Sensory Stories Archives

Your nervous system might be the real culprit… and there’s absolutely no need to feel bad about it!

Every November, the spotlight shines on men’s health. The Movember movement, born in Australia back in 2003, encourages men to “grow a Mo” (a moustache) to start conversations around important topics like prostate and testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.

But here’s the catch: for many enthusiastic Mo’ers, those 30 days of good intentions quickly turn into 30 days of itching, irritation, and pure discomfort. And no matter how many times you tell yourself “it’s just a moustache”, your brain doesn’t seem to agree.

Here’s why: your sensory system might be more sensitive than most.
Some people — men included — have a lower threshold for touch. Light sensations, like a tickly upper lip or prickly stubble, can feel intensely uncomfortable. When that happens, your nervous system gets overwhelmed, leading to what we call sensory dysregulation.

It’s not about willpower or mindset. It’s about biology.
Your sensory threshold for touch is largely determined by your DNA, and no amount of mental pep talk will change how your skin and brain react to constant tactile stimulation.

So, what can you do if you’re a proud Movember supporter but your nervous system says “no thanks”?

Acknowledge that your sensory sensitivity is real and valid.
Pick up the razor and shave if you need to. Your fellow Mo’ers (and your partner, kids, and colleagues) will understand… and probably appreciate it!
Keep supporting the cause in other ways. Donate, spread awareness, or check in on a friend. Your impact doesn’t depend on facial hair.

At the end of the day, taking care of your mental well-being by reducing daily irritation is perfectly in line with the spirit of Movember. After all, being a happier, calmer, more comfortable version of yourself is exactly what this movement stands for.

Picture this: You’ve just survived a kid’s birthday party (sugar highs, squeals, and all), managed to wrestle your 5-year-old into the car seat, and finally pull out of the driveway. Just as you exhale… boom. What’s for lunch?
A quick pit stop at the store is your only option – except now you’re overstimulated, under-caffeinated, and about one loud beep away from losing it.
Let’s be honest: emotional overwhelm is real, and it doesn’t care how old you are. What we often don’t realise is how much our senses play into how we manage those emotions.

When your body feels “off” and your senses are overloaded, staying calm is a serious challenge.
Here’s the science-y part (but don’t worry, it’s simple):
Your brain processes sensory input first (that’s at the bottom), then emotions, and thoughts come last (at the top).
So, before you even feel or think, you’re already sensing. That’s why sensory overload is the sneaky culprit behind so many meltdowns.

So how do you keep your cool when life gets loud, messy, and full of surprises?

You tune in to your seven senses (yep, not just five) and tackle the world from the bottom up:
👀 Sight
Sunglasses = sanity. Bright lights after chaos? No thanks.
👂 Hearing
Pop in your favourite playlist on the way to your next stop. Instant mood shift.
🖐️ Touch
Say goodbye to itchy scarves and shoes that pinch. Comfort is key.
👃 Smell
Step into a garden. Breathe. Let nature reset you.
👅 Taste
Energy dipping? Chew a mint or sip something refreshing to stay sharp.
💃 Movement
Shake it off… literally. Stretch, walk, move. Your body will thank you.
🧘‍♀️ Body Sense
Change up your posture. Slouch, stretch, sit tall. Keep it flowing.

Here’s the deal:

Emotional overload is tricky. Sensory overload is easier to manage—if you catch it early.
By tuning into your sensory needs, you’re one step ahead. It’s like having an emotional safety net in your back pocket. The more you pay attention to your senses, the easier it becomes to stay grounded, calm, and (let’s face it) a much nicer version of yourself.

Moral of the story?

Don’t wait until you’re ready to snap. Know what soothes you, use your senses wisely, and take on the chaos like a champ.
The sensible way, of course.

Category: Sensory Stories

Struggling to stick it out through Movember?

Bottoms Up! – Stop overload in its tracks, starting with your 7 senses.

Here’s the deal:

Moral of the story?