Sensory hallways are not just for elementary schools! The PSB team gathered some amazing tips and products for you to turn an empty hallway into a complete sensory experience.

Earlier this year, a Youtube video showing kids happily hopping, skipping and jumping on a colourful sensory path at an elementary school unexpectedly went viral. A simple school hallway was “magically” turned into a complete sensory experience for kids and encouraged them to run, fidget, crawl, wiggle, giggle and just BE kids after long periods of sitting still in the classroom.

The viral sensory hallway was decorated with stickers of red ladybugs, pink butterflies and green frogs with arrows, letters, and numbers that kids followed. Deceptively simple, sensory paths are a great way for kids to enhance motor skills such as balance, spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination. For kids, though, it’s just plain old FUN!

The sensory hallway has been such a hit that schools everywhere followed suit, creating their own sensory hallways. Companies specialising in sensory products have also created their own sensory path products.

But the PSB team thinks that sensory hallways are not just great ideas for schools and young children, but also for homes and offices. We think that sensory hallways can be great for people of all ages.

Imagine stepping outside your cubicle at your office, super-stressed from a long morning of crunching numbers and pushing deadlines, going down the stairs and into a hallway furnished with items that will help you relax and de-stress. Sounds great, yeah? You can definitely make this happen!

Get started with your own sensory hallway with the following ideas

  1:Start with the calming element of water. 

Water is the universal symbol of calm and relaxation. Adding elements of water in your sensory hallway can make a world of difference.

Here are some products we recommend:

• PSB’s Freestanding, Mesmerising Bubble Water Sensory Lights

Let stand in the corner of your hallway, our bubble water sensory lights evoke a calming atmosphere that will effectively calm you down after a long day.

You might want to avail of our 2-day trial option for a rental fee of only $100 per day. Look for in our homepage.

• Aquarium or Fish Bowl

A simple aquarium with a pet goldfish or two is a lovely way to de-stress. Feeding pet fish and watching them swim in the water is simple yet effective calming strategy.

• Sounds of water – ocean, river, waterfall or underwater sounds 

Take some time to download aquatic sounds from music apps. Press play and enjoy the calming sounds of water when you de-stress in your sensory hallway.

    2:Nobody’s ever too old for swings!

The gentle sway of swinging back and forth can prove to be quite relaxing. In fact, swinging and rocking movements oftentimes helps calm down individuals with sensory issues re-focus their emotions and calm down. There’s no reason why you can’t include this element into your sensory hallway.

Here are some products we recommend:

• PSB’s Pod Swing Chair

Comfortable, durable with a functional design that fit seamlessly into any interior decor, PSB’s pod swing chair is a great addition to your sensory hallway.

• Rocking chairs

Another great item for swinging and rocking motions would be rocking chairs. While not as effective or as comfortable as swinging chairs, rocking chairs make ideal additions to your sensory hallway

    3:Activity Corner for All Ages

Fill a box with coloring books for both kids and adults, sensory toys such as fidget spinners, sensory balls and oral chew toys, blocks, etc. Complete your activity corner with motor skills floor stickers or play mat and you’re in business – a sensory activity corner to help ease the mind and relax the senses.

   4:Finish off your sensory hallway with a comfy couch or armchair accessorised with PSB’s weighted sensory blanket for the cold winter season!

Depending on the size of your hallway, a full couch or a cushioned armchair is a lovely way to complete the look of your sensory hallway.

For the chilly winter season, weighted blankets are the perfect accessory and a great way to cosy up, relax with a good book or quick nap. PSB’s soft, weighted fleece blankets are a wonderful idea.

Research shows that the calming effects of weighted blankets mimics the therapeutic effects  of the warmth and security of cuddling; and helps soothe overstimulated senses, both for children and adults.

Just an added tip, though: Don’t forget your lighting!

Stay away from bright, fluorescent lights as this can trigger meltdowns in people with sensory issues. A dim, relaxing glow from strategically placed lights would do just the trick.

There you have it! A sensory hallway that’s perfect for calming down and relaxing. You can shop PSB’s product packages in our product gallery. We’ve included everything you need to create a sensory room or hallway! If you are an NDIS participant, you can use your plan for funding. Contact us today for an assessment.