What is Sensory Wellbeing and Sensory Welldoing?
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When we think about wellbeing we often think about a combination of physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing. However rarely do we carefully consider the impact of the senses on our wellbeing. Sensory wellbeing is the state of feeling comfortable and balanced in relation to our sensory environments, where the environment has ideally been cultivated to spark sensory joy and reduce sensory overload. Sensory wellbeing also involves your ability to process, regulate, and respond to sensory stimuli in ways that promote a sense of harmony and well-being.
Achieving sensory wellbeing often involves managing and mitigating sensory triggers, creating an environment that is supportive and soothing, and engaging in sensory based self-care strategies. We like to call this sensory welldoing* or the active process of taking steps to manage and cultivate ones sensory wellbeing. |
Consider our adapted version of Maslow's Hierachy of needs published in our book "Becoming a Sensory-Aware School: A Toolkit to Develop a Whole School Approach for Sensory Wellbeing":
In order to develop reach the pinnacle of self actualization then we need to meet our most basic needs, which are not only our physiological and safety needs but also our sensory needs, before we can even start to meet our connection and belonginging needs and so on.
Sensory wellbeing is important for everyone, but it's particularly crucial for individuals with sensory processing difficulties, such as those with autism or ADHD who may have different sensory thresholds for certain stimuli compared to others.
Key elements of sensory wellbeing/welldoing include:
In order to develop reach the pinnacle of self actualization then we need to meet our most basic needs, which are not only our physiological and safety needs but also our sensory needs, before we can even start to meet our connection and belonginging needs and so on.
Sensory wellbeing is important for everyone, but it's particularly crucial for individuals with sensory processing difficulties, such as those with autism or ADHD who may have different sensory thresholds for certain stimuli compared to others.
Key elements of sensory wellbeing/welldoing include:
- Understanding the EIGHT senses. While you might be familiar with the first five senses (Visual (sight), Auditory (sound), Gustatory (Taste) Olfactory (smell) and Tactile (touch). You maybe less familiar with the other three Interoception (Awareness of internal body states), Proprioception (Awareness of body in space and strength needed for actions) and Vestibular (Sense of Balance and spatial orientation, Input via inner ear)
- Assess your own sensory profile: Each person has unique sensory preferences, tolerances, and triggers. Identifying and understanding one's own sensory needs is a key step toward achieving sensory well-being.
- Regularly consider your own sensory state: This will change with time and the environment. Are you in the slug, comfort, engagee or overload zones?
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4. Adopt a "common sensory approach": Don’t overlook the importance of the senses on EVERYTHING. What small practical changes can be made for the biggest benefits? For example HALT: are you Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired?
5. Embrace a sensory lifestyle. Create sensory friendly environments and situations full of sensory glimmers and avoiding sensory triggers where possible. Engaging in sensory activities that help regulate the nervous system, such as deep pressure, swinging, or fidgeting, can improve sensory wellbeing. Build sensory plans that incorporates these activities throughout the day 6. Self-regulation strategies: Learning to recognise when sensory overload is occurring and utilizing coping strategies, like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or taking a break froma particular environment. 7. Communication and support: Open communication with friends, family, and colleagues about one's sensory needs can help increase understanding and create a more accommodating environment for everyone. 8. Professional guidance: Occupational therapists or other professionals specialising in sensory wellbeing can provide further guidance and support. |
By prioritising and working towards sensory wellbeing by sensory welldoing, individuals can improve their overall quality of life, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote better mental and emotional health.
Questions:
Contact me for help and support in all aspects of Sensory Wellbeing and Sensory Welldoing. If you are a parent looking for support with children's sensory needs you may also like this free website Sensory Help Now and I have also run many training courses for Parent Carer Forums so could offer your local one some support. If you work in schools you will hopefully want to buy our Sensory Aware Schools toolkit as well as join Sensory Inclusive Schools. If you are a corporate looking at workplace wellbeing or support on Sensory Wellbeing for your Neurodivergence network or parent network then get in touch as that is probably my next step/book and I need case studies!
* Welldoing is a brilliant concept from this book which we have totally nicked with permission of the lovely authors!
Questions:
- How do you manage your sensory wellbeing?
- What is your sensory welldoing plan?
Contact me for help and support in all aspects of Sensory Wellbeing and Sensory Welldoing. If you are a parent looking for support with children's sensory needs you may also like this free website Sensory Help Now and I have also run many training courses for Parent Carer Forums so could offer your local one some support. If you work in schools you will hopefully want to buy our Sensory Aware Schools toolkit as well as join Sensory Inclusive Schools. If you are a corporate looking at workplace wellbeing or support on Sensory Wellbeing for your Neurodivergence network or parent network then get in touch as that is probably my next step/book and I need case studies!
* Welldoing is a brilliant concept from this book which we have totally nicked with permission of the lovely authors!
