Why do some days feel manageable while others feel overwhelming, even when the demands look the same?

In this episode of Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk, Chartered Psychologist Karen Beckett and Occupational Therapist Dr Áine O’Dea explore sensory regulation and how the brain and nervous system respond to everyday demands.

Sensory regulation refers to the ways our bodies and brains manage incoming sensory information and maintain a state where we can think clearly, focus and engage with the world around us. Throughout the day our nervous system is constantly adjusting to noise, light, movement, social interaction and cognitive demands. When regulation is balanced, we are able to concentrate, manage emotions and respond flexibly to challenges.

However, when the sensory load becomes too high or when the nervous system is already under pressure, people may experience overwhelm, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating or a sense of shutting down. These experiences are common for many adults but can be particularly significant for neurodivergent individuals whose sensory systems may process information differently.

Drawing on perspectives from psychology and occupational therapy, Karen and Áine discuss how sensory regulation operates across work and everyday life. They explore how factors such as stress, cognitive load, environments and emotional demands influence the nervous system and why people often move between states of overstimulation, exhaustion or disengagement.

The conversation also looks at practical ways people can support their own regulation. Small strategies such as movement, sensory breaks, managing stimulation levels and building moments of recovery into the day can help stabilise the nervous system and improve focus, wellbeing and resilience.

Understanding sensory regulation allows us to move away from blaming ourselves for feeling overwhelmed and instead recognise the interaction between the brain, body and environment.

Inside the Mind: Beyond the Desk explores how different brains experience work, life and regulation through conversations grounded in psychology and occupational therapy.

This podcast is sponsored by Codex.
Codex is Ireland’s largest B2B workplace solutions company, supporting thousands of organisations in designing environments that help people work better and feel better. In partnership with AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity, Codex has launched the Thrive by Codex x AsIAm collection, featuring 34 inclusive office products designed to support focus, comfort and wellbeing.

Codex is leading the way in neuroinclusion, helping create workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Learn more at: www.codex.ie/neuroinclusion-thrive-by-codex