Feeling Overwhelmed? It Might Be Time to Step Away from the Screen

Ever feel like you’re on edge, easily irritated, or snapping at your kids for doing the things kids do? It might not just be stress—it could be sensory overload, and you might have your screen time to thank for it.

Our sensory system is constantly active, and it's closely tied to how we feel about our safety, connection, and ultimately, how we respond to stress. Screens may seem like an easy escape—offering a way to chill out, zone out, and disconnect. But here’s the catch: while we think we’re unwinding, screens are actually overwhelming our sensory system in ways we don’t often notice.

If you’re finding yourself feeling easily overwhelmed by sounds, clutter, or the general chaos of daily life, it’s worth looking at how much screen time you’re having. Screens are designed to grab our attention and overload our sensory processing system. The more time we spend staring at screens, the more we push our sensory system to its limits, and before long, the real world—especially the mess, noise, and constant demands from the kids—feels like it’s too much to handle.

The effects of sensory overload are especially obvious with kids. After screen time, many children can become hyperactive, emotional, or even meltdown. But here's the truth: adults aren’t immune to this either. Our brains are just as susceptible to being overwhelmed by excessive sensory input from screens.

So, how do you know if screen time is affecting your sensory system?

- Do you fall into sensory overwhelm easily?
- Do you notice yourself getting irritable, especially after spending time on your phone or computer?
- Do you feel less patient or more sensitive to everyday sounds, mess, or demands?

If any of this resonates, it’s time to pay closer attention to your screen habits. Taking a break from screens and finding ways to reconnect with your body and surroundings can help reset your nervous system and reduce overwhelm.

Take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you using screens to zone out, only to find that it makes everything feel even more intense when you come back to the real world?

Start by stepping away from the screen for short periods each day, focusing on calming activities that give your sensory system a break. Your nervous system—and your patience—will thank you.