Making Sensory Diets Work for You
Why Sensory Diets off the Internet Won’t Help…and what to do about it
Not All Sensory Diets Are Created Equal — And That’s a Good Thing
You’ve probably heard the term sensory diet floating around—and maybe you’ve even Googled a few activity lists to try at home. But let’s back up a bit.
Think about regular food diets for a second...
Some people are vegan.
Some go low-carb.
Others avoid gluten or eat every two hours to keep their energy up.
Why? Because no two bodies work exactly the same way—and what fuels one person might leave someone else feeling sluggish, unwell, or downright miserable.
Well… sensory diets work the same way.
A sensory diet isn’t a one-size-fits-all list of things to do when someone is climbing the walls (or melting into a puddle). It’s a carefully chosen mix of activities that support an individual's unique sensory needs—so they can feel calmer, more focused, and better able to handle everyday life.
Why “Just Google It” Doesn’t Always Help
There are hundreds of lists out there with sensory activity ideas. Some are brilliant. Others... not so much. But even the good ones won’t work if they’re not matched to:
- your individual’s sensory system,
- their energy levels,
- the time of day, and
- what’s actually going on in their world.
What works for one person might completely backfire for another. (Example: one person needs deep pressure hugs, another recoils from them and so will need warnings and non-contact ways to self-regulate.)
A True Sensory Diet Helps the Whole Day Go Smoother
When built well, a sensory diet:
- Prevents overwhelm before it happens
- Helps a person stay regulated during the day
- Makes tricky transitions (like bedtime or getting dressed) less of an issue
- Supports better focus, mood, and confidence.
But to do all that, it has to be:
- tailored to your individual
- realistic for your situation
- and flexible enough to grow and change over time
Why Working With Someone Makes All the Difference
Just like you wouldn’t blindly copy someone else’s meal plan without knowing your allergies or energy needs, building a sensory diet without understanding your individual’s sensory profile is kind of like guessing in the dark.
That’s where a trained sensory support specialist OT comes in. 😁
We can help you:
- Figure out what your individual actually needs (not just what looks good on Instagram)
- Spot patterns in behaviour and regulation
- Choose the right tools for the right times of day
- Build a plan that fits your life, not adds more stress to it
Want Help Getting Started?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
Inside our Sensory Super System®, we’ve got step-by-step guidance to help you understand your individual’s sensory needs and start building a plan that really works. And if you want someone to walk the journey with you, we are there. With online coaching and an amazing community, we can help you get the support you need to thrive in sensory health.