a screenshot of an email that says: So today I wanted to share a short list of ways you can slightly reduce your threat system activation. As always, please listen to what you already know about yourself, and if you already know some or all of these won't be helpful for you personally then please don't do them. If you aren't sure then please consider trying the one that sounds the easiest or most appealing to you and note whether it makes you feel a bit better, a bit worse or no different. 10 Things you can try that might help you to feel a little bit safer. 1) Stroking a pet 2) Switching your visual focus to far away (preferably the horizon) and scanning as far as you can side to side, moving both your head and your eyes to do so (this only works if you are somewhere in the world that is relatively safe) 3) Noticing your breathing and, without judging or imposing rules, try to find a rhythm that feels soothing for you 4) Going outside and sitting or walking in nature, noticing plants, animals, insects, birdsong etc. 5) Humming or singing along to favourite songs or music 6) Making yourself a sensory friendly, low demand nest- somewhere that feels safe on a sensory level (no unwanted noises, smells, sights etc) where you have everything you need for a few hours (e.g. drinks, snacks, something nice to do) 7) Putting on hand/foot cream in a way that feels good to you, this might be with quite firm pressure if you do not like light touch, or it might be very gentle if you prefer light touch. try to chose a scent that you like, or an unscented product if you do not like smells 8) Watching videos or looking at photos of people you care about 9) Watching a favourite film or TV series again 10) Getting under a heavy blanket, weighted object or hot water bottle I hope that at least one of these helps you to feel a little bit safer and a little bit more able to rest.
"... getting rested and recuperated isn't possible when you are still highly stressed. Your threat system is still in overdrive, you are still being flooded with cortisol and your mind and body won't actually let you relax, because it doesn't feel safe."
source: Dr Alice Nicholls
#AutisticBurnout