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Sensory Toys Tools 720

Sensory Benefits of Being Upside Down

January 13, 2025 by jennifer 3 Comments

Inverting the head may seem like an unusual activity, but it offers a range of sensory Benefits of Being Upside Down that make it an excellent tool for physical and emotional regulation.

From increasing body awareness to promoting relaxation, this simple activity can support children and adults alike in navigating sensory challenges.

the sensory benefits of being upside down

My son absolutely loves being inverted. It’s the perfect way for him to reset and calm down!

So just what are the benefits of being upside down or inverting the head?

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Stimulating the Vestibular System

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, helps us maintain balance, spatial orientation and coordination.

Inverting the head activates this system in unique ways, providing valuable input that can enhance body awareness.

Activities like hanging upside down, practicing yoga poses like downward dog or swinging with the head tilted back can improve balance and promote a sense of stability in the body.

Enhancing Proprioception

When the head is inverted, the body receives proprioceptive input, which helps us understand where our body is in space.

This deep sensory input can be grounding and calming, particularly for individuals with sensory processing challenges.

Proprioceptive activities, such as headstands or leaning over a therapy ball, can improve motor planning, coordination and overall body confidence.

Promoting Relaxation and Emotional Regulation

Inverting the head can have a calming effect on the nervous system.

The gentle compression of the body during inversion stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Portraits of happy kids playing upside down outdoors in summer park

This can be especially beneficial for individuals who experience sensory overload or heightened emotional states.

Boosting Circulation and Alertness

When the head is inverted, blood flow to the brain increases, delivering oxygen and nutrients that enhance focus and mental clarity.

This boost in circulation can lead to improved energy and alertness, making it a great activity to incorporate during transitions or moments of sluggishness.

Incorporating Being Upside Down Safely

Simple activities like lying on an incline, practicing child-friendly yoga poses or using swings and therapy balls provide safe and enjoyable ways to experience the benefits of head inversion.

There are many fun and safe ways to invert the head, providing sensory and physical benefits for children and adults alike.

  • Practice yoga poses such as downward dog, forward folds or child’s pose for gentle head inversions
  • Hang upside down on monkey bars or a sturdy tree branch for a playful vestibular system boost
  • Drape over or lean backward on therapy balls for controlled and sensory-friendly inversions
  • Use sensory swings designed for head inversion while enjoying calming motion
  • Lie on sloped surfaces, such as wedge cushions or inclined benches, for a simple and safe way to invert the head

Always ensure proper supervision, especially with children, to prevent strain or injury.

By integrating head inversion into daily routines, your child can experience a range of sensory benefits that promote physical coordination, emotional regulation and overall well-being.

Whether at home, in the classroom or in therapy settings, this practice offers a fun and effective way to support sensory integration and balance.

For more sensory diet ideas:

The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun, Revised Edition: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder (The Out-of-Sync Child Series)The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun, Revised Edition: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder (The Out-of-Sync Child Series)The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun, Revised Edition: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder (The Out-of-Sync Child Series)Everyday Games for Sensory Processing Disorder: 100 Playful Activities to Empower Children with Sensory DifferencesEveryday Games for Sensory Processing Disorder: 100 Playful Activities to Empower Children with Sensory DifferencesEveryday Games for Sensory Processing Disorder: 100 Playful Activities to Empower Children with Sensory DifferencesThe Sensory Processing Diet: One Mom's Path of Creating Brain, Body and Nutritional Health for Children with SPDThe Sensory Processing Diet: One Mom’s Path of Creating Brain, Body and Nutritional Health for Children with SPDThe Sensory Processing Diet: One Mom's Path of Creating Brain, Body and Nutritional Health for Children with SPDHands-on Activities for Children with Autism & Sensory DisordersHands-on Activities for Children with Autism & Sensory DisordersHands-on Activities for Children with Autism & Sensory Disorders

 

Recommended Reading

  • Sensory Integration Strategies and Tips
  • How Do Heavy Work and Crash Pads Benefit Sensory Children?
  • 5 Benefits Of Block Play for Toddlers and Babies

Sensory Diet Resources

  • Mini Sensory Diet Activity Cards
  • The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook
  • Cut and Paste Sensory Diet
  • Sensory Diet Cards
  • Outdoor Sensory Diet Cards and Sensory Challenge Cards

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Filed Under: Tips for Behavior and OT Tagged With: being upside down, benefits, inverting the head

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Comments

  1. Marcia Hawley Bakemeyer, OTR says

    June 30, 2014 at 7:17 pm

    I used to spend ages hanging inverted as a child. Felt SO good to do!

    Reply
  2. Chuck Habing says

    June 4, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    Enjoyed this article. Made me think of things I had not before about hanging upside down. I used to do this a lot as a kid and still like to from time to time as a 55 year old man. It is fun and it helps to stretch our my back. There is just something neat about hanging upside down.

    Reply
  3. Melissa says

    January 17, 2022 at 9:52 am

    So interesting. My 9 year old has SPD and his favorite way to read is laying on my bed with his upper half of his body hanging off and his head resting on the floor.

    Reply

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