Our nervous systems can be challenged in responding to changes in daily rhythms of light and dark, sleep, eating, and physical activity. For people who are sensory sensitive and rely on routine, predictable sensory experiences to function well, the holiday season can be a strain on one’s inner resources and adaptability in managing the day to day.

To help balance the effect of the stressors of the season, it is important to take care of the needs of our nervous system which influences immune health, sleep, and mood. It may be helpful to think about how to maintain some basic rhythms and routines in these areas:

• Sleep: going to bed at a similar time with adequate time and space before bed to downshift into sleep and waking in time to start the day without rushing.
• Exercise: making time for physical activity that brings joy, pleasure, and stress release.
• Nutrition self-care: taking care to drink and eat soothing and nourishing foods, such as herbal teas and soups.

Incorporating weighted items into more daily activities at home, such as using the Sleep Tight weighted blanket while watching a movie before bed, or the Wristful Fidget wrist bands while eating breakfast, can add calming and organizing sensory input to moments of the day.”