Are you a Highly Sensitive Person?

Meet Louise, a Highly Sensitive Coach, she helps Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP´s) understand themselves better, feel confident in their sensitivity and stand up for themselves. She believes in inspiring other sensitive souls to be themselves by being transparent with her own journey.

Instagram: @highlysensitive_person

This week, we had the privilege of interviewing Louise about the Highly Sensitive trait. As an HSP coach, she shares the definition of the trait and her best tips for making life less overwhelming as a Highly Sensitive Person.

What is the definition of HSP and what does it mean?

HSP stands for Highly Sensitive Person. It's a term coined by psychologist Elaine Aron to describe individuals who have a more sensitive nervous system compared to the average person. HSPs tend to process sensory information more deeply, which can result in being more affected by external stimuli such as noise, light, and emotions.

Being an HSP doesn't necessarily mean someone is shy or introverted. Rather, it refers to a heightened sensitivity to various stimuli, leading to deeper emotional responses, greater empathy, and sometimes an increased awareness of subtleties in the environment.

HSPs may need more time alone to recharge after social interactions or intense stimuli, and they might be more affected by things like violent movies, loud noises, or crowded spaces. Understanding and acknowledging this sensitivity can be crucial for an HSP to manage their experiences and create a lifestyle that suits their needs.

What differs a HSP to a non HSP person? 

The main differences between a Highly Sensitive Person and a non-HSP individual lie in their sensory processing and emotional responsiveness:

HSPs tend to process sensory information more deeply and thoroughly. They may be more sensitive to stimuli such as bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, or textures in clothing. Everyday sensory experiences that may not bother non-HSPs can be overwhelming for HSPs.

Sensitive souls also often experience emotions more intensely. They tend to pick up on subtle cues and nuances in social situations, which can lead to deeper empathy and understanding of others' feelings. However, this heightened emotional awareness can also make them more prone to stress or overwhelm in emotionally charged environments.

They often process information more deeply. They might reflect on things more thoroughly before making decisions or forming opinions. This can lead to a richer inner life but might also cause them to take longer in making choices.

Highly Sensitive People are also more susceptible to feeling overwhelmed by external stimuli. Loud noises, bright lights, or busy environments can drain their energy quickly. They may need more downtime or solitude to recharge after exposure to such stimuli.

HPSs often exhibit heightened creativity and empathy. Their ability to deeply process information and emotions can lead to innovative thinking and a strong sense of compassion for others.

It's important to note that being a Highly Sensitive Person is not a disorder but rather a personality trait. HSPs simply experience the world in a different way due to their heightened sensitivity.

What are your tips on how to make life less overwhelming as a HSP?

I’d say these three strategies are super important to help reduce overwhelm.

1. Create a Supportive Environment: Design your surroundings to cater to your sensitivities. This might involve decluttering your living space, controlling lighting and noise levels, and creating calming spaces where you can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. Consider using noise-canceling headphones, dimming lights, or having a designated quiet corner at home.

2. Practice Self-Compassion: Embrace self-compassion by accepting and understanding your sensitivity as a natural trait. Be kind to yourself when you're feeling overwhelmed. Practice self-care regularly, whether it's through meditation, hobbies, or spending time in nature. Prioritize activities that replenish your energy and give yourself permission to take breaks when needed.

3. Establish Boundaries: Learn to set healthy boundaries in various aspects of your life, including relationships, work, and social commitments. It's okay to say no to situations that might drain your energy excessively. Communicate your needs clearly with friends, family, and colleagues, advocating for what helps you maintain balance and minimize overwhelm.

These three strategies aim to create an environment and mindset that respects and supports your sensitivity as an HSP, helping you navigate the world in a way that minimizes stress and overwhelm.

How to manage stress in a healthy way as a HSP? 

Stress can impact us all, but for Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), its effects can be particularly intense. With heightened sensitivity to stimuli and emotions, HSPs often find themselves easily overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. Additionally, the emotional depth HSPs experience can amplify stress, making it crucial for them to find tailored strategies to manage it effectively. Practices like mindfulness, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care become essential tools for HSPs to navigate the world without succumbing to overwhelming stress. Understanding and honoring their sensitivity is key, allowing HSPs to carve out spaces of calm amidst life's pressures and find balance in an often overstimulating world. Managing stress is an ongoing process, and it's essential to find what works best for you as an HSP. Experiment with different strategies and incorporate them into your daily routine to build a lifestyle that supports your well-being and reduces stress.

How can non HS people support a HSP? 

Supporting an HSP involves empathy, flexibility, and a willingness to accommodate their unique needs. Understanding that their experiences and reactions might differ from your own is a crucial starting point. Here are 7 ways non-HSP individuals can offer support:

• Respect Their Sensitivity: Acknowledge and respect their heightened sensitivity to stimuli. Be mindful of environments that might overwhelm them, and if possible, create spaces that cater to their comfort.

• Practice Empathy and Patience: Cultivate empathy by trying to understand their experiences. Be patient when they need time to process information or make decisions. Avoid pushing them into situations where they might feel uncomfortable.

• Open Communication: Encourage open and non-judgmental communication. Allow them to express their needs and preferences without feeling misunderstood or pressured to conform.

• Be Flexible and Understanding: Understand that they may have different thresholds for social interactions or intense situations. Be flexible with plans and activities, accommodating their need for downtime or quiet moments.

• Respect Boundaries: Honor their boundaries and need for personal space. If they require time alone to recharge, respect this without taking it personally.

• Educate Yourself: Take the initiative to learn about HSP traits and characteristics. This understanding can help you better support and relate to them.

• Offer Support: Offer a listening ear and emotional support. Sometimes, just being present and understanding can make a significant difference.

Never stop being so sensitive

What can I respond/ react to  “Stop being so sensitive”?

This sentence is, unfortunately, so common. Responding to comments like that can be challenging, but I’d suggest you politely explain what it means to be highly sensitive. You could mention that sensitivity is a natural trait, not a flaw, and it influences how you experience the world. You might add that while you appreciate their concern, it's part of who you are.

Explaining how their words affect you is also important. You could say that comments like that can be hurtful and make you feel misunderstood or invalidated. Be open about your feelings without blaming or accusing them

It’s also important to set boundaries by letting them know that comments dismissing your sensitivity aren't helpful. 

Lastly, choose when to engage. Not every comment requires a response. If it’s a passing remark and not intended to cause harm, sometimes letting it go can be the best course of action.

Remember, it's essential to respond in a way that feels authentic to you while maintaining respect for the other person's perspective. It might take time for others to understand and adjust their behavior, but open communication often helps bridge the gap.

What are your top three favorite wellbeing habits as a HSP?

For a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), certain habits can significantly contribute to feeling good and maintaining overall well-being. 

Regular Downtime: Creating intentional downtime is crucial for HSPs. This might involve setting aside time for solitude and relaxation, away from overstimulating environments or social interactions. It allows HSPs to recharge, process their thoughts, and regulate their emotions.

Boundaries and Self-Care: Setting clear boundaries around personal space, time, and commitments is essential. Prioritizing self-care practices—such as meditation, yoga, journaling, or engaging in hobbies—helps HSPs manage stress and maintain emotional balance.

Mindful Engagement: Practicing mindfulness in daily life helps HSPs stay present and grounded. It involves being aware of their thoughts, emotions, and reactions without judgment. Mindful engagement can aid in managing overwhelming situations and fostering a more positive outlook.

These habits cater to the specific needs of HSPs, providing tools and routines that allow them to navigate their sensitivity more effectively and feel good in themselves.