Recently a rather unconventional image went viral on LinkedIn. In the snapshot, an employee sits underneath her desk as she works on her laptop.
Don't be afraid to separate yourself from a triggering situation, too. Suddenly feel like everyone's talking in the meeting at once? Step outside for a breath of fresh air and, in turn, some calm. Talking walks periodically throughout the day can also help lessen overstimulation, says Na.
Whether in a work or social situation, communicating your boundaries is key. For example, if you’re struggling to focus at work due to overstimulation, a conversation with your supervisor might be in order. Approach your manager with a clear argument as to why overstimulation is affecting your performance, and work together to find a solution to help you minimize the issue (and, as a result, potentially maximize your productivity), suggests Na. Similarly, being open with your friends about your triggers can foster a conversation about activities you guys can do together that won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed.
When it comes to combating overstimulation, you might just have to get creative and try a few tactics to see what works — not just for yourself, but also within the culture of the space. The move demonstrated in the LinkedIn post is a prime example of creativity where handling overstimulation is concerned — and as long as it works for the employee who posted about it, it's a good tactic, according to Dr. Saltz.
