A Sensory Lifestyle: What Does That Mean To Us
By Jessica Jordan, MS. OTR/L
Understanding A Sensory Lifestyle
Have you heard of a “sensory diet”? At SUNRISE Therapies, we prefer to talk about something even more integrated: a sensory lifestyle.
A sensory lifestyle means incorporating sensory experiences and supports into everyday routines. From brushing teeth to getting dressed to sharing a snack—it’s about weaving sensory tools into life naturally, rather than setting them aside as separate “exercises.”
When sensory strategies are customized to an individual’s unique preferences and needs, and practiced throughout the day, they can improve regulation, attention, and ease. When they’re consistent, that’s when the magic happens.
What Does a Sensory Lifestyle Look Like?
We recently shared a Reel on Instagram that offered a little peek into what a sensory lifestyle can look like in everyday moments. In the video, I walked through a typical morning in our house and how I naturally weave sensory input into my kids’ breakfast routine.
Meals are a great time to explore oral proprioceptive input and awaken the body with sensory-rich foods. Here are some examples from the Reel:
A crunchy waffle to offer tactile and auditory input
Sweet, textured fruits to engage taste and texture
A spoonful of peanut butter to activate deep oral-motor skills (sucking, chewing, tongue movement)
Sensory Input Through Movement and Play
A sensory lifestyle encourages activities that are naturally occurring throughout the day. For my children, that means… gymnastics! The movement and routines they practice target all sorts of sensory-rich skills, including balance, motor planning, visual motor integration, body awareness, and both static and dynamic postural control.
While at gymnastics, the children received a variety of sensory inputs, including proprioceptive, vestibular, visual, tactile, and interoceptive. Once they returned home, their sensory needs didn’t stop. The input just became more self-directed, rather than being led by an adult, like at gymnastics.
Winding Down with Sensory Rich Evening Routines
Later that evening, the children enjoyed a colorful bath with no harsh overhead lighting. Instead, strobe lights in the bathtub offered a calming, visually engaging experience. (Yes, think club bath time, lol.)
Their olfactory systems were engaged with essential oils, while tactile and proprioceptive input came from the water’s temperature and movement against their skin. After the bath, the evening continued with preferred textured towels (we love bamboo and will link ours below!) and deep pressure input during a calming lotion massage. Don’t worry, we’ll link a how-to for that, too.
To close out the night, the kids enjoyed books for some final visual and auditory input, followed by snuggles that included deep hugs, gentle linear rocking, and soft singing—combining proprioceptive, vestibular, and auditory input to help their bodies and nervous systems wind down for sleep.
This is what a sensory lifestyle looks like: a natural flow of sensory input woven into daily routines in ways that feel good and make sense for your family.
How Does a Sensory Lifestyle Show Up in Your Home?
We’d love to hear! Paint us a picture, what rhythms or routines help your child feel most supported? And if you’re unsure where to start, reach out. One of our amazing occupational therapists can help guide you.
Products We Love
Lotion for Massage
Essential oils used in the bath
Calming Massage With Lotion
Helpful Links
If you found this post helpful, you’ll love our therapy resources! Whether you’re a parent or therapist, our apraxia and autism courses are here to offer practical tools, compassionate guidance, and real-world strategies you can use every day.
👨👩👧👦 For Parents & Caregivers: Autism Training | Online Course for Parents and Caregivers
🧑🏫 For Therapists: Therapist Course for Apraxia and Autism | Mentorship for OTs and Therapists
🏥 Work With Us: In-Person Occupational Therapy (San Diego & Long Beach Areas) | Virtual Coaching
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