What is sensory seeking? Signs to know

From picking to chewing to chasing Dopamine, here are five signs of sensory seeking.

Published on: Feb 14, 2024 1:31 PM IST

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Sensory seeking is the tendency of the mind and body to seek out stimulus to soothe or regulate the nervous system. While this is a natural process, it can also be a sign that the nervous system is stressed or anxious. "Your nervous system has a way of communicating its needs with you. Often this is through signals in the body - sensory needs, somatic/physical sensations, they tell us," wrote Therapist Rebekah Ballagh. (Unsplash)

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Picking the skin on the lips or picking hair or nails is a way of sensory seeking.  (Unsplash)

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Biting the inside of the cheeks or a straw or gum or lollipops is also a way of soothing the nervous system.  (Unsplash)

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Swaying the body constantly or fidgeting with the phone or bouncing the knee involuntarily can be a sign as well.  (Unsplash)

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Often, we chase Dopamine by binge watching shows on OTT or re-watching the shows we love to seek comfort.  (Unsplash)

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Gaming with friends or binging on sweet and salty food, or procrastinating are also signs of sensory seeking.  (Unsplash)