Navratri celebrations getting overwhelming? Therapist shares how parents can help kids manage festive overstimulation

Navratri and Durga Puja convey a wave of pleasure throughout properties and communities, with 9 days of devotion, music, lights, rituals, and countless celebrations. But, what makes the season so exhilarating may also make it overwhelming. From loud sounds and flashing lights to packed schedules and fixed socialising, the festivities typically turn into overstimulating for each youngsters and adults, leaving many struggling to stability pleasure with calm. The fixed sensory overload throughout festivals will be overwhelming for youths and adults alike.(Pexel) Additionally Learn | Therapist shares 3 methods to set boundaries, take care of intrusive questions and household expectations this Navratri In an interview with HT Life-style, Dr Mansi Poddar, a trauma-informed psychotherapist and psychological well being skilled with over 15 years of expertise, factors out how overwhelming festive celebrations can typically be, and suggests methods to handle the overstimulation in order that households can benefit from the season with out feeling drained. Festive overstimulationThe festive season is stuffed with pleasure and pleasure however typically, the sensory overstimulation would possibly get all too overwhelming for youths and adults alike. Based on Dr Poddar, “Lights, sounds, new routines, and social expectations might overwhelm an individual’s nervous system particularly for a delicate particular person or one who’s neuro divergent.” She highlights that it may be worrying to handle and suggests wholesome methods you may take care of it. When your youngsters are appearing up as a result of overstimulation, it is very important perceive that it isn’t dangerous behaviour however indicators from their nervous system to relax.(Pexel) The best way to handle overstimulation in youngsters?Dr Poddar stresses that step one to assist your youngsters is to verify in with your individual psychological state: “Your calm presence will assist your youngster really feel protected.” You’ll be able to assist your youngsters’s psychological wellbeing solely while you’re in a balanced state your self. When you might have that in place, the therapist’s recommendation is to ascertain acquainted patterns or predictable rhythms to your youngsters. “Your youngster might not be capable of have the identical routine as when they’re in class, however there is no such thing as a motive to not anchor them to one thing predictable, like meals, quiet-time, or their bed-time routine, for so long as you may,” she explains. It is usually essential to determine the issues that be just right for you and your loved ones – you don’t should take part in each occasion or attend each celebration. The therapist recommends, “You’ll be able to assist youngsters by verbally narrating their experiences; say issues like, ‘I discover it is getting loud in right here. Wish to step outdoors for a break?’ Narrating ideas like this can assist your youngster be taught emotional literacy and self-awareness.” Dr Poddar additionally suggests some calming methods that can assist floor your youngsters: “Convey a chilled toolkit. Pack snacks, headphones, or a favorite toy to assuage your youngster throughout transitions. Encourage a quiet-time break, ideally with out screens after gatherings or actions.” Additionally Learn | Feeling lonely this Navratri? Therapist shares 6 tricks to navigate by loneliness this festive season The best way to handle your individual overstimulation?Taking breaks not solely advantages your youngsters but additionally provides you much-needed calm too, which will be deeply soothing. Dr Poddar factors out, “It’s essential to remind your self that overstimulation doesn’t equal dangerous behaviour. These reactions are merely indicating to their (the youngsters’) nervous system that they should calm down.” Whereas taking good care of your youngsters’s wants is an obligation, additionally it is essential to increase the identical kindness and compassion to your self. The therapist emphasises, “In case you discover that you’re overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to verify in on your self by taking a pause to breathe or ask your self ‘What do I would like proper now?’ Modeling self-care will assist train your youngster resilience within the face of overwhelm greater than any vacation custom ever might.” Be aware to readers: This text is for informational functions solely and never an alternative choice to skilled medical recommendation. All the time search the recommendation of your physician with any questions on a medical situation.