In our rapidly changing world where we are inundated with (digital) information flows, the pressure to perform is high, and life makes great demands, overstimulation lurks. Are you often tired, restless, overwhelmed? Do you suffer from inexplicable complaints and feel like you're treading water? In this article, we delve deeper into the topic of overstimulation. What is an overstimulated brain, how does it arise, and how can you prevent overstimulation? We conclude the article with five tips so that you can stay on top of overstimulation in the future!
What is an overstimulated brain?
An overstimulated brain occurs when the nervous system receives more stimuli than it can process – it can no longer properly process both internal and external stimuli.
This can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, fatigue, concentration problems, and sleep disturbances. People with an overstimulated brain often experience a more intense reaction to stimuli such as light, sound, touch, and emotions. And this can significantly hinder daily functioning!
An overstimulated brain has everything to do with our brain filter. This brain filter ensures that we do not have to consciously process all the stimuli we receive daily, but when overstimulated, this filter no longer works properly. The brain filter is designed to only allow important filters through to your conscious brain system; all other stimuli are forwarded to your subconscious and stored there. When the brain filter does not perform this function, your brain is faced with an overload of stimuli.
What are the causes of overstimulation?
An overstimulated brain can have several causes. We mention some of these causes below.
- Chronic stress: Prolonged stress increases the nervous system's sensitivity to stimuli, which can lead to overstimulation.
- Sensitivity: Some people are genetically more susceptible to overstimulation due to their biological predisposition.
- Environmental factors: Excessive use of digital devices, noise, crowds, and insufficient rest can contribute to an overstimulated brain.
- Health conditions: Neurological conditions such as autism, ADHD, and fibromyalgia can increase sensitivity to stimuli.
How can you prevent overstimulation?
If you want to prevent overstimulation, it is essential to determine the cause of your overstimulated brain. Only when you tackle the problem at its root will you truly experience improvement. Could you use some help with coaching? Our therapists are happy to help you!
Furthermore, it is important to rebalance both your physical and mental health. The following tips can help with this.
1. Support your brain with the right nutrients: Our supplement ‘Relax a Busy Mind’ can help keep your mind clear with the addition of zinc and iron. Iron supports against fatigue and boosts energy levels. Zinc also keeps you balanced in stressful situations. Additionally, this supplement contains vitamin B12, which contributes to normal psychological function and the nervous system, and also helps with fatigue.
2. Digital Detox: Limit daily screen time and create moments of digital detox to reduce exposure to excessive stimuli.
3. Meditate: Meditation has many benefits. When you meditate, you focus your attention entirely on yourself and your internal processes, causing external factors and stimuli to fade into the background. This gives your brain time to calm down and clear away stimuli, as it were. Practicing breathing exercises and moments of mindfulness also help you relax.
4. Go into nature: According to scientific research, seeing nature has an immediate positive effect on your brain: you produce more happiness hormones and feel less stress. Nature literally has a healing effect!
5. Critically review your lifestyle: Ensure sufficient quality sleep, exercise daily, and avoid extra stimuli in the form of sugars, alcohol, and processed foods. When you are in balance, overstimulation has less chance, and you feel calmer, more energetic, and as if you can conquer the world!
A combination of sufficient rest and relaxation, healthy nutrition, adequate exercise, stress management, and the right supplements can contribute to reducing overstimulation. If you experience severe symptoms for a prolonged period, we advise you to contact a doctor.
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Do you want to de-stimulate your brain in 10 weeks? Then read the book Overstimulated Brain. This book helps to recognize symptoms and bring more calm to the brain within 10 weeks. In 10 simple steps concerning nutrition, exercise, heart coherence, connection with yourself, and relaxation, you will be guided towards a new balance and more peace.
