Sensory Overload: When The Stream Becomes A Flood

Ever feel like you’re being swept away?

In our digital era, we often use the word “stream” as a verb, relating to the streaming platforms which provide us with a continuous flow of entertainment.

In our natural world, a stream is simply a source of running water - it can nourish us, refresh us and provide us with a sense of catharsis. That’s what our entertainment ought to do for us too.

All too often, though, I hear stories of sensory overload, of people feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information coming their way. How do we stay above the surface? What do we do when the stream becomes a flood?

Well, once we’ve reached dry land, we might take a moment to pause, to breathe and to re-establish our boundaries. This means consciously rescheduling our screen time - maybe switching your phone off at a certain point each evening or opting for a novel instead of a 12-hour TV series.

Think of your new schedule as a dam or canal - a structure that contains and limits the flow, so it can be used in a beneficial way. What could you try the next time sensory overload strikes?