6 Objects That’ll Make Your Life Easier as a Highly Sensitive, Neurodivergent Person
Sensory overload is a common challenge for highly sensitive and neurodivergent nervous systems. Discover how a few simple tools, from noise-canceling headphones to fidget toys, can create a calmer and more comfortable world for you.
Do you ever feel like the world throws too much information your way at once?
Bright lights, loud noises, and overflowing to-do lists can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed. If you identify as a highly sensitive person (HSP) or neurodivergent (ND), you might experience this sensory overload even more frequently.
This is because HSP and ND nervous systems are wired to pick up on subtle cues, and process information more intensely.
Imagine constantly having the volume on high – sights, sounds, textures, even emotions become all-consuming. It can feel like wearing your nervous system on the outside of your body.
Luckily, with a few simple objects, you can create a calmer, more comfortable environment for yourself. Let’s explore them together.
(Even if you don’t identify as HSP or ND, these objects might help you find more comfort and joy in the everyday.)
NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES
If your ears pick up on every tiny sound, making it hard to get a moment’s peace, noise-canceling headphones might be your new best friend. Whether it’s a barking dog next door or the constant hum of the fridge, a good pair of headphones will block out unwanted background noise.
Create a quiet zone around your ears, so you can focus on what matters – relaxation, work, or just enjoying your music in peace.
Even beyond the noise-canceling benefit, headphones can be a lifesaver for those who crave some privacy in public. Wearing headphones acts as a social cue, subtly letting others know you’re focused on your inner world and prefer not to be interrupted. It’s a way to politely maintain some personal space while navigating crowded environments.
CLEANING GLOVES
If you hate washing the dishes because it causes sensory overload (wet hands, weird soapy textures, the whole mess…), gloves can make the experience way more bearable. They keep your hands dry and protected from harsh chemicals, turning a slimy sensory experience into a neutral one… and before you know it, the dishes are done.
If you struggle to motivate yourself to do cleaning tasks, here’s a hack that works well for many neurodivergent folks:
Set a timer for 5 minutes. Make the chore into a game – how much can you accomplish in this short burst of time?
Challenge yourself to break down a seemingly daunting task into manageable chunks.
You might be surprised at how much you can achieve in just a few minutes, and the momentum can sometimes carry you through for longer than you planned. Even if you don’t finish everything, you’ll still be making progress, and that’s something to celebrate.
FIDGET TOY
The world of fidget toys is vast and wonderful. There’s a fidget out there for everyone, from those who crave tactile stimulation (clicky buttons, squishy textures) to those who enjoy a little visual distraction (infinity cubes, mesmerizing spinners).
And guess what? Fidget toys aren’t just for hands – there are options for your feet too. Explore spiky massage balls that you can roll under your desk, or wobble cushions that provide constant micro-movements while you work. These objects can satisfy your need for tactile stimulation and keep your feet engaged and comfortable throughout the day.
Overall, fidget toys are a great way to relieve stress, boost focus, and add a touch of playful movement into your day.
They’re a gift to your inner child and your nervous system.
The key is to find one (or many) that you genuinely enjoy interacting with.
If you prefer not to buy a fidget toy (or have scoured the stores and found nothing), go to nature. You might find a rock, shell, pinecone, or twig that feels good to hold in your hands. Nature’s fidgets can be just as effective, with the added benefit of co-regulating our nervous systems with the earth’s grounding energy.
EYE MASK
Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night because you’re bothered by light, even a sliver sneaking under the door?
Many highly sensitive and neurodivergent people struggle to get consistent sleep, as their brains simply won’t turn “off.”
If you’re sensitive to light at bedtime, an eye mask can be a game-changer.
By blocking out visual stimuli, an eye mask creates a dark, cozy environment that signals to your brain it’s time for sleep. This can significantly improve your sleep quality and leave you feeling more rested and energized throughout the day.
Choose an eye mask with a texture, weight, and pressure that feels comfortable for you. For an extra dose of relaxation, consider adding a drop of lavender essential oil to the mask (not directly on your eyes!). This way, you can inhale calming scents while enjoying the darkness
The benefits of an eye mask extend beyond bedtime. It can also enhance your meditation practice, or help you start one.
Highly sensitive brains can be particularly susceptible to distractions, even the faint light behind closed eyelids.
An eye mask removes these visual distractions, allowing you to turn inward and focus more deeply on your breath, thoughts, and bodily sensations. This can lead to a more profound meditation experience – further calming your nervous system and setting you up for a good night’s sleep.
CANDLE
There’s a reason we find candles so calming and even mesmerizing. The flickering flame acts as a gentle visual stimulus. In a way, it taps into a primal sense of comfort, mimicking the firelight our ancestors gathered around for warmth, safety, and connection.
Candles can be a helpful tool for HSPs and ND folks who may struggle with transitions between tasks.
Try using candles to mark the beginning and end of activities. Light a candle as you sit down to work on a project, and then blow it out when you’re finished. This simple ritual signals to your brain that it’s time to switch gears.
The calming nature of the flame being extinguished can make the transition feel smoother, intentional, and even ceremonial.
WEIGHTED BLANKET
Many people with HSP and neurodivergent traits find that their nervous systems respond positively to deep pressure. A weighted blanket applies gentle, even pressure throughout your body, mimicking the feeling of being swaddled or hugged. This can be incredibly calming and grounding, reducing anxiety and creating a felt sense of safety in the body.
Weighted blankets aren’t just for snuggling under at night. You can drape it over your lap while working from home, or use it during a sensory break between overwhelming tasks.
The bottom line? A few strategic objects can make life in a highly sensitive nervous system more comfortable, pleasant, and even joyful.
NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES
CLEANING GLOVES
FIDGET TOY
EYE MASK
CANDLE
Remember that each neurodivergent person is different, so what works well for one might create sensory overload for another. Take the time to experiment and find what works best for you.
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About the Author
Liz Zhou is holistic trauma therapist providing virtual therapy services in Colorado. She helps highly sensitive, neurodivergent adults and couples heal from the past and connect with their authentic selves. Liz’s specialties include EMDR, IFS, psychedelic integration, and therapy intensives.
