Help with sensory overload at work?(self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by hallowolfyx
not sure if this is allowed but 😅
I work at a licensed store at a hotel. although there isn’t a drive thru, it gets pretty busy. I have ADHD combined type, and I’ve noticed I get way too overstimulated while I’m working and have to go to the bathroom to take a second because of the loud noise and the constant bumping into my fellow coworkers due to the small space. it’s getting to the point to where it’s unbearable. any advice?
badatlife157 points2y ago
I haven’t tried them yet, but I have ordered and am waiting for these ear buds to arrive, they’re from a brand called Calmer, although I have seen some good ads for Loop. They’re supposed to help with blocking out higher frequency noises/muffle background noise (my paraphrasing here) but also still allow you to hear. I’m hoping it will help with some of my feeling of being overwhelmed by the noises at least, which might make the feeling so close more bearable?
throwraal0ne6 points2y ago
i use these! (cheaper on amazon btw) could be placebo, but i swear timer & oven beeping doesnt bother me as much. wish they had a bigger effect overall, but worth looking into
badatlife153 points2y ago
Good to know, I personally try to avoid using Amazon, but helpful for anyone else needing to save some money. My sister and I each got a pair so we were able to qualify for free shipping from the company directly. She has adhd and anxiety and also has issues with tinnitus, I’m not diagnosed but suspect autism/adhd or some combo of both. I know all the noises get to me and have come very close to snapping at coworkers because all their chit chat with the noises of the store and having to put on a customer service voice/face is exhausting.
throwraal0ne3 points2y ago
lucky you two were able to pitch in like that! wasnt able to justify $40 + return shipping costs for something i was unsure of. i hope that they work well for both of you (:
mrhammerant3 points2y ago
I use Calmers. They are excellent, I recommend them. They are especially helpful in taking the edge off the steaming sound and the nitro release sounds, as well as being able to tune out white noise and focus in on customer voices. They're only like forty bucks.
mx1_jawbreaker3 points2y ago
I actually didn't know I had auditory sensory issues until I was a barista on main bar and I would find myself """zoning out""" or """getting clumsy"""' with my actions during peak (later learned that I was disssassociating SUPER hard). I worked out a deal with my SM that I can wear one those really small bluetooth earbuds in one ear & play music to give me something else to focus on.
effectively, I can parse out the noise and just listen to like the strong downbeat of a rap song on repeat instead of getting constantly startled by people yelling cup names & the blender going. i just have to make sure my beanie is pulled far enough over my ears that nobody sees it & I can't let it interfere with me communicating with the team.
not sure if it'll work for everybody. but I got my pair for $12(?) off Amazon. so it's worth a shot.
Top-Lab22833 points2y ago
I use a small fidget toy to help keep me grounded when I’m close to sensory overload. I have adhd, overstimulation, and dissociative disorder.
ryzzostar3 points2y ago
I'm grateful to have very supportive fellow partners when I get overwhelmed they let me go do dishes or clean bathrooms. Basically if I ask for a moment they give it to me and don't ask questions.
rio8envy73 points2y ago
I have a worry pet in my apron. Helps me with my anxiety too. I also bought calming strips and am going to see if they help. My manager lets me keep a lavender essential oil balm in my locker to use if this happens and I recently started keeping BoomBoom (nasal smelly thing) in my locker as well. It’s supposed to help stimulate your brain and it may help you.
PercyGabriel11293 points2y ago
The only thing that has helped me with this was meds. I didn't have to deal with it too much before I finally got meds so I don't know any non-med solutions but yeah. I wish you the best!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large- scale community websites for the good of humanity. Without ads, without tracking, without greed.