26 Comments
User's avatar
Amy's avatar

I can relate to so, so much of what you write here. Getting into nature and creative expression are both very important for me. I am also trying to accept that I will get overwhelmed and overstimulated at times, but practising not catastrophising when I do - remembering that it does pass and I have resources to help me regain a sense of equilibrium. I find that adding negative self-talk and rigid thinking to these experiences makes things 10x worse. This part is a massive work in progress though :0D. Thank you for sharing your insights, tools and reflections.

Expand full comment
Jodie Melissa Rogers's avatar

Thanks for this, I can definitely catastrophise in those moments and let my mood dip!

Expand full comment
Saved by Grace's avatar

I love your comments about not adding negative self talk and catastrophising...that was me and I'm trying to be aware so I don't do that too.

Expand full comment
Mike Fancie's avatar

The Loops are *clutch* for parenting. Everything about a crying baby is designed to make parents react emotionally, and taking the edge off the noise helps my partner and I both focus on the problem instead of the hurt you feel when your world is crying in your arms.

Expand full comment
Jodie Melissa Rogers's avatar

I'm expecting my first in April so this is really good to hear, thanks Mike!

Expand full comment
Mike Fancie's avatar

To your good health right through the finish line!

Expand full comment
Caitlin Gemmell's avatar

I can relate to all of this. One thing that helps me when I have to be out in a crowded environment is to take a moment to breathe, get reiki flowing, and then imagine a bubble of protective energy around me. It somehow helps to filter out some of the chaos so I can remain calm and go at my own pace.

Expand full comment
Jodie Melissa Rogers's avatar

Ahh, I missed off connecting back to my breath! I feel the same, in any moment tbh just coming back to it takes the edge off

Expand full comment
Laura Scott's avatar

Resonated with all your points ❤️🙏🏻🐢😴

Expand full comment
Notes from Apple Barn's avatar

It's so nice to feel connected to folks out there who are also trying to stay connected to the rhythms of our bodies and nature. Hoping I can keep this in mind as the Christmas season begins!

Expand full comment
Jodie Melissa Rogers's avatar

❤️ me too, I hope I can keep this in mind and enjoy the festive period!

Expand full comment
Alana Marie's avatar

Thank you Jodie, this (and your YT / Insta content) is super helpful for me at the moment. I'm trying to slow down after racing through the last 6 months :'(

Lots of love and all the best with your bubba xxx

Expand full comment
Jodie Melissa Rogers's avatar

Sending love to you Alana... It can be so hard when you're in the rhythms of rushing, don't forget to give yourself grace and time ❤️

Expand full comment
Jenna Nicole Stevens's avatar

I resonated with all of this Jodie! I often feel frazzled with the simplest of tasks, especially round the house. I now try to do small tasks around the house every day or so to make it easier to keep on top of x

Expand full comment
Jodie Melissa Rogers's avatar

Me too Jenna! I've had to do the same, and also realise that it's okay for things not to be perfect at home at all times - sometimes rest is simply more important (although often so hard to allow) x

Expand full comment
Jenna Nicole Stevens's avatar

Yes! I’ve had to try hard to accept that not everything at home has to be spotless all the time — it is the place we live after all x

Expand full comment
Saved by Grace's avatar

When I retired, we decided to sell our house and pretty much everything we owned to have a narrow boat built to live on. For years I'd been saying my life was like a 'never ending to do list' and it eventually took it's toll, despite the fact I was a Yoga teacher! I love the saying 'how you do one thing is how you do everything' so despite my practicing and teaching Yoga and Pilates, I attacked everything in life the same way. Now I'm literally living in the slow lane 🐌

Expand full comment
Piata Wormald's avatar

Lots of my spoons are used for living alongside trauma healing after my traumatic bereavements.

I therefore need a nap every day at 2.30pm. I put on an eye mask and earplugs in. I cuddle up with my dog. I cover myself with a blanket and unplug myself from life. Sometimes I Power Nap for 30 minutes, sometimes it’s just 10.

It feels like this smoothes out the wires of my nervous system.

I then enjoy a cup of tea and slowly wake up. I’m then recharged for the evening shift of cooking, clearing up and sometimes writing.

Expand full comment
Shreya's avatar

Thank you Jodie. For saying it more articulately and powerfully than I ever could. 💙

Expand full comment
Kim VD's avatar

This resonates so much to me. I’ve been working on accepting the fact that I’m just more sensitive and need to balance out the overstimulation / overwhelming feelings but it’s not always easy!

Expand full comment
Debbie Meredith's avatar

Thank you for this post Jodie. I can relate to so much of what you said. I find writing and crafting to be a great ways to help overwhelm. I agree totally about reducing your sugar intake. In recent weeks I’ve been doing exactly that and it really helps.

Expand full comment
Lieke Mulder's avatar

This time of the year is the worst for sensitives ❤️‍🩹 As work and the world take a capitalist productivity-driven sprint towards the end of the year, all I want to do is build a den of autumn leaves and curl up inside of it. As my energy drops while the world expects more of me, taking extra good care of my physical body with nourishing foods, exercise, time outside and enough sleep is key. Over the years I have found that vitamin D, magnesium and adaptogens also really help with giving just a little bit extra support during this crazy time. These are great tips!

Expand full comment
Jodie Melissa Rogers's avatar

Building a den with you 😌

Expand full comment
Maggie Williams's avatar

Have you heard the term Highly Sensitive Person? I resonate with feeling easily overstimulated and have found that looking into being HSP is so helpful to understand and have compassion for my many “quirks” that seem to come from that trait.

I’ve also found that high protein meals, ear plugs to drown out some of the noise, and being able to drop in and out of stimulating situations as I need is very helpful. I lean into breathwork too. And some herbal medicines.

Expand full comment
Jodie Melissa Rogers's avatar

I have Maggie, I don't label myself with it but definitely resonate with alot of what's shared around it. What herbal medicines do you find effective?

Expand full comment
Maggie Williams's avatar

I understand not labeling yourself! I go back and forth and feel funny using the label sometimes. I love chamomile lavender tea in the evenings, a tincture with motherwort, blue vervain, and lemon balm help me daily calm my nervous system, and I love lavender infused oil for massaging a sore neck, feet, etc.

Expand full comment