Parenthood is a beautiful journey filled with love, joy, and countless memorable moments. However, it is also a journey that can be overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to dealing with overstimulation. As a mother, you are constantly bombarded with a never-ending stream of stimuli, from your children’s cries and laughter to the demands of daily life. This overstimulation can leave you feeling exhausted, anxious, and on the brink of burnout. And when burnout happens, poor choices and lack of understanding seems to be the heavy weight of actions that are put forth.
Understanding Overstimulation
Overstimulation occurs when there is an excessive amount of sensory input that overwhelms the brain’s ability to process and respond to it effectively. In the context of motherhood, this can manifest in various ways, such as feeling irritable or restless, having difficulty concentrating, or experiencing physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue. Mood shift and hypersensitivity settles in. Whether your children are laughing or screaming, it all sounds the same.
The Impact of Overstimulation on Motherhood
The demands of motherhood, combined with the constant barrage of stimuli, can make it challenging to find moments of peace and quiet to recharge. This can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being, making it harder to be present and engaged with your children. Over time, chronic overstimulation can lead to feelings of exhaustion, frustration, and even resentment towards your role as a mother. Now being a mom is rewarding and beautiful, but there are times when it’s too overwhelming and it’s too hard. It’s okay not to be okay. But remember if you feel like you are going to hurt yourself or others, please reach out to someone. Anyone.
7 Coping Strategies for Overstimulation
1. Create a Routine:
Establishing a daily routine can help create a sense of structure and predictability, reducing the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed by unexpected stimuli. Routines are difficult for some of us and not feasible in our everyday life. I am one of those people who do not thrive on routine. Do not feel discouraged if routines are not your style.
2. Practice Mindfulness:
Take time to be present in the moment and focus on your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help calm the mind and reduce feelings of overstimulation. You are your own person. Let the perception from outside sources leave you. Deep breathing can help center your thoughts and emotions.
3. Set Boundaries:
Learn to say no to additional commitments or responsibilities that may contribute to overstimulation. Prioritize self-care and make time for activities that help you relax and recharge. It’s okay to say “no” to people, especially if it puts extra strain on you or your family.
4. Wear headphones.
This may sound completely mad. When dealing with children day in and day out, screaming, laughter, running, thumping, jumping around might be too much. I wear headphones without music playing and it seems to keep the sound sensitivity to a low degree. Just remember that with headphones on, your voice is loud and to keep it down.
5. Find a quiet place to cope.
Being a parent, this sounds easier said than done. I may only get five minutes, but that’s still five minutes of peace. Basically, give yourself a time-out and time to breathe. Deep breaths help me to clear my mind. When I find myself in my quiet coping place, I pretend I am breathing out the bad. Breathe in God, peace, love, beauty, kindness, nature, stars and breath out all of the negative feelings of hopelessness, sadness, guilt, anger, pain, misery.
6. Remember the circle of Control.
I have a friend who has successfully taught me this. Remember, that you can only control so much and your kids are rarely in that circle. I cannot control other people and their feelings and, that’s okay.
7. Seek Help.
Please seek help from anyone. If you find yourself trying to cope and you feel like nothing is working. I promise it’s not you and everyone feels this way one time or another in their lives. Please seek out professional help if you need it. Call your doctor, best friend, significant other, family members, next door neighbor. Call anyone!
Overstimulation does not make you a bad parent
Overstimulation happens to everyone. We need to realize that being overstimulated does not mean you are a bad parent. Children know how to just being on the last nerve that you have. They seem to do everything that they can to get your attention, good or bad. Always remember kids will do things that we deem as impulsive and reckless, but they do not have the brain development to know that it is reckless and impulsive. We are showing our children how to react or act in the face of overstimulation. Be the example, not the problem.
Summary
Being overstimulated can have many effects on the body. We can become “tapped out” with headaches and hair triggers, but there are ways to cope and ways to help yourself. Please remember to seek additional help from professionals if you are feeling too overwhelmed or feel like you want to hurt yourself or others.
This is all personal advice. These are strategies that work for me and my situation, it will not work for everyone.
