In our fast-changing world where we are flooded with (digital) information flows, the pressure to perform is high, and life makes heavy demands, overstimulation is always lurking. Are you often tired, restless, or overwhelmed? Do you suffer from unexplained complaints and feel as though you are treading water? In this article, we delve deeper into the subject of overstimulation. What is an overstimulated brain, how does it develop, and how can you prevent overstimulation? We conclude this article with five tips so that you can remain in control 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 is no longer able to properly process both internal and external stimuli.
This can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, fatigue, concentration problems, and sleep disorders. 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 with overstimulation, this filter no longer functions properly. The brain filter is designed to only let important stimuli through to your conscious brain system; all other stimuli are sent to your subconscious and stored there. When the brain filter does not perform this function, your brain encounters an overload of stimuli.
What are the causes of overstimulation?
An overstimulated brain can have various causes. We mention a number of causes below.
- Chronic stress: Long-term stress increases the sensitivity of the nervous system 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 identify the cause of your overstimulated brain. Only when you tackle the problem at the root will you truly experience improvement. Could you use some help with that in the form of coaching? Our therapists are happy to help you!
Furthermore, it is important to bring both your physical and mental health back into balance. 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 through the addition of zinc and iron. Iron supports you with fatigue and energy levels. Zinc also keeps you balanced in stressful situations. In addition, this supplement contains vitamin B12, which contributes to normal psychological function and the nervous system, and also supports you during fatigue.
2. Digital Detox: Limit daily screen time and create moments for a digital detox to reduce exposure to excessive stimuli.
3. Meditate: Meditating has an enormous number of benefits. When you meditate, you focus your attention entirely on yourself and your internal processes, allowing external factors and stimuli to fade into the background. This gives your brain time to rest and to "clean up" stimuli, so to speak. Doing breathing exercises and having moments of mindfulness also help you relax.
4. Get out into nature: According to scientific research, seeing nature has a direct positive influence on your brain: you produce more happiness hormones and feel less stress. Nature literally has a healing effect!
5. Take a critical look at your lifestyle: Ensure you get enough good-quality sleep, exercise daily, and avoid extra stimuli in the form of sugars, alcohol, and processed food. When you are in balance, overstimulation has less of a chance, and you feel calmer, more energetic, and as if you can take on the world!
A combination of sufficient rest and relaxation, healthy nutrition, enough exercise, stress management, and the right supplements can contribute to reducing overstimulation. Are you experiencing severe symptoms for a prolonged period? Then we advise you to contact a doctor.
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Do you want to desensitize your brain in 10 weeks? Then read the book Overprikkeld Brein (Overstimulated Brain). This book helps you to recognize symptoms and brings more peace to the brain within 10 weeks. In 10 simple steps covering nutrition, exercise, heart coherence, the connection with yourself, and relaxation, you are helped on your way to a new balance and more peace.
