Dealing with overstimulation

I’m interested in how others deal with feeling overstimulated and how that might play into pain and perception of pain. I’m aware that TMS theories point to getting re-involved in normal activity as far as possible... however I find that this sometimes works for me and sometimes doesn’t. Often at the moment I end up feeling really overstimulated and in a lot more pain when I try to just engage as normal and get more depressed about my lack of progress. I think I must be pretty sensitive to my surroundings and environment, although I can think to times in the past when I was able to throw myself into so many things without care and of course it would be nice to get back there at some point... I do know that sometimes at this point it feels like I’m doing more harm than good by pushing my limits too far and end up feeling really crappy as a result. How can we work out how to push ourselves within certain limits?

 

The simple answer is pleasure. Pleasure softens and soothes, it renders the sensual, it expands our experience of joy and it makes compassion (and self-compassion) easy. It was the accidental re-discovery of pleasure that turned my healing around and to this day it remains a devotion.

Pleasure is natural. It dissolves tension. It transforms overstimulation into an intensity that can be re-imagined, diminished, played with.

You may also like to consider how and why you are overstimulated. Too much time online and too much time indoors is wearing for our nervous system. We need to be in Nature, we need real friendships, real books, real food and such. For most of us a favouring of the natural world and real things is enough to counter excess.

Many people here, myself included, need solitude. We need quiet time, alone time, to replenish. This allows us to re-engage with the world on more intimate and authentic terms. We all ebb and flow in this regard.

Lots of the sweet souls here are HSP or highly sensitive people and a huge part of recovery is learning how to care for and respect this beautiful quality. There is artistry in this endeavour.

The more you settle into the goodness of your life, the easier it becomes to resume normal activity. No need to push through or force. Slow and gentle is the way to go. As you build confidence and understanding of TMS it truly becomes much easier.

Plum x
(the serene waterbaby)

 

Thank you for your words Plum. Yes, pleasure, how right you are. It is very hard for me to even contemplate right now as I’m in a complete pain flare and everything feels like too much. There are lots of things in my life which feel out of balance at the moment and often it feels too overwhelming to get them back into a state of equilibrium. But, baby steps I suppose? Perhaps trying to incorporate little bits of pleasure where possible.

I have read quite a few of your posts and you speak as someone who has been to - and returned from - the abyss and have grown in compassion and sweetness from your experiences. I would love to get to where you are one day...

 

Hi Isa:

I understand exactly where you are! I am having a TMS relapse and the stimulation is always a concern for me. I work from home a good bit and travel to DC once a week. My new pain symptoms are strange and I don't see anyone else having them so of course I think they are something very serious. I have a TMS counselor who is helping a great deal. Always good to connect on the forum. Anyone have weird pinching feelings in shoulders, hips and wrist. Almost like the cartridge is getting strained. Feel in in my hamstrings too. Continue to work out. Would love some support.

 

The most powerful antidote for overstimulation is Nature. The forest, the mountains, seas and rivers are especially soothing but sadly not available for most. It is enough to walk daily in a park, sit on a bench and rest in the sunshine. Moonbathing is also quite lovely.

Nature soothes fraying nerves and calms frenzied minds because we are a part of nature. It is a healing homecoming to be with her.

 

Thank you, Plum! It's winter here on the East Coast and I am a regular hiker. It is soooo soothing to be outside enjoying life and the energy nature brings. I read your story, amazing!