Coping With Post-Celebration Exhaustion

Post celebration recovery immediately triggers thoughts around quiet spaces, times and relaxing sensory opportunities. Yet, for some, the best way to re-set the sensory system is to ‘recover’ in a interoceptive connected manner. Kelly Mahler emphasises that this is all about how our bodies uniquely feel. This may mean we need to move from presumptions and assumptions regarding recovery, and revisit how that looks for everyone. Perhaps gentle swaying, to fast running or cycling. Observing the time, occasion and situation your child appears truly at ease and relaxed is a valuable point of reference. We know that for most children, any interaction or social connection draws on the sensory system.

Recognise responses and reactions

After attending a party, celebration or event, most people will experience some kind of response and reaction. It may be relief, exhaustion or perhaps even disappointment. Being able to recognise these emotions, physical responses and reactions is an intricate skill that interplays with brain, nerve cells and connections. Allow your child to feel, experience and validate any feelings or emotions they might have.

Supporting your child’s interoception

Some are attuned to interpreting these internal messages whilst others may struggle to identify and articulate those feelings. Observation and knowing the person well can help in assessing a likely good recovery plan. Many families comment on ensuring you have comfort items along with you. This is something we often automatically do for younger children, but perhaps lose sight of the value and continued relevance of these for positive life experiences.

Physical comforts

These may include physical items, such as a scarf with the ends sewn together to create pockets for self-hugging, hand cream for massaging into the palms, or a favourite scent on a cuff or collar. They could also be sensory stimulators, like flashing lights or noise makers, or calming tools, such as a tub of fabric strips or malleable dough.

Many say encouraging their child to carry their own little backpack with items they enjoy can be helpful. The weight of this can also be adjusted so that it offers a sense of grounding. Carrying your own sensory support activities can also offer positive feelings of ownership and choice. Some may need encouragement to engage in some down time. Often having a focus can help, practicing deep breaths by following across and down a window frame rather than just verbal instructions of counts in and out.

Sensory support

Taking these recovery moments can be successful throughout an event or celebration, rather than just at the end. The party host may be able to provide an easily accessible pop-up tent or quiet area, with sensory activities, ear defenders, sunglasses, peak caps, squish toys, visual lights or books. A weighted blanket or lap tray can also help bring a sense of calm. As with carrying weight, it is important not to exceed the guidelines of the maximum weight being 10% of a child’s body weight. www.sensorydirect.com offer guidelines and support when considering weighted items, especially blankets. It is always advisable to seek the support of an occupational therapist if possible.

As your child’s advocate, you are best placed to support them in connecting with their introspective sense and accessing the best recovery process. Giving them the time and space they need in order that they can, in the words of Chloe Hayden, “embrace their true self and find their happily ever after”.

Takeaway tips

• Recognise need
• Provide quiet spaces
• Provide movement spaces
• Support a connection with interoception
• Offer choice
• Give ownership
• Stick to maximum 10% body weight for any weighted calmers