🌿 Sensory Overload vs. Sensory Joy: Finding Balance in a Noisy World
For many neurodivergent people, the world can feel too much — sounds too sharp, lights too bright, fabrics too itchy. That’s sensory overload.
But sensory experiences aren’t always painful. They can also be deeply joyful — the comfort of a favourite blanket, the sparkle of fairy lights, or the calm that comes with a scent you love.
At Herbs on the Hill, we believe that finding balance between overload and joy isn’t about numbing the senses — it’s about creating safe rituals that soothe and delight them.
🌱 What Is Sensory Overload?
Sensory overload happens when the brain receives more information than it can process. For neurodivergent people, this might be:
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Bright lights in a classroom or office.
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Overlapping conversations in a café.
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Strong perfumes or cleaning chemicals.
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Clothing tags, itchy fabrics, or tight seams.
It can lead to:
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Anxiety or panic.
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Meltdowns or shutdowns.
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Physical pain (headaches, muscle tension).
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The urgent need to escape.
🌸 What Is Sensory Joy?
On the other side, neurodivergent people often experience sensory joy — moments where the senses feel safe, alive, and deeply comforting. For example:
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The softness of weighted blankets.
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Sparkling lights or soft colours.
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Favourite songs played on repeat.
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The grounding comfort of lavender or rose oil.
👉 Sensory experiences aren’t all overwhelming. They can also be a source of pleasure, comfort, and regulation.
🌿 Why Aromatherapy Helps With Sensory Balance
The Science
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Essential oils activate the olfactory system, which links directly to the limbic system (emotion + stress control).
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Because scent bypasses thinking, it can soothe overwhelm within seconds.
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For neurodivergent people, this is powerful:
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Fast-acting → helpful during sudden overload.
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Non-verbal → no need for explanations or effort.
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Portable → a roll-on or spray can be carried anywhere.
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Anchors routines → certain scents can signal “rest” or “focus.”
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Examples:
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Lavender & Chamomile → calm and soften sensory overload.
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Peppermint & Citrus → refreshing clarity when foggy or overwhelmed.
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Rose & Frankincense → grounding comfort when emotions feel raw.
✨ Sensory Rituals for Balance
From the Limitless Collection:
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Botanical Breeze Spray → a quick reset when environments feel overwhelming.
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Calm Roll-On (lavender + chamomile) → soothing for anxious, overloaded moments.
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Focus Roll-On (peppermint + citrus) → clarity when distraction takes over.
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Limitless Brain Boost → natural support for mental clarity when your system is tired.
🌿 Explore the Limitless Collection.
🌸 Simple Rituals to Try
Pocket Reset
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Spray Botanical Breeze on a tissue.
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Inhale deeply during sensory overwhelm.
Evening Comfort
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Diffuse rose and lavender oils at home.
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Let the scent become an anchor for calm.
Joy Ritual
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Pair favourite music with uplifting citrus oils.
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Build a sensory “toolbox” of things that make your body feel alive in safe ways.
💡 FAQs About Sensory Overload
Q: What triggers sensory overload?
A: Overstimulation from lights, noise, smells, textures, or multiple inputs at once.
Q: Can aromatherapy stop overload?
A: It doesn’t prevent overload, but it provides fast-acting comfort and grounding during or after.
Q: How do I find sensory joy?
A: Experiment gently. Notice what textures, scents, or sounds feel good. Build these into daily rituals.
💜 Closing & Gentle CTA
Sensory life is intense — both in pain and in joy. With small, affirming rituals, you can create balance: soothing overload while celebrating the joy your senses bring.
At Herbs on the Hill, we’ve spent over 30 years creating handmade, heritage-inspired oils, balms, and sprays that bring grounding and comfort into everyday life.
🌿 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
Your senses deserve not just survival, but joy. 🌸
