Often and quickly overstimulated?

A busy mind. Unable to relax. Irritated, tired, or even suddenly emotional. Chances are you're dealing with overstimulation. It's something that's becoming increasingly common, but still far from recognized. Fortunately, there's definitely something you can do about it.

Banner weighted cuddly toy fellow sufferer bear and dog

What is overstimulation?

Overstimulation occurs when your brain receives more information than it can process at that moment. Everything you hear, see, feel, smell, or think is stimuli. Normally, these are automatically filtered. But with more sensitive stimulus processing, that system fills up more quickly. The result? You become overwhelmed by everyday things: from a crowded store to loud noises or a busy day full of appointments.

This happens not only in adults, but also in children. A child's sensory processing is still developing, making it even harder for them to tell when things are getting too much.

Sensory processing: how does it work?

Sensory processing refers to how your senses process information. Everyone processes information in a unique way. Some people are highly sensitive to stimuli (high sensitivity), while others perceive very little. When your brain struggles to filter all the sensory information, chaos arises in your mind. This can lead to fatigue, restlessness, crying spells, or outbursts of anger. This last phenomenon occurs especially in children who are not yet able to properly express their feelings.

What to do about overstimulation?

The most important thing is to recognize it early and create space for recovery. Consider:

  • Schedule low-stimulus breaks

  • Creating calm routines

  • Avoid crowded environments

  • And most importantly, use tools that help calm your nervous system

    • This is where the weighted cuddly toy comes into the picture.

Weighted cuddly toys as an aid in stimulus processing

At Lotgenootje we make weighted cuddly toys These toys not only feel soft and comfortable, but also literally provide peace. The even pressure a hug exerts creates deep pressure stimulation, which helps the body relax.

This is especially valuable for children with sensitive sensory processing. Our weighted cuddly toys are specially designed as an accessible tool to reduce tension. They can help them unwind after a busy day at school, during sleep, or during transitions between activities.

If you are looking for sensory processing aids for children, a weighted cuddly toy is a gentle and effective choice.

You don't have to carry it alone

Overstimulation isn't pretentious. It's a physical and mental reaction to too much input. Whether it's happening to you or your child, acknowledging it is the first step toward improvement.