Self-care and emotional wellness when life gets tough

George the Giraffe: Our Secret to a Stronger Team

By Marieta du Toit | 6 February, 2025

I love our team! There, I said it. And yes, it deserves its own paragraph. At Sensory Intelligence®, we’re a powerhouse of four incredible women, navigating the world of sensory…

Mindfulness or Mind fulness?

By Tania Barney | 14 March, 2024

Are you out of your mind? You’ve lost track of how many e-mails are in your inbox, the report deadline is looming, you still need to deal with the snappy…

How Sensory Intelligence® helped me lose 10 kgs

By Amanda Oosthuizen | 5 October, 2023

I am Amanda Oosthuizen, a registered Occupational Therapist with a special interest in Health and Wellness, Mental Health, and Sensory Intelligence®. I arrived on earth on a cold winter’s day…

Navigating hybrid working using the power of sensory intelligence®

By Annemarie Lombard | 26 July, 2023

The new world of work is hybrid and flexible The post-COVID-19 resulted in unprecedented changes to the way we work. As organizations worldwide adapted to the challenges posed by the…

The story of our brand

By Annemarie Lombard | 4 March, 2022

Twenty-two years ago this business took shape in my scrambled brain. At the time I just returned from a 3-year travel-work experience from the USA which left me hanging between…

How learning Sensory Intelligence®️ improved my career

By Marieta du Toit | 22 August, 2021

If you would ask me whether I knew, I’d have to be honest and say yes, I did. Deep down, did I know that I needed to pivot in my…

Thrive during changing times

By Marieta du Toit | 13 May, 2021

During April, my hubby & I spent two weeks in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Usually, you need to make your booking to this popular destination months in advance, so when…

My love-hate relationship with online working

By Marieta du Toit | 16 September, 2020

In April 2019, I made a calculated leap of faith: I sold my pediatric Occupational Therapy practice at a school and ventured into the world of online work. The excitement…

7 Wellness steps to cope best in tough times

By Annemarie Lombard | 21 April, 2020

Fourteen years ago my life changed radically in one single day. My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and started intensive chemotherapy. My oldest son was 5 years old…

7 Tips to reduce digital fatigue

By Annemarie Lombard | 21 April, 2020

Our world has shrunk. Daily living before COVID-19 and lockdown meant moving around, driving, using public transport, being in traffic... whatever your mode of commute is. At the office or…

7 Tips to keep kids busy during lockdown

By Marieta du Toit | 29 March, 2020

“If only I could work from home!” How often have you heard work colleagues say these words… or had this thought yourself. For many employees, the prospect of working from…

7 Tips to improve your remote working environment

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 March, 2020

Covid-19 is forcing us to rethink the way we engage in the real, physical world. The power of technology and connectedness has never been more prominent than now. As a…

All I want for Christmas…

By Marieta du Toit | 18 December, 2019

It’s that time of the year again. Bigger-than-life Christmas trees have appeared in shopping malls. Red Santa suits are revived and brought out of storage. Songs of red-nosed Rudolph and…

Selfcare and emotional wellness when life gets tough

By Marieta du Toit | 15 November, 2019

Around this time of the year, people often reflect on the past 10 months: the highlights… and the hardships. The image of a lab-rats running aimlessly on their spinning wheels…

Holidaying in Tokyo when you’re sensory sensitive

By Karlien Terblanche | 31 May, 2019

A week ago my husband and I came back from our holiday in Japan. My mind is still swirling with crazy, busy, colourful, noisy, fantastical images. Tokyo is another world…

Coping with Voting

By Marieta du Toit | 7 May, 2019

Voting day is upon us! For all South Africans eligible to vote (i.e. older than 18 and in possession of an ID book/card), 8 May 2019 is a very…

Children’s work is to play

By Marieta du Toit | 25 April, 2019

On the 1st of May, countries worldwide celebrated Worker’s Day. This public holiday was first introduced in 1891 and South Africa has been joining in since 1994. This annual “day…

Calm down and call your Sensory Intelligence® OT

By Karlien Terblanche | 17 April, 2019

Have you ever wondered what makes Sensory Intelligence® Consulting’s services different from other wellness interventions? Read on ... What makes Sensory Intelligence® Consulting different? Our world is getting more complex…

Did chewing gum help Tiger Woods win his 5th Master’s title?

By Annemarie Lombard | 15 April, 2019

At Sensory Intelligence® Consulting, we have always had a special interest in promoting effective learning in schools, improving wellness and productivity in corporate businesses & call centres and helping individuals…

Why parents need Sensory Intelligence®

By Marieta du Toit | 25 March, 2019

I have been working as an occupational therapist in a clinical setting for the past 20 years. Although the hands-on part of my work involves individual therapy with children, I…

Why I need Sensory Intelligence®. How about you?

By Karlien Terblanche | 25 March, 2019

It was one of those crazy mornings. I had very little sleep the night before, back-to-back clients booked, a ton of admin waiting for me, and when I arrived at…

Why your office needs Sensory Intelligence®

By Karlien Terblanche | 25 March, 2019

Allow me to paint you a picture. You are sitting at your desk in your open plan office. Your one colleague is on the phone, trying to communicate something to…

The ethics of trademarks and copyright

By Annemarie Lombard | 21 March, 2019

“Sensory Intelligence” started in my head in 2000 when I returned to South Africa after living in the USA for 3 years. After loads of thinking, reading, contemplating and gathering…

Teaching in a pressure cooker

By Marieta du Toit | 21 February, 2019

In this beautiful country we love to call home, we too often see the destructive consequences of prolonged stress and bottled up emotions: High frustration levels Anxiety Passive-aggressive behaviour Violence…

Our top tip to improve workplace relationships

By Karlien Terblanche | 21 February, 2019

How to improve workplace relationships February is the month of love, and for most of us that means romantic relationships. You probably spent some special time with your partner on…

Falling (and staying) in love

By Marieta du Toit | 13 February, 2019

Falling in love must be one of the most surreal human experiences. That racing heart, sweaty palms, pointless giggles, focused attention on another person and an increased ability to recognise…

Mama (In)sanity: Self-regulation to stay sane

By Annebel Labuschagne | 8 February, 2019

In the eye of the storm Today was my 6-year old's hair-grooming day. He has a sensitive sensory assess, and the cutting of his hair resulted in tactile discomfort. He…

Self-care that works for your sensory system

By Karlien Terblanche | 7 February, 2019

Last weekend we celebrated my mother-in-law’s birthday. A group of us were sitting around the fire, chatting and listening to music when the soundtrack to La Vie en Rose started…

Love like Papa Smurf

By Marieta du Toit | 6 February, 2019

As a youngster growing up in the 80’ies, I loved watching The Smurfs on TV. We were allowed only a limited amount of screen time, so you had to prioritise……

The best diet for 2023

By Karlien Terblanche | 18 January, 2019

Everyone’s talking diets. We’re talking sensory diets (and snacks) I’m pretty sure that after the festive season the words ‘snacks’ and ‘diets’ are on everyone’s lips (no pun intended!). Today…

Work-Life Balance

By Marieta du Toit | 9 January, 2019

One of my favourite YouTube videos must be Mark Gungor’s description of the difference between men's and women's brains. In his very entertaining demeanour, he explains how men tend to…

Over & Out

By Marieta du Toit | 4 December, 2018

Year end functions Budgeting Christmas shopping …

Use your Senses and Keep Calm

By Karlien Terblanche | 27 November, 2018

Sensory Tips to Survive the Festive Season This time of the year can be a connecting, magical, fun, overwhelming, frustrating, restful and hilariously crazy time! Today we want to give…

The best Christmas gift of all

By Marieta du Toit | 16 November, 2018

I know it might still be a few weeks away, but there’s that feeling in the air… Christmas is around the corner! Slowly but surely shopping centers are bringing their…

Keep it calm during exam time

By Annabella Sequeira | 12 November, 2018

The end of the year is synonymous with exam time. Whether a child is in grade 4 or in grade 12, exam stress is very real and very common. Children…

Sensory guidelines to choosing your 2023 diary

By Karlien Terblanche | 7 November, 2018

Last week I came to the shocking realisation that I already need a diary for 2023. After a few minutes of contemplating how time flies, I made a plan to…

Mama(in)Sanity

By Annebel Labuschagne | 6 November, 2018

'Mama' is one of the most wonderful, fear-filled, rewarding and selfless titles one will ever earn. I recently earned this title for the THIRD time and feel truly blessed! But…

Choose your addictive habits wisely

By Marieta du Toit | 19 October, 2018

I was recently taken by surprise when an interesting new feature called “Screen Time” appeared on my phone after an operating system upgrade. This feature reports how much time you’ve…

Calming anxious kids through sensory play

By Marieta du Toit | 26 September, 2018

I consider myself one of the lucky people who experienced a mainly stress-free childhood. Afternoons were filled with valuable fun times spent with friends. After school and (a little bit…

77% of people add spice to their food. Are you one?

By Annabella Sequeira | 19 September, 2018

The way in which we cook and eat is dependent on the senses of taste and smell. Our appreciation (or not) of food is reliant on these senses. It is…

66% of people don’t want surprise parties. Are you one?

By Tanya Muir | 18 September, 2018

I remember whilst growing up always being so excited for Christmas. Once I found out that Mom was really Santa Claus (spoiler alert), I could not bear waiting for Christmas…

41% of people avoid crowds. Are you one?

By Tanya Muir | 14 September, 2018

Are you the kind of person who likes to spend time alone? Or do you crave to be around people for the most part of your day? We all have…

25% of people dislike eating the skin of fruit. Are you one?

By Marieta du Toit | 29 August, 2018

ARE YOU A FUSSY EATER? Parents often consult Occupational Therapists when trying to address their children’s picky eating habits. The parents’ most common concerns typically include: refusal to eat yoghurt…

59% of people turn up the volume. Are you one?

By Annabella Sequeira | 14 August, 2018

Hearing is one of our primary senses and our ears are constantly switched on - day and night. We live in a world filled with constant sounds filtering through our…

45% of people like to walk barefoot. Are you one?

By Karlien Terblanche | 14 August, 2018

Imagine yourself walking barefoot in a lush, green garden. The sun is shining warmly on your back and there is a gentle breeze teasing your hair. Now imagine the feeling…

49% of people like rollercoasters. Are you one?

By Marieta du Toit | 13 August, 2018

As a child, I remember visiting the amusement park at the Rand Easter show with my family. We were very excited at the prospect of going on “The Big Dipper”.…

Searching for your perfect match

By Marieta du Toit | 3 August, 2018

During a recent visit with a single, forty-something friend of mine, the following question came up during our discussions (as I knew it would… as it always does…): “When you…

Sensory hacks to beat stress

By Karlien Terblanche | 27 July, 2018

Today we are talking about the BIG S-WORD. The one we all know very well. The one we all experience at some time or another. The one we can’t escape.…

Sensory play is learning

By Annabella Sequeira | 18 July, 2018

Play is the universal language of all children. Play is essential to human and brain development, creativity and it is the foundation to all learning in life. All areas of…

Your sensory guide to choosing the right restaurant

By Karlien Terblanche | 6 July, 2018

Have you ever been to a restaurant and things just didn’t feel right? Or you feel more stressed when you leave than you did when you walked in? Or you…

Sensory seeking or Sensory avoiding?

By Marieta du Toit | 3 July, 2018

When I met my husband years ago, I was introduced to the world of a practical, DIY, go-getter who doesn’t hesitate to dirty his hands to get the job done. …

The Power of Environments

By Karlien Terblanche | 5 June, 2018

Have you ever had a busy day at work and just needed to step outside for fresh air to clear your mind? Or wanted to start a difficult task on…

ADHD – Strategies to improve learning

By Annabella Sequeira | 24 May, 2018

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most talked-about conditions within the schooling and parenting world. It is a controversial subject, one that leads to much distress in…

The Sensory Side to Wellness

By Karlien Terblanche | 17 May, 2018

Stress - our common enemy. How many times this week have you answered “busy and stressed” when someone asked how you are? Even though we all know how it feels…

Sensory hacks to beat stress

By Karlien Terblanche | 18 April, 2018

You can’t sleep, because your mind is racing. You have constant butterflies in your stomach. You can’t focus on one thing at a time. You forget someone’s name as soon…

How being water-wise affects your senses

By Karlien Terblanche | 4 April, 2018

If you live in or close to Cape Town your bathroom is littered with buckets. You wear the same pants for a week. You’ve become a mini-engineer with water-saving gadgets…

Benefits of a “Quiet Space” in your classroom

By Annabella Sequeira | 23 March, 2018

Classrooms can quickly become noisy and overwhelming, leading to inappropriate and challenging behaviour by children. Understanding the impact of sensory input from the environment is important in helping a teacher…

Lunchtime is holy time

By Karlien Terblanche | 21 March, 2018

We’re all guilty on this one. We’ve all done it. The quick desk-snacking, the in-between-meeting munching, the one-finger-on-the-email, one-hand-on-the-toasted-sandwich typing. Lunchtime has become a myth in the modern workplace. With…

Mindfulness and Sensory Processing – Being in the “here and now”

By Karlien Terblanche | 22 February, 2018

How do you know you are here right now? Take a moment and really think about it. How do you know you are right here, right now, not somewhere else?…

Forget About New Year’s Resolutions

By Annemarie Lombard | 29 January, 2018

That's right, forget about New Year's Resolutions. Try Reflective Practice instead. Forget the pressure for everything to be perfect and to change all your bad habits when the calendar flips…

Back to school survival tips

By Annabella Sequeira | 22 January, 2018

After a long summer break, most children across South Africa went back to school last week. This is generally a busy time of getting stationery, books and uniforms ready. Going…

Tips to reduce stress over the holidays

By Annabella Sequeira | 19 December, 2017

The long-awaited summer school holidays are here and with that the Festive Season. It is traditionally a time to spend with family and to make new memories. It is a…

Why you have to take some quiet & alone time

By Karlien Terblanche | 21 November, 2017

The world is loud and busy. There isn’t enough time in each day for the things that need to be done, never mind adding elusive concepts like ‘spending quiet time’…

Beating Exam Stress

By Annabella Sequeira | 10 November, 2017

All around our country, students are preparing or are already busy writing exams. Our Matric students are already in the thick of it, and those in the lower grades have…

Health 101: Sensory Sips & Snacks

By Karlien Terblanche | 30 October, 2017

At the moment everyone - especially in Cape Town - is aware of the importance of saving water. But this is no excuse to skip your 2 liters a day.…

Tips to reduce end-of-the-year teacher stress

By Annabella Sequeira | 26 October, 2017

Once again, we find ourselves nearing the end of another school year. There are just over 6 weeks of school left, and as always parents, scholars and teachers all feel…

Move to stay focused and alert

By Annabella Sequeira | 8 September, 2017

Move to Stay Focused and Alert Movement is a necessary skill throughout all ages of development, but essential in our younger years. Our children are more sedentary due to an…

Food and wine shows – to do or not to do?

By Annemarie Lombard | 9 June, 2017

I love food! I love tasting food, smelling food and looking at food. Above them all, I love making food. For years I miserably declared that I don’t have an…

Fidget spinners – annoying toys or tools for concentration?

By Annabella Sequeira | 30 May, 2017

Fidget spinners are everywhere! And every child that doesn’t have one wants one. They are just the coolest thing to have right now. As adults, teachers and parents just don’t…

Why a Sensory Audit™ matter in the classroom

By Annabella Sequeira | 3 May, 2017

What is a teacher to do? There are so many sensory types in a classroom and each child in that classroom has a different sensory need. One of the most…

Autism and the Senses

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 April, 2017

April marks Autism Awareness month. All around the world-famous landmarks have been lit up with blue lights, a great way for the world to notice that Autism is real, it…

The underwear drawer

By Karen Potgieter | 14 March, 2017

My husband and I appear to be pretty similar. We are both tall, skinny and have easy-going temperaments. There are however some very distinct differences between us. These can most…

Benefits of reading with kids: Tips to help kids to read

By Annabella Sequeira | 28 February, 2017

Parenthood is wonderful – the fun and joy that a child brings are unlike any other experience in life. It also brings with it many responsibilities, like feeding and clothing…

Simple sensory strategies for the sensitive child

By Annabella Sequeira | 21 February, 2017

Each person has a sensory threshold. That is, there is only so much sensory input that one can handle before one feels overwhelmed and out of control. The lower one’s…

Is time management a waste of time?

By Tania Barney | 19 January, 2017

Are you struggling with time management for yourself and your team? Feeling overwhelmed by the ‘To Do’ list? You are not alone. So perhaps it’s time for a different approach?…

Easy tips for happy holidays

By Annabella Sequeira | 6 December, 2016

Summer is here and schools are out, and everyone is ready to have a summer holiday. At this time of the year, most people are ready to shut the door…

Is sitting really the new smoking?

By Tania Barney | 25 November, 2016

A while ago, a new catchphrase started doing the rounds, namely that ‘sitting is going to be the next smoking’. And the more I think about it, the more I…

Reducing teacher stress and burnout

By Annabella Sequeira | 7 October, 2016

With just over 8 weeks to go to the end of the school year, teachers are heading into a very stressful and emotional time. Teacher burnout, which happens due to…

High-performance teams through syncing the senses

By Tania Barney | 16 September, 2016

Have you ever felt as if managing your team is like trying to herd cats? Each with their own personalities, ideas, work styles, ambitions …. and flashpoints? Being a manager…

Strategies for calm and focused classrooms

By Annabella Sequeira | 30 August, 2016

The ability to remain focused on a particular activity for a required amount of time is no mean feat. Classrooms especially are busy and noisy environments, which lead to many…

Sensory play for pre-schoolers

By Annabella Sequeira | 28 July, 2016

Sensory play for preschoolers There is a huge amount of emphasis on the notion that young children “learn with all their senses”. The reality of our schooling system is that…

What is Sensory Intelligence®?

By Annemarie Lombard | 23 May, 2016

Knowing about your senses (see+hear+touch+taste+smell+move) and how they respond to your daily environment is important and can make a huge difference in your life. How does it work? It is…

Your brain is your biggest asset

By Annemarie Lombard | 23 May, 2016

”It is thousand times more powerful than the worlds most powerful computer…and it’s all yours!” Tony Buzan The top part of your brain is called the cortex, it can be…

The auditory sense

By Annemarie Lombard | 23 May, 2016

The AUDITORY sense is a primary sense we use on a daily basis to process information from the environment. It is vital for communication, interaction and performance. * Our ears…

The tactile sense

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

The TACTILE (touch) sense is a primary sense we use on a daily basis to process information from the environment. It is vital for communication, interaction and performance. Receptors for…

Sensory defensiveness

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Sensory defensiveness is the result of aversive or defensive reactions to what most people consider non-irritating sensory stimuli. Due to a low threshold/low tolerance the brain over-responds. It often leads…

Sensory ergonomics – a practical way to adapt space for productivity

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

"Sen·so·ry” – adj. Pertaining to sensation; That aspect of consciousness resulting from the stimulation of a nerve process beginning at any point in the body and passing through the brain,…

Sensory Intelligence® and stress: When is too much too much?

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

We are bombarded by information from our environment on a daily basis. The human brain reacts to this information in a particular way and on certain levels, depending on: *…

Sensory Intelligence® – Why it matters more than EQ and IQ

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Well, then why does it matter more? In a nutshell: Sensory intelligence® (SIQ) refers to the senses as the primitive, unconscious gateway through which emotion (EQ) and cognition (IQ) receive their…

Are your work teams collaborating?

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

The business world is rapidly changing and our worlds are being turned upside down due to the economic climate. It has never been more crucial for companies to ensure that…

Contact centres: A scary workplace?

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

I was looking for the craziest, wildest, busiest, most sensory overloaded and insane work environment to do my research ... I clearly found it in the contact centre industry! The…

Corporate health and wellness

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

I attended the Corporate Health and Wellness conference of Knowledge Resources in Johannesburg a few weeks ago. I was also a speaker and my topic was "The Value of Sensory…

Change and conflict in the workplace

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Change in work environments is constant and recurring. Restructuring of teams, change in business operations and workspaces create uncertainty, and stress and resulted in performance issues in the workplace. People…

Five sensory savvy tips to reduce overload and stress in open plan offices

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Sensory neuroscience is understanding the brain and how it contributes to us working and living on a daily basis. Open plan office and call centre environments are traditionally busy, sensory…

Senses on Call: Our contact centre recruitment product and related legislation

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

During the past few months, I’ve had some interesting conversations and various questions with regards to how Senses on Call™ fits within the labour law legislation, in particular with employment…

Our beloved vuvuzela – A Sensory Intelligence® perspective

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Our vuvuzela, the “African Horn” became a proudly South African icon during our momentous 2010 World Cup Soccer! This piece of (mostly) plastic has done what many leaders, organisations, people,…

The beach: sensory haven or nightmare?

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

The blowing wind and sea sand... stimulate the touch sensors The sound of the sea, waves and people... stimulate the hearing sensors The smells of the sea, suntan lotion, kelp...…

Reducing sensory overload for moms, babies and toddlers

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

For mothers with small babies: * Rest when your baby sleeps. You need it, deserve it and will be a better mother as a result!* Take time out to de-stress:…

Boosting your child’s motor development and learning through active movement

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Children learn through movement and experiencing their worlds in a three dimensional format. Movement is the most important building block for learning, concentration, language and academic skills. Please, please, please…

Tips for improving your child’s concentration

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Eye contact: If you need your child’s attention, look him/her in the eyes and give the necessary instruction when you are sure you have his/her attention. You will be far…

Sensory activities for learning and fun

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Limit TV or computer time. It is passive visual learning only and impacts our children’s learning and development. I got a great idea from a friend last week; my 8-year…

Sensory intelligent tips to get your toddler to eat

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Are you struggling to get your child to eat? This can easily become a very frustrating and stressful experience for both mother and child. We hope the following tips will…

Healthy habits to build family relationships

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Family rituals What are you doing as a family that keeps you together? It can be as simple as hot dogs every Saturday afternoon and pancakes every Sunday night (that…

Sensory savvy tips for birthday parties

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

My oldest son, Lukas, turned 9 years old yesterday. We had 13 boys at my house whooshing down the waterslide and giving me the fright of my life. I am…

Back to school – helping your kids to cope

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

Starting a new standard and/or new school in January is often a huge transition which leaves many children anxious, stressed and tearful. Be mindful that this is a reality, a…

Eleven nutrition pointers for super healthy kids

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

Follow these super smart nutrition for super healthy kids: ALWAYS eat breakfast. Even one teaspoon of porridge, muesli, smoothie or one fruit, is better than nothing at all. Attempt to…

A snapshot guide for expectant mothers

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

Congratulations! If this is your first baby, read carefully; if you have been through this before, just keep on reading to remind yourself of that crazy time and tap yourself…

Overloaded brain circuits: The war on attention

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

Demands, tasks and deadlines have increased the daily frenzied distractions we are faced with in a 21st century workplace. Our brain circuits have become overloaded and we use all our…

Seriously starting to blog

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

I’ve crumbled under the social media frenzy and am starting to blog seriously. I've written many things over the years, but we will now call it official "blogging". I am…

Living in sensory overload

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

We are surrounded by millions of sensory messages on a daily basis. There is always so much to do in so little time. Our schedules are crazy and we battle…

Two big mistakes call centres make

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

So what are the 2 BIG MISTAKES call centres make? FIRST BIG MISTAKE - Technology solves all your problems Wrong! Call centres are designed by people, managed by people,…

Performance is driven by behaviour

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Performance is driven by behaviour of people. I worked with a call centre team in April and we improved first call resolution from 33% to 74% in 3 months by…

Camping and sensory experiences for children

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

Whilst sitting next to a mud pool on a recent camping trip to the beautiful Magaliesburg mountains, this question came to mind: What kind of experiences are we giving our…

Fussy children in the classroom

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Jessica has just started attending preschool. She is a bright child with good language skills but is unhappy in her new class. She struggles to adapt to the classroom routine…

Five lessons Sensory Intelligence® taught me

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

When I reflect on my sensory intelligence journey which started in 2002, I have learned so much, and would like to share that with you. The following 5 lessons stand…

Learning through touch at home

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

The sound of a revving engine and screeching brakes alerts me to the fact that my last client of the day has arrived. My little client, Sean, runs into the…

Learning through touch at school

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Caleb is a four year old child who attends pre-school. He loves playing and constantly explores his environment. He uses his sense of touch to make more sense of his…

Healthy habits in the workplace

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

I do chaos aka “organised clutter”…. I put my head down, “close my ears”, focus and produce high quality of work in the midst of noise, people, stuff, clutter, boxes,…

Christmas – a time to rest, reflect and recharge?

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

I love Christmas time. We can close the office without any guilt (most of our clients do too anyway), sit and read books, see good movies, clean out those cupboards…

The gym stinks – why some people avoid public spaces

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

I took my two sons, age 13 and 8 to the gym last week. As we walked towards the entrance my 13-year old son asked me: "Mom, do you know…

Three benefits of drinking water through a straw

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

So you are stuck at your desk at work........ You feel tired, sluggish and heavy........ Your energy levels have dropped and your focus and attention are starting to fade. It…

A “smelly” exercise to boost performance and reduce stress

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

We are all being led by our noses – literally! We have 7 senses, not just five. They are the "visible" senses that we all know; see, hear, touch, smell…

Homework: A positive learning experience or a nightmare?

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

The third week into Grade 0 has given me just a little more insight into the realities of being a (working!!) mom. Managing the early morning rush (yes, sometimes eating…

Stress is going to kill us all

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

I met with a client last week. I was sitting in front of this beautiful, successful, young business woman. She runs a tight operation for a large corporate team and…

Authentic listening is a dying art!

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

We are in deep, deep trouble........listening is dying! In the world of today we are swamped with digital information, access various communication devices and social platforms and contest with information…

Change is constant

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Things change, daily, all the time. Sometimes it frustrates us and sometimes it excites us. The reality is that change is constant. It is necessary but often creates havoc in…

The impact of technology on children’s learning and behaviour

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

It is holiday time for my 3 year-old daughter and I must say an extremely difficult time for me. I feel frustrated in having to manage "screen time" which is…

The 1-2-3 of neuroscience as an impact tool for contact centres

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Neuroscience is about understanding the brain. And obviously human brains, as a focus for how we work, learn and live. Animal brains are important too, but we will leave that…

Kissing for sensitive kids

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

Being the parent of a sensory sensitive young son, has its own set of minor challenges, from cutting out labels from clothing, finding seamless socks or avoiding any yogurt or…

Five tools at your fingertips to help children concentrate better in class

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Children are unique and yet we expect them to all fit “in the box” at school, doing the same activities and having breaks at the same time. Just as their…

Chewing gum for concentration: Friend or foe?

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

I love gum! To the disgrace of my husband and many teachers in school systems that I suggest they use it.... Gum is a habit frowned upon by many but…

Twenty habits of highly effective parents

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Parenting is one of the most difficult and important things in the world to do. And it does not come with a “user-manual”. You have to rely on instincts and…

Coping with stress in kids

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

A gorgeous, 8-year old enters my therapy room, fidgety, tense and sensitive to everything around him. He sighs and says: "those kids are so loud"; "so and so are mean…

Team building with a difference

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Does your team tick or get ticked off? Being part of a group is an inherent need of humans. People need people to feel safe, validated, needed, useful and important.…

Coping with stress for teachers – how to get to the end of the year in one piece

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

We are quickly approaching the end of the year, and therefore the end of another academic year. It is a time when teachers need to ensure that all the syllabus…

Five tips for thinking creatively as a critical business strategy

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

We run regular one-day workshops for call center executives, corporate teams and leaders about sensory processing and its influence on behavior, performance, teamwork and wellness. I ask for feedback from…

My child is sensitive to movement – help?

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Stop the world – I want to get off! Have you ever spent so much time swimming in the ocean or being on a boat that your body continues to…

“I don’t have time”

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Being too busy and having no time have become this ridiculously insane norm which leaves us all flustered, stressed, angry, irritable and tired. This is relevant across all contexts –…

The alternative to road rage

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Our society is in a pressurised and stressed spiral! Health insurance companies are seeing a significant increase in psychiatric disorders. People are not coping. Anger, irritability and depression are rife…

The top five New Year resolutions for corporate teams

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Although New Year resolutions can become quite trivial and petty; having some goals to start your year is important. Setting them are easy; but achieving and maintaining them the difficult…

Classroom sensibilities

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

As an occupational therapist, it was essential for me to assess and determine a child’s sensory assess in order for me to provide the “just-right” environment and activities for that…

How to engage the passive children in your classroom

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

It is an average school day and Little Johnny is merrily going along his way until suddenly he hears his teacher telling him to put his towel down and jump…

One teacher – various temperaments!

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

“How do I cope with all these different children in my classroom?” This has become a standard question in a lot of school staff rooms. The demands of a teaching…

Optimal learning in the classroom: Switched on for learning

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

Children are under immense pressure to perform in all areas of their daily functions, including academics, sport, leisure and on the social front. They are under constant sensory input, primarily…

Autism and the senses – a parent’s guide

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

April marks Autism Awareness month. All around the world famous landmarks have been lit up with blue lights - a great way for the world to notice that autism is…

Interview with Dr Annemarie Lombard (Part 1)

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

Sensory Intelligence® Consulting was founded by Dr Annemarie Lombard in 2003. She has a PhD in Occupational Therapy and practised with children with learning difficulties for 15 years. She works…

Creating sensory intelligent classrooms

By Nicole Kayton | 20 May, 2016

Sensory Intelligent Classrooms Children’s behaviour in a classroom is often described as being overly active with difficulty focusing, like the animated character Tigger, or underactive and not responsive to activities…

Sit still and concentrate! And why it doesn’t work

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in children today. In a classroom full of children, there is bound to be a few children…

Interview with Dr Annemarie Lombard (Part 2)

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

We had a chat with Annemarie about the Sensory Intelligence® journey and how it came into existence. In part one, we looked at the differences between Sensory Intelligence®, EQ and…

Goal setting – a must for your therapy toolbox – Dr Annemarie Lombard*

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

I hated goals! After finishing my 4 years of studies at Stellenbosch University in 1988, I had goals coming through every pore of my body. I just had enough of…

Get your classroom moving!

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Notice how Kim Bevill does not stop moving during her TEDx Talk, The magic that makes the brain learn. Pathways from the brain’s centre of motor control have connections to…

Do women have egos?

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

I was asked this during dinner conversation recently: Do women have egos? My immediate response was “NO, of course not” but it made me think long and hard afterwards. Was…

Moms and the elusive balancing act

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Moms and the Elusive Balancing Act “I want to be a balanced mom, but I just don’t know how!” Does this sound familiar? In the modern busy lifestyle that we…

Sensory Intelligence®: Our senses and perception – how we can change our world

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

“A ‘normal’ person is the sort of person that might be designed by a committee. You know, each person puts in a pretty color and it comes out gray.” ~…

Stressed and Overwhelmed

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

We are fast approaching the end of the school year and teachers are starting to face the onslaught of demands that comes without fail at this time of the year.…

Staff all Squeezed Out?

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Staff all Squeezed Out? The business world, regardless of industry, is competitive, constantly changing and target driven. To remain a leader in your industry you need to be relentless about…

The silly season – Why you need to stop and smell the roses

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

Sensory overload and racing against the clock – come up for air and take sensory breaks. November has crept up on me, and I find myself running from one end…

Sensory Intelligence®: Finding a career path as a sensory intelligent person

By Annemarie Lombard | 20 May, 2016

Everybody experiences the world differently, approaches tasks differently and often sees solutions from entirely different angles. We always assume that this is purely to do with our characters – our…

Back to school tools for back to school blues

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

Just when you thought you had all your silly season shopping done and dusted and that you would not have to put a foot back into a shopping mall again…

Classroom strategies for optimal learning

By Annabella Sequeira | 20 May, 2016

Often in life the simplest changes have the most profound influence with longer lasting effect. When taken in context of our learners in their classrooms, the slightest environmental change can…

School and the sensitive child

By Annabella Sequeira | 13 May, 2016

Doors CRASHING, ear splitting SCREAMS, wind HOWLING, BLINDING lights, alarms BLARING, people CRASHING in to you… This is how someone might describe an emergency evacuation or a disaster scene in…

Sensory inventions

By Annabella Sequeira | 13 May, 2016

I have recently spent a large portion of my time researching and reading interesting articles about how the senses work and the brain mechanisms behind it all. During this time…

Sensory smart teenagers

By Annabella Sequeira | 13 May, 2016

The onset of adolescence is a very challenging time for both teens and their parents. It is a time that is marked with rapid changes, and it is also when…

Cool, cooler, office water cooler

By Annemarie Lombard | 13 May, 2016

If you are taking the time out of your busy day to read this, it’s likely that you are brain dead… in need of a brain break. BUT, you would…

Sensory strategies for ADHD

By Annabella Sequeira | 12 May, 2016

Sensory strategies for ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition where persistent inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are present. It is generally diagnosed during the childhood years, and…

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