Lived Experience Forum

[Former-Member]

I can recognise that I might need a social break if I feel overwhelmed at how busy I feel with plans, with not enough time for myself.

In such times it's helpful for me to put a pause on organising catch ups with people, or even responding to messages, in order to have that time to myself and recentre. 

Or sometimes it's helpful for me to just engage in relationships that are comforting.

[Jazzycat]

As a natural introvert, I need this everyday! I need time alone to recharge or else I just become exhausted 

[Former-Member]

@Bill16 @Gwynn @Appleblossom @Jazzycat 

Sensory rest is needed when aspects of our environment are draining or overwhelming to us – the effects of which can range from subtle to obvious. For example, computer screens, background sounds, social stimulation, etc.  

Are there times you notice you might need a break from certain sensory input? How do you deal with these situations? 

[TideisTurning]

Sensory rest is a bit of a tricky one too! For me, I feel like it might be a case of adjusting what I do or having alternative/ preferable sensory inputs handy to counteract sensory input I find overwhelming or harder to tolerate. For example, I can be hypersensitive to certain smells, but if I have a little spray of a perfume I like on my wrist, I can bring that to my nose to smell instead and it will often cover up the smell I might be finding overwhelming to an extent, which somehow makes it more tolerable.

@Appleblossom, do you have any thoughts on this one? 😊 

[Former-Member]

I've become a lot more aware of my sensory needs lately! 

For one - relating to the last question - social stimulation I know drains me, so space to just myself also fulfils sensory (as well as social) needs at times. Especially when combined with with quiet. I find soft, dim lighting also gives my eyes the rest they need. 

I also got myself a pair of noise-cancelling headphones lately, which is honestly one of the best things I ever did for myself! I honestly don't know how I could get by without them, now

[Jazzycat]

I find some smells very restful and calming too - coffee brewing sometimes, a favourite food cooking, or fresh laundry, especially clean sheets 

[Former-Member]

Creative rest may be needed when we have been lacking in inspiration or that feeling of awe. It can come in the form of witnessing or experiencing creative expressions like photography, writing, music or art.  

What creative inputs might it be helpful for you to engage with?  

@Appleblossom @Bill16 @Gwynn @Jazzycat 

[TideisTurning]

It sounds like gentler or more subtle stimulation are more restful for you @Former-Member. Makes total sense to me! Love the go to scents @Jazzycat!  

[TideisTurning]

For me, one of the biggest things with creative rest is engaging with stories that are expressed in a creative way- through things like theatre (in the form of a play for example), music, an artwork or a story literally written in a book as just a few forms.

[Former-Member]

If I find myself missing creative inspiration, its good for me to re-engage with things that inspire me or bring me comfort. This can be music, tv shows, podcasts, poetry slams, etc. 

I also love going places that inspire me (usually national parks!) and doing some photography 😊