Feeling Overstimulated? Discover the Surprising Reasons Behind Your Irritability!

A recent viral tweet captured a feeling many of us know too well. It read, “I can be really mean when I’m overstimulated.” Over 55,000 people related to this statement, highlighting how common it is to feel overwhelmed.

When we have busy days, like snapping at a partner or losing our cool with a customer service rep, it often stems from being overstimulated. According to psychotherapist Manahil Riaz, our brains can only manage so much information from our senses. When that load becomes too heavy, we might feel irritable or reactive.

Emma Shandy Anway, a therapist from California, explains that when overstimulation kicks in, our brains go into a reactive mode. The parts responsible for calm decision-making stop working effectively, making us more likely to lose our temper. Stress causes our bodies to respond like we’re in danger, even if we’re not facing a real threat. This heightened state can lead to quick outbursts over minor annoyances.

Consider a hectic morning: waking up late, spilling coffee, or dealing with a child misplacing shoes. Each small stress can add up, pushing you over the edge. Riaz points out that technology plays a significant role in this overstimulation. Constant notifications from our phones can create sensory overload, pulling us in every direction and making it hard to focus.

To manage these feelings, establishing healthy boundaries with technology is essential. Riaz encourages stepping away from screens and turning off notifications to regain control over our attention. Mindfulness practices, like deep breathing, can also help. Anway suggests focusing on your breath, particularly ensuring your exhales are longer than your inhales. This technique tells your body you are safe and helps calm your nervous system.

Daily practices can also maintain a sense of peace. Think about simple habits like not checking your phone first thing in the morning or taking short breaks for yourself. Even small changes can lead to significant improvements in how you manage stress.

Incorporating these habits into your routine, not just on weekends, will help you feel more balanced throughout the week. Instead of needing drastic shifts, tiny tweaks in daily life can have a profound effect on emotional well-being.

If you find yourself getting overwhelmed often, consider reflecting on how you interact with your environment. Pay attention to your reactions and how you can create little moments of calm even in busy days.

This guidance can make navigating overstimulation a bit easier, allowing you to reconnect with yourself and those around you.

For a deeper look into managing stress, you can check out resources from the American Psychological Association, which offers insightful information on emotional wellness.

Source link

Getty Images, prefrontal cortex, Emma Shandy Anway, Manahil Riaz, stress response