Thriving as a Highly Sensitivity Soul

This article explores in more depth how you can support yourself as a HSP. Here are some strategies gleaned from my own experiences, my conversations with other sensitives and information located on the internet.

Understand...

Get as much information as you can about your trait. Remember, information is power because understanding gives you choice and control.

Before reading about being a HSP, I had a very limited sense of the way I worked. Of course, having lived with myself for many years, I knew that I was sensitive, but I hadn't formed a complete picture of the situation and couldn't see how it was all related. I was mostly focused on the weaknesses and not focused on the strengths of being highly sensitive. As a result of this I could be quite insensitive to my own nature, and to the nature's of those around me (many of whom were also unrecognised sensitive souls). When I read Elaine's book, my whole life began to make sense in a new and powerful way. 

If you haven't yet read Elaine Aron's books, then grab a copy or check out this website for more information and resources on being a HSP.

Be Proactive...

In life, there are two ways to approach any situation: we can let things happen to us or we can make choices and be proactive in response to events and our surroundings. As Highly Sensitive People, it is even more important that we are proactive, otherwise we will almost certainly end up overwhelmed, exhausted and emotional. Now is the time to make changes in your life that support rather than strain your sensitive nature.

Look at the physical environment

Does your physical environment support you or create additional stress? What can you do to make your environment more comforting, nurturing and restorative? Reduce clutter, alter lighting, create systems that make the household function better. In some cases, you may realise you need to move to a new location. I had always wanted to move to Byron Shire, but after learning about my sensitive nature, this idea gathered momentum, and I have never regretted leaving the city. Back then I lived and worked amongst the hustle and bustle of the inner city. Now I live amongst the trees, in a quiet and tranquil neighborhood.

Look after your body

As sensitive people, we need to be extra careful about what we put into our systems. It is essential that we eat wholesome, grounding and nourishing foods. We probably need to limit our intake of caffeine, alcohol, drugs and medications. We tend to benefit greatly from engaging in an activity that helps quite our overactive minds and soothe our highly reactive bodies; yoga, tai chi, meditation, chi gong, pilates - there are plenty of accessible options these days.

Social & Intimate Relationships

As HSP's, we can find social situations to be extremely taxing on our resources. Some of us, about 70% are introverted by nature and prefer to have contact with fewer people. About 30% of HSP's are extroverts and will benefit from social activity, but may still need to withdraw afterwards and refuel their tanks. Choosing a partner is a very important consideration for a HSP. We often meet and attract other sensitive souls, and these relationships can be very supportive and nurturing. However, being in a partnership of HSP's can have it's challenges, as both people will need to learn to manage their trait for the well being of the whole, and conflicts will have a higher emotional toll for both individuals. The ability to have alone-time will almost certainly be necessary for HSP couples, as will developing their capacity to work through emotional upsets. An HSP with a non-HSP partner, will need to ensure that their partner understands their unique nature and is supportive. The non-HSP may also need to have their own support to develop strategies in living well with an HSP.

Energy Audit

Get into the habit of 'tuning in' regularly to your energy levels. You will benefit from being able to know at all times whether your physical and emotional fuel tanks are full, half-full or close to empty. Being in touch with your energy levels will help you make conscious choices about your life and prevent you from entering situations which are going to overwhelm you. Where possible, only enter highly stressful environments (whatever this means for you) when you are feeling your most robust. At times we all must enter situations which will almost certainly be overwhelming, and in these circumstances it is essential that we have the skills to take care of ourselves. We can learn to shut out stimulation of the physical and emotional nature. We can learn to set boundaries which other people respect. We can learn ways to refuel on the spot. We can learn how to quiet a busy, critical or anxious mind. Do not pressure yoursef to keep up committments or meet obligations. Instead it is more important that you develop a discipline of following our energy and what feels right and easy. It is essential to be honest with yourself; do not try to 'toughen up' because others think you should. If people are saying that to you, then they don't understand you!

Warmest wishes,

Michelle