People in the Sensory Processing Disorder world refer to their kids as “sensational.” Well, I may be full-grown, but they could be talking about me! So many things annoy me. Sometimes I know exactly what it is, other times it’s a low-level frustration that makes me irritable and irrational. Sounds like people chewing, electronics humming, and vacuums drive me crazy. I get overwhelmed by clutter and things that don’t line up visually. I guard myself against smells. Chemical scents and air fresheners are especially bad, but even lovely flowers can overpower me.
I took the dry skin brushing challenge - have you?
Lots of other things bother me, too, like shoelaces that aren’t tied exactly the same on each foot, to the exact right level of tightness. Hoods on sweaters hanging behind me make my neck hurt. Blankets that are heavier on one side will keep me up all night. A twisted strap or scratchy tag will send me over the edge. I don’t like taking showers, baths, or washing my hands and face, because of the way water feels on my skin before it’s completely dried off. I panic when clay dries on my skin.
I’ve gotten better at identifying what’s bothering me and dealing with it. I do bathe regularly, wear clothes, and garden despite the water, dirt, layers of clothes, and cold! But that doesn’t stop the 24×7 irritation I experience. The GAPS diet has reduced my sensitivity a bit and increased my coping skills a lot, but I still am not cured. When I started dry skin brushing, a lovely thing happened. My tactile sensory integration issues started to get even better! You can read all about how I dry skin brush on Divine Health from the Inside Out!
Lydia at Divine Health is hosting a Dry Skin Brushing Challenge Have you tried dry skin brushing? What has it been like for you?
This post is part of Monday Mania, Fat Tuesday, Traditional Tuesdays, Real Food Wednesdays.
I just started last night, I think it is pretty awesome that dry brushing has helped you so much! I hope it helps me out in some ways as well.
Let me know how it goes!
You should definitely check out the books The Highly Sensitive Child, and The Highly Sensitive Person, both by Elaine N. Aron. Great books and really helped me to understand my sensitivity to noise, smells, touch, etc. so many of the things you just described!! And I have two highly sensitive children too
there are good aspects to it too… And I think these books really help one to accept oneself the way they are! 
I agree those are great books. I actually read The Highly Sensitive Child many years ago when I was trying to figure out how to parent my two sensational kids! I saw myself in there, too, of course
Thanks for reminding me about these books. I’m sure they will be a help to some of our blog’s readers!
I had literally NEVER heard of this practice until seeing this post a few minutes ago. I may have to keep this in the back of my mind.
I could see Silas really liking it
Wow, I am sensational too! I guess I’ll give the dry brushing a go!