Dealing with overstimulation/ Sensory overload

[DinosaurOfFire]

Any tips to decompress after a full couple of days? I've had a few appointments over the last 2 days that have meant I've not had as much downtime as I need, I've been eating a lot of sugar to cope with the sensory overload/ stress from anxiety, and am super restless, posting on here instead of being asleep. It happens whenever I do "too much", and "too much" is never the same from one week to another. I don't seem to have learnt a way to calm my body and mind enough to switch off!

I'm envious of people who can just... go to bed np matter what their day was like, and be instantly calm and sleepy. Any and all tips welcome! I'm definitely autistic and probably have adhd, in case that influences people's responses.

Thanks!

Have you ever done a sensory profile? Look at the 8 senses
sight
taste
sound
touch
smell
vestibular (balance)
proprioception
introspection

and think about things that make you feel uneasy/overwhelmed, and things that are calming/pleasant/regulating.

You need to sandwich the hard things between a hefty dose of the good stuff.

@Bearsporridge I haven't, no- I've not come across that at all beyond some vague discussions that one could maybe be helpful for my kids at some point in school. Do you have any links that could maybe help guide me through the process, or advice? I will also have a google as well, thank you for the suggestion.

Usually life is far more balanced- lockdown and the following months gave me the opportunity to do a 'hard reset' on what I try to fit into my life but every now and then I end up as I was last night, and still am today, thanks to appointments/ life having to continue around other people's schedules and not just my own.

Be kind to yourself, and reward yourself with the things that make you feel calm, think of aromatherapy, a bath, with some calming soft music on, or a youtube track with ‘brown noise’, a lie down on the couch with your favourite film, read a book…

no interruptions if possible !

Eat well, sleep well, look after yourself and get some quality downtime!
no caffeine, no sugars or stimulants, be soft to yourself !

You deserve it !

💚

For me, Loops, but the ones that allow me to still hear the kids, just quieter. My special interests, and walks.
Also, don't feel bad for needing time and rest. You deserve it

DD14 is like this, we just don't do too much - small steps to get things done - sleep is melatonin and if she's very bad then Piriton but even so she's usually awake til at least 2am