Category / Uncategorized

by Erin Nowicki

The Princess & The Beach

πŸ–πŸŒŠπŸŒžπŸ¬Going to the beach can be intense for a person with Sensory Processing Disorder. So, come with me and I’ll give you a few tips for some ways that help me enjoy my time at the beach AND come home with a smile and not a grimace. πŸ¬πŸŒžπŸŒŠπŸ–

1. Mr. Sun

Getting burned by the sun, whether or not you have a skin disorder, is painful and uncomfortable for any person. When you have SPD, that pain is heightened and the process of healing can be brutal. The burn, the itching, the peeling: OUCH. I used to be known for getting terribly burned every single time I went to the beach. As of today, sunburn is a rare occurrence for me, but that is because I have adjusted some things.

When you get hurt, you usually don’t like the thing that hurt you, so you start to give off negative energy towards it. Even though I was applying sunscreen every hour on the dot, I still kept coming home looking like a cooked lobster. I started to fear, dislike and blame the sun for causing my pain. The pain and sunburn didn’t stop, but if you think about it…why would it? The expectation I set before going to the beach was that I was going to get burned no matter what I tried. I believe that it was one of the factors why I’d leave with that not-so-lovely cherry burn. Mindsets and words are so powerful and I was manifesting this negativity for my body….um not cool Erin.

A couple years ago, I decided that this has to stop. I started to shift that powerless mindset and I put some effort into my relationship with Mr. Sun. Instead of assuming I was going to get burned, I started to focus on my gratitude for all of the major benefits the sun gives me. The sun’s purpose is not to bring pain, but to bring life, light, and wholeness. It wasn’t the suns’s fault I was getting burned…there was so much more to it.

2. Screen Yourself

After shifting into this mindset, I started to try different types of sunscreens to see which would be a better partner to help protect my skin. I noticed that my skin would be better protected when I would wear a mineral-base sunscreen as opposed to the regular kind. I don’t like the feeling of lotion in my hands, so this definitely is my least favorite part about beach days, but it is important, hence why I use it anyways.

**Some tips for troubleshooting your own experience with sunscreen**

Make-Up Brush: If you don’t like using your hands to rub the sunscreen into your skin and don’t have someone to do it for you, try using a make-up brush instead. There are different kinds of brushes, so test out different ones to see which one works the best for your skin. This is also a “parent hack” for children who hate the sunscreen process. Give them the brush and watch how much fun they’ll have while also encouraging the lesson of self-care. Don’t forget to finish the job for them to ensure they didn’t miss a spot.

Pre-Screen: Put on your first round of sunscreen at home or in the parking lot before you get to the beach, that way you can get everything covered before sand gets in the way. I can’t stand the feeling of rubbing sunscreen on my face with sand mixed in, so if I can start my beach day off without that feeling, I’m all about it.

Lotion vs. Spray: Try different forms of sunscreen to see which one feels the best for your skin. Some sunscreens are heavy and some light, so paying attention to the different “feels” might help you figure out what you prefer the most.

Wipe Your Hands: Have some baby wipes or a hand towel to wipe your hands off after using sunscreen. Applying deep pressure while wiping your hands can help you reset quite nicely.

3. L’eau

Hydration is actually another way to help prevent sunburn. When your body is nourished and healthy, then it doesn’t have to fight so hard to protect itself from the Mother Earth’s elements. I’ve struggled with drinking water most of my life up until about 4/5 years ago. I have an amazing holistic chiropractor who did some energy work on me and helped me realize that I had too much copper in my body. Once I got treated for that, it completely shifted the way my body was responding to good ol’ H2O. All of that to say: drink your water….especially when spending time out in the hot sun.

4. Sea-Shellter

Jon and I bought a beach tent and it has rocked our world. We usually get to the beach and set up our shelter first thing, then go for a nice long walk. After a walk we come back and rest in the tent to give our skin a break from our buddy, Mr. Sun. If the sun has shifted and is shining directly on the front of the tent, we’ve come up with a solution by using a couple of chip clips to hang up colorful tapestry; that way we are in a shady spot while we get a break from those intense rays. It’s functional, fun and totally sets a chill vibe for some sweet beach hangs.

5. Sock-A-Row-Nees

My feet are the most sensitive part of my body when it comes to my SPD. Swimming in the water, walking on shells and getting covered in sand can be quite overstimulating. I’ve discovered that socks actually help me to relax a lot easier when I’m relaxing in the beach tent. The deep pressure that socks give allow my body to chill for a second and know that it’s ok. On days I have forgotten to bring them, I definitely noticed that my overall pain level was heightened and I had a harder time being able to relax.

I typically bring two pairs with me so I have one for the actual beach trip and one for the ride home. When you’re already in an environment that not only is life-giving but also overstimulating, that can be a lot for your body to process once you have to drive home. For me, having a clean pair of socks to put on right when I get into the car (sandy feet or not), has really helped ground and remind my body that I am ok. It’s really powerful what a pair of socks can do.

6. Powder Your Nose…or Toes

This one isn’t something I do as much anymore, because the sock hack has been a better fit for me, but I don’t want to leave it out because it might help you out. Get some talc free baby powder fill up a sock wit it (I used my winter socks since I live in Florida and don’t need them as much). Before you get into your car to leave the beach, grab that baby powder sock and quickly dab it onto your skin and watch as the sand magically comes off. Once you’re done, just put it in ziplock for your future beach days. **Another great parent hack!

7. I’m Misty Over You

When I get overheated, my body tends to freak out, therefore, I freak out. Jon and I have this joke that if JosΓ©, the name I have for my upper lip (go ahead and judge my quirkiness for naming literally everything, including my third eye who’s name is Kiki), gets sweaty, that means I’m about to hit my code red of overheating…which is not pretty. In Florida, especially the summers, it can get boiling hot. so I’ve found something that has helped prevent a code red for me and that is having a small fan that has a misting feature on it. This not only cools me off, but it actually helps me shift my focus back to being grounded and to remind my body that I am totally fine. I also make sure to have a bandana either to wear on my head or have in my pocket, that way I can have something to take care of JosΓ©.

8. No Cowboys Allowed

As a fabulous, plus-sized gal, chaffing can be a real buzzkill, while having magical beach day…especially living with SPD on top of that. I don’t want to be the one walking like a cowboy while I’m trying to enjoy a lovely day at the beach. I’ve found that bringing an extra pair of comfy shorts is wonderful. You can just slip them on before you go for that walk to hunt for those treasures that are waiting to be discovered. Another thing that I’ve done in the past, that works nicely, is using a chaffing balm. I’ve tried a few different brands but the one I felt worked the best at preventing and even soothing the chaffing is a product called For Her by Body Glide (this is not sponsored, just a personal recommendation). It goes on very light and isn’t greasy like other products I’ve used. It also doesn’t clump up which is nice, because it’s not like you want to be walking around with white clumps in between your legs. Even though it’s called “For Her” and they have a “For Him” one, it honestly can be used by any human.

Conclusion

You might have noticed this, but a lot of the “hack” that I mentioned above aren’t out of the ordinary or unusual. Most of the things I mentioned could totally be a part of every person’s beach routine. The key for me is that having these things help to alleviate extra pain and let me feel a little more relaxed, especially since the beach is one of my favorite places to be.

Do you have any personal tips that help you to enjoy your time at the beach? Leave a comment below and I’ll try it out and let you know how if it helps!

𝕀π•₯𝕒π•ͺ π•žπ•’π•˜π•šπ•”π•’π•
by Erin Nowicki

SPD vs. A Pandemic World

I thought it would be fun to write a post from the perspective of living in this pandemic world as someone who has SPD. If you have some of your own perspective on how the pandemic has affected you or someone you know with SPD, I’d love to chat about it! Either drop a comment on this post or feel free to email me.

**First, let me establish that I DO NOT have the coronavirus.**

**Second, I wanted to personally thank all of the first responders, healthcare workers and other essential workers (yes, I’m also talking to YOU teachers, nannies, grocery store employees, ETC…). You all are ROCKSTARS and our world wouldn’t function without you. **

Wash Wash Wash Your Hands

For me personally, washing my hands (and showers whenever I actually take one hahaha) is one of my least favorite daily activities haha. I choose to do it only when its absolutely necessary. So, the moment my hubby told me about what was happening with Covid-19 and that we are going to have to be extra careful, I was like, “NOOOOOOO that means I have to wash my hands more!” I know it doesn’t sound trivial, but seriously…washing my hands sucks.

β€…When I get to work, I wash my hands.

β€…When I come back inside from playing with my nanny kids, I wash my hands.

β€…When I go to the restroom, I wash my hands (obviously).

β€…When I get in my car after being in the store or gas station, I wash my hands (with sanitizer).

β€…When I get home from work, I wash my hands.

That’s a TON of washing hands! Eekers! :p

Soap and hand sanitizer feel so slimy and soft…yuck to the yuck! Not only does the soap hurt, but the entire process hurts as well. The water, the towel to dry off and the feeling afterwards all cause different feelings of pain. I can’t stand the way my hands feel after being washed, mainly because I don’t like the soft feeling that is left over. Even a few minutes after, I can still feel the pain from the water and the towel.

πŸ™Š Speak No Evil πŸ™Š

The one thing I knew when it came to my mask of choice is that I wanted to make sure unicorns were on it. Before I had this sweet, handmade mask (second pic), I decided to use my unicorn scarf. Might as well try to bring a little magic into people’s days right?

Thanks Stasia for my unicorn mask!

Yes, the pictures are full of squinty smiles, but to be honest, wearing a mask is irritating and painful. I totally feel for the healthcare workers out there (especially those who have SPD) who have to wear masks all day…you guys really are having go through the ringer. I’m so lucky to not have to wear a mask at my job. (I’m a nanny for an amazing family.) When I go to the store, I try to get in and get out asap so I can take off the mask.

To describe the pain a little more- since the mask isn’t giving me any deep pressure (good thing cause I wouldn’t be able to breathe hahaha), I can feel the fabric rubbing across every inch of my skin like a burn or sting. After I take it off I have to rub my face to try to reset the nerves…it doesn’t fully help but it takes some of the pain away. My ears don’t really hurt except when I put the mask on and take it off because the straps don’t move once on.

**If you have any questions for me about other things that might be bothering me during this pandemic, please leave a comment and I’d be happy to respond! :D**

Some food for thought: I urge you to not jump to conclusions if you hear someone (at any age) complain about things bothering them or causing pain. Yes, a mask and washing your hands seem harmless, but to someone with SPD, they are causes for more pain. Let’s change our habits of saying, “Oh, that doesn’t hurt” or “How can that hurt” into encouragements, “I’m sorry it hurts” or “Is there anything I can do to help ease your pain?”

by Erin Nowicki

Testing Testing

So, I found this “Sensory Processing Disorder Symptoms Test for Adults” created by TheΒ ADHD EDITORIAL BOARD and I thought it would be fun (and funny) to take it and then share my answers and what I scored . πŸ˜€

  1. Hugs even from those I’m close to can make me feel uncomfortable. Likewise, being in a crowded elevator makes me want to break out and run.Β 
    • My Answer: Very Often
  2. I enjoy high-adrenaline activities.
    • My Answer: Very Often
  3. I avoid some foods because of the texture. I would rather go hungry than eat a mushy banana.
    • My Answer: Never
  4. The thought of having to walk through the sand to get to the ocean or a lake can ruin the fun of a swim.
    • My Answer: Never
  5. When everyone else is sweating or shivering, I’m usually somewhere in the middle.
    • My Answer: Often (I’m usually the opposite of everyone tho…)
  6. Flickering lights β€” or even worse, strobe lights β€” send me over the edge.
    • My Answer: Sometimes
  7. My handwriting is illegible. I’m told I have “difficult-to-read” penmanship.
    • My Answer: Never
  8. I avoid walking through the perfume department at all costs. Scented candles β€” even the most subtle ones β€” bother me.
    • My Answer: Very Often (except candles…I love those)
  9. When I’m in a car with other people, I’m always asking, β€œCan we turn down the radio volume?” My Answer: Very Often (Honestly, that’s what I want to do most of the time, but a lot of times I just grin and bear it)
  10. I find myself bumping into things a lot, knocking stuff over, and tripping over my own feet.
    • My Answer: Often
  11. The sound of a dripping faucet or a crack of sunlight coming in from around my shades wakes me out of the deepest sleep.
    • My Answer: Never (I have a hard time sleeping in general but not because of those things…plus I sleep with a blanket over my eyes)
  12. Daily activities can be hard to do if I’m not able to see what I’m doing.
    • My Answer: Never
  13. I wear anything that’s loose and flowy, like caftans.
    • My Answer: I don’t wear caftans but I do like to wear loose shirts…but then I have to wear tighter pants for deep pressure…interesting!)
  14. I avoid public speaking.
    • My Answer: Very Often (I know this sounds so silly since I am a performer, but it’s 100% true…I am TERRIFIED of public speaking. But I’ll sing in front of however many people will listen haha)
  15. I prefer to wear tag-less shirts and seamless socks. I cut the tags out of my sweaters and would rather go naked than wear wool.
    • My Answer: Very Often

My Score: 35 out of 60!

How funny is that!? I think the test could’ve touched on a few other things but that’s ok…I still had fun doing it and seeing my score! Even if you don’t have SPD, I want everyone who reads this to do a homework assignment; it will be super fun to see what you get! And hey, maybe you will learn something new about yourself!

Homework Assignment For YOU:

  1. Take the test.
  2. Share your score by leaving a comment!

**If you like what you’re reading, hit that subscribe button so you can be the first to read my next post! And don’t forget to share my blog with anyone you think would benefit from this. I’m always looking to partner with others who want to collaborate with me on this endeavor to spread the word about SPD.**

by Erin Nowicki

The Shower Experiment

For this next post, I wanted to do an experiment. If you didn’t know this yet: I can’t stand showers! So, this should be an interesting experience! At first I decided to take a shower every night from Sunday to Sunday while taking notes on how my body felt afterwards, but after three days I ended up having to stop because honestly, it was outrageously painful.

For the record, I’m not calling this a “failed experiment” because I don’t think that I failed at all. In my opinion, the experiment shifted a little bit and I can still share my experience with you- which was mainly that I can’t handle more than three days of showers in a row. :p

● Here are the notes I took after each shower from the 3 days ●

Shower 1

So far I’m feeling like I usually do, but I guess you don’t know what that means haha. Basically, my entire body experiences pain during and after the shower. When I’m done, it usually takes a while for my skin to calm back down. Currently, I am having to rub the pain away on my back, arms and legs. My feet aren’t bothering me today, which is nice. My hands aren’t feeling too soft either, which also makes me happy. In my book, soft is bad.

Shower 2

Ok, right off the bat, my hands are KILLING me. They feel super soft which is my worst nightmare. I did notice that in the shower, I felt like I couldn’t get the soapy feeling off which was annoying. My legs are also feeling uncomfortable. A positive observation is that my feet aren’t hurting as bad as my hands or legs.

Shower 3

My legs are in a lot of pain today. The softness of them hurts extremely bad, so I’m under a blanket with them individually wrapped in cozy blankets. Wrapping them tightly helps to instill that deep pressure which brings some relief. My hands are also pretty bad as well today. I need to get some gloves that have individual spaces for my fingers (currently I only own mittens at this juncture which won’t help the situation). My feet aren’t too bad, but I went ahead put socks on them as soon as I was out of the shower, because I didn’t want to wait and find out how bad they were going to hurt.

Some observations:

  • My back and stomach don’t seem to be a highlight of pain after that first day.
  • Deep pressure is a must.
  • Maybe I should wait until warmer months to try this experiment because the cold weather could’ve been a factor.

I’m so glad I did this and I’m not disappointed in the experiment only lasting three days. When it gets warmer, I will definitely attempt a full 7 day experiment. I will definitely have some different strategies on how to help cope more comfortably too!

Do you have any questions for me that I might have missed in this post? What are some ways you cope with your pain after a shower?

Please leave a comment below!