You know that moment when something in your environment just gives you that icky feeling where you want to panic, puke, or just plain run away? We've all get some sensory triggers that just make us a little bit less chill (but they help us better understand what it's like to be neurodivergent too).
From the feeling of a terra cotta pot to the sound of a slowed down audio file, these are the sensory experiences that make us want to run for the hills. Do you have any of these sensory red flags too?
Using a Glass Nail File
Turns out, a glass nail file is a pretty universal sensory ick. Carrie, our managing editor, mentioned how much she hates them, describing them as "nails on a chalkboard." Megan, our associate editor chimed in, "I FORGOT about glass nail files! They're puke city for sure!"
Touching Super Soft Yarn
Soft yarn is supposed to be warm and cozy and comforting, right? I think maybe it is for most people, but for me, certain yarn textures make me totally nauseated. While other people don't seem to get it when I recoil in horror from a certain texture of sweater, there's at least a bit more tolerance for this kind of sensory issue.
Related: What to Do When You're Overstimulated - 6 Quick Fixes
Hearing Music From Two Sources at Once
Carrie hates having music coming from more than one place at a time. "If the TV is on and there's music, and someone has music coming from their phone, my brain goes fuzzy," she says. "Sometimes I can block it out by plugging one ear and concentrating on one of the sounds, but usually I have to mute one of them."
Eating Mashed Potatoes
My son is on the autism spectrum, and sensory challenges are just part of his daily life. One that always surprises me, though, is his hatred of mashed potatoes. After all, what's not to love about this Thanksgiving comfort food? A lot, apparently. He says the texture is just horrible for him and makes him want to gag. Needless to say, he just skips that side dish at the dinner table.
It's pretty common for people with autism, , and other neurodivergent diagnoses to have sensory challenges, but you don't have to be neurodivergent to struggle with certain textures, tastes, sounds, and smells. It's all in how your brain responds to the sensory input it receives.
Listening to People Eat
A lot of people hate hearing others eat, but it can really be challenging if you have a sensory issue in this area. Megan especially hates listening to people slurp soup or cereal: "Just put the whole spoon in your mouth!"
Related: 18 Simple Ways to Practice Slow Living & Rediscover Life
Feeling Wet Wood
Textures are a big source of sensory ick, but the specific ones that bug us can be kind of unique. "My ex used to not be able to touch wet wood - even like wooden spoons and stuff after being washed," Carrie says.
Hearing Voices Played Faster or Slower Than Normal
A big one for me is hearing a recorded voice played at a faster or slower speed than normal (or even someone intentionally talking really fast or really slow). It sends me into an instant panic, and I usually have to leave the room. Needless to say, I never listen to podcasts at a faster speed.
Touching Terra Cotta Pots
The way something feels under your fingers can be a huge source of sensory ick. For Megan, that's terra cotta. "The texture of unglazed ceramics or terra cotta pots makes me want to puke," she says.
Handling Cheap Paper Napkins
It's my son's job to set the table, but he can only stand doing it if I buy the expensive paper napkins. Fast food napkins or cheaper grocery store ones make him panic a little bit. He's been known to grab some rubber gloves when he has to use rough paper towel too.
Listening to Other People Repeat Phrases
Megan shared that she can't tolerate other people's repeated phrases in conversation. "When I clock someone's vocal tic (for instance, saying "you know?" or "for sure" etc..), every time I hear it afterwards makes me angry," she said.
Related: 10 Sensory Garden Ideas for Engaging With Your Environment
Tips to Cope With Sensory Challenges
Feeling a little panicky, mad, or even nauseated by the sensory experiences in your life? There are actually a few things you can do to make it easier:
- Leave the situation, if you can. As long as it won't negatively impact your life, just don't stick around when they start using the glass nail files or playing the audio too slowly.
- Create a barrier. Any way you can muffle the sensory experience is good too. Think ear plugs, rubber gloves, that kind of thing.
- Take a deep breath. A lot of the time, sensory overload can cause kind of a fight or flight response. Reset your nervous system with a long, deep breath.
- Talk about it. Because everyone has such unique and specific triggers, it can feel really isolating to struggle with these things. Talking about it with others can help.
You're Not the Only One
No matter what bugs you when it comes to sensory experiences, it helps to know you're not the only one who struggles. We're all dealing with something, and the more we talk about it, the better we'll all be at understanding each other.
