🌿 The Power of Stimming: Why It Matters & How to Support It
You might have seen someone rocking, flapping, tapping, humming, or twirling a strand of hair — maybe even doing it yourself. That’s stimming.
For neurodivergent people, stimming isn’t “strange” or “wrong.” It’s a vital way to regulate emotions, process the world, and find balance.
At Herbs on the Hill, we believe stimming should be celebrated, not silenced — and that gentle sensory rituals can work alongside it to support calm, grounding, and joy.
🌱 What Is Stimming?
“Stimming” is short for self-stimulatory behaviour. It can include:
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Rocking, bouncing, or pacing.
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Tapping fingers, clicking pens, or spinning objects.
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Humming, repeating words, or making sounds.
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Playing with textures, fidget toys, or hair.
👉 Everyone stims (think nail-biting or humming a tune), but for neurodivergent people, it’s more frequent and more essential.
🌸 Why Stimming Matters
Stimming:
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Regulates emotions → eases anxiety and overwhelm.
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Manages sensory overload → provides one safe input in a noisy world.
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Brings joy → repetitive motions and sounds can feel soothing or exciting.
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Supports focus → keeps the body engaged while the brain works.
💔 The Problem with Stigma
Many autistic and ADHD people are told to “stop stimming” because it looks unusual. But suppressing stims can cause:
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Increased anxiety and distress.
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Burnout or shutdowns.
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A sense of shame for being authentic.
👉 Stimming isn’t the problem. Lack of acceptance is.
🌿 Science & Sensory Support
Stimming engages the nervous system and helps regulate the stress response. Aromatherapy can complement this by offering an additional sensory anchor:
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Lavender & Chamomile → calm anxiety when stimming is linked to stress.
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Peppermint & Citrus → refreshing clarity if stimming is about staying alert.
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Rose & Frankincense → grounding and emotionally soothing.
Why it works for neurodivergent people:
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Fast-acting → scent reaches the limbic system in seconds.
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Portable → oils can be carried like stim toys.
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Anchors routines → certain scents paired with stimming can build positive emotional associations.
✨ Supporting Stimming with Rituals
From the Limitless Collection:
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Calm Roll-On (lavender + chamomile) → soothing for stress-related stims.
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Focus Roll-On (peppermint + citrus) → grounding companion for fidget-based stimming during work.
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Botanical Breeze Spray → refreshing reset to pair with sensory breaks.
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Limitless Brain Boost → helps bring scattered thoughts into flow.
🌿 Explore the Limitless Collection.
🌸 Simple Supportive Practices
1. Celebrate Stimming
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Instead of stopping it, make space for it.
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Offer stim toys, textured fabrics, or oils to enhance sensory comfort.
2. Pair with Scents
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Use Calm Roll-On while rocking or fidgeting → body learns “this = safe.”
3. Create Sensory Corners
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Weighted blankets, soft lighting, and lavender diffusers.
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A space where stimming feels free, not judged.
💡 FAQs About Stimming
Q: Is stimming harmful?
A: Most stims are completely safe. Harm only comes if someone suppresses stims or if a stim risks physical injury.
Q: Why do autistic and ADHD people stim more?
A: Because their sensory systems are more intense. Stimming regulates the nervous system and creates balance.
Q: Can aromatherapy replace stimming?
A: No. Stimming is essential. Aromatherapy is a supportive tool that can work alongside it, not instead of it.
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Stimming is not a flaw — it’s a strength. It shows resilience, creativity, and the body’s natural wisdom to self-soothe. With acceptance, safe spaces, and gentle rituals, stimming can be celebrated as the powerful tool it truly is.
At Herbs on the Hill, we’ve spent over 30 years creating handmade oils, balms, and sprays that honour sensory life and support everyday balance.
🌿 Explore the Limitless Collection, or visit us at 20 Bath Street, Frome.
💌 Connect with us:
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Live chat at HerbsontheHill.shop
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Socials: @herbsonthehill
Celebrate your stims. Celebrate yourself. 🌸
