The prevalence of highly sensitive people around us is higher than we think; almost one in every five people can be characterized as highly sensitive. Highly sensitive persons (HSPs) were previously considered shy, timid, unconfident, introverts and quiet, but research studies have indicated that almost 30% of highly sensitive individuals are as socializing and outgoing as any other individual. One reason they might be considered shy or hesitant is that they are so aware of their actions and its consequences that they would prefer taking their time with things, rather than rushing into them. This is one of the better quality HSP’s have and it is not the only one. Read along to understand the nature and habits of the highly sensitive persons.
Signs That You Are a Highly Sensitive Person
These signs indicate the most common features associated with HSP’s.
1. Too Much Concerned
Highly sensitive individuals feel more deeply about their issues and everyday matters than a less sensitive person. They are not just concerned with the solution, but in fact, try to find the underlying cause of a problem and solve it at a grass-root level. They spend time in thinking about their concerning issues and focus untangling them.
2. Slow Decision Makers
Because highly sensitive individuals are deep analyzers, they tend to take their time in making decisions, these decisions can be as simple as deciding the color of their sweater or a big step in life such as marriage. HSP’s will scrutinize every possible option to their problem and reach a conclusion as to the fittest solution to fit their needs and logic. Although, they may initially take time in making choices, but once they have decided what is appropriate for them and what is not, they will not hesitate in making the same decision next time.
3. Better Team Players
For highly sensitive individuals working in a team environment is much easier than working individually. The reason for this is that they do not have the spotlight of making important decisions and leading. Once a decision has been made for them, they work efficiently to follow instructions and act as reliable supporters.
4. Mood Changes
Everyday life brings all kinds of difficult and tough situations, sometimes things can go our way sometimes they do not. Failure or loss can make an ordinary person anxious, depressed and concerned, but with HSP’s, these feelings multiply many folds because of their innate nature. To help them, a protective environment has to be maintained, but overprotection and under protection are both harmful, therefore, this must be avoided.
5. Easy Weepers
HSP’s are more prone to crying when exposed to a high-tension situation, such as a fight or spat between friends or even criticism. This is because they are unable to deal with their crisis immediately and find the easiest ways to express themselves, which in most cases is crying.
6. Exaggerated Response When Dealing with Wrong Decisions
Let us face it, not all the decisions we make turn out to be correct, despite putting in extensive logic and thought process. Similarly, HSP’s experience many emotions when they make a wrong decision. Because of their sensitive nature, there response is more amplified and serious than an ordinary individual.
Survival Tips for Highly Sensitive Person
In the rapidly progressive world we live on today, it is extremely important to keep up with the social environment, for highly sensitive person, this particular aspect is perhaps the most difficult of all. Here are some tips to help the HSP’s enjoy their life to the fullest, without being hurdled by emotional sensitivity.
1. Get in a Routine
It is important to keep yourself involved in a routine. Setup a schedule for yourself, wake up early and go for a fresh walk or practice yoga, avoid high-energy activities before sleeping and eat healthy.
2. Avoid Discomforting Triggers
Due to the sensitive nature of HSP’s, discomforting stimuli can trigger irritation, panic and even anxiety, for instance the noise of a tow truck, late night horror movies or even a basketball match of your favorite league. Triggers differ from one person to another, but in general it is better to avoid any high rush situations and maintain a calm and peaceful routine, such as morning walks, dinners at less crowded restaurants or spending time in a library etc.
3. Plan Some Downtime at Intervals
It is extremely important to take rests in between your daily routine, plan a getaway every year for at least a month to your favorite places. You can also allocate some hours of your day in doing things that connect you to nature or just soothe you in general, such as swimming, walking in your favorite park or talking to a friend etc.
4. Take Light Exercise
Putting yourself in an exercising regimen is extremely useful when you need to calm your nerves; therefore, it is best to exercise early in the morning for a smooth start to your day. Take up yoga, aerobics, and any low stress sports, tai chi etc. to help release anxiety and nervousness out of your system. If you decide to join a gym then things might get to noisy or crowded for you, pick up a time that has the least rush, you can also use ear plugs and play your favorite music to increase focus.
5. Speak Up for Yourself
Some triggers such as loud voices, certain television channels, certain words or even an odor can be quiet distracting for highly sensitive individuals. These may not bother others as much but can be quiet a bottleneck for you if you have to face such discomforting every day. In order to help yourself, talk to your friend or co-worker about your issue and be open and polite about your concerns.
6. Retreat
Be sure to treat and pamper yourself by the end of the day, take a long hot shower, listen to some music or uplift your mood with some scented candled and a good book.
7. Involve in Arts
Highly sensitive person see details that an ordinary person would easily miss, use this ability to express yourself with different artistic mediums such as painting, clay modelling or through a musical instrument. Let out all the negative energy and rejuvenate yourself. Weave, stitch or knit if that interests you.
Watch the video below for an interview with Elaine Aron Ph.D., author and psychologist: