning connections aren’t trimmed as much, leading to heightened awareness.
While this sensitivity can feel overwhelming, it’s important to recognize it as a natural part of how your brain works—not a flaw.
Prolonged exposure to sensory overload can have significant impacts, including:
Chronic Stress: Elevated cortisol levels, weakened immunity, and digestive issues.
Burnout: Emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, often mistaken for depression.
Mental Health Risks: Increased anxiety and emotional distress.
Physical Strain: Migraines, hormonal imbalances, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.
Sensory Joy: The Flip Side of Sensitivity
While sensitivity can be challenging, it also allows you to experience the world’s beauty with incredible depth. Examples of sensory joy include..."
See the Creative Mind post for more: Sensory Overload can lead to anxiety, fatigue. How to renew energy and calm?
~~~~~~
Listen to episodes and see transcripts and resources in the Podcast section of The Creative Mind Newsletter and Podcast site.
29 episodes
Manage episode 486515030 series 3290787
As various researchers and therapists note, being a highly sensitive person or another form of neurodivergent, with different "neurological wiring," we can experience many positive qualities, such a greater appreciation of beauty and art, a heightened awareness of subtleties, emotional depth, stronger empathy, and more.
All of which can enhance creative expression and performance, as shown by many actors, musicians, writers and other artists.
But we can also be more vulnerable to stress and overwhelm.
Therapist Julie Bjelland, LMFT talks about sensory overload in multiple posts, videos, podcasts, and the image refers to one of her suggestions to relieve unwanted effects:
"Watching news visually can cause a lot more anxiety than reading it for most highly sensitive people. Take breaks from reading or watching the news."
This audio is a short excerpt from one of her free classes: Sensory Overload & Sensitivity.
~~~~
In one of her articles, "Managing Sensory Overload: A Guide for Sensitive and Neurodivergent Individuals," she explains more. Here is an excerpt:
"Sensory sensitivity means experiencing heightened awareness of sensory input such as sounds, lights, textures, smells, and more. For instance:
Sounds: Struggling with the background noise in a cafe.
Textures: Avoiding certain fabrics or cutting clothing tags.
Lights: Feeling overwhelmed by fluorescent lighting.
This happens because neurodivergent brains process sensory input differently. In many cases, there’s reduced "brain pruning," meaning connections aren’t trimmed as much, leading to heightened awareness.
While this sensitivity can feel overwhelming, it’s important to recognize it as a natural part of how your brain works—not a flaw.
Prolonged exposure to sensory overload can have significant impacts, including:
Chronic Stress: Elevated cortisol levels, weakened immunity, and digestive issues.
Burnout: Emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, often mistaken for depression.
Mental Health Risks: Increased anxiety and emotional distress.
Physical Strain: Migraines, hormonal imbalances, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.
Sensory Joy: The Flip Side of Sensitivity
While sensitivity can be challenging, it also allows you to experience the world’s beauty with incredible depth. Examples of sensory joy include..."
See the Creative Mind post for more: Sensory Overload can lead to anxiety, fatigue. How to renew energy and calm?
~~~~~~
Listen to episodes and see transcripts and resources in the Podcast section of The Creative Mind Newsletter and Podcast site.
29 episodes
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