If you’re a sensitive person, you may have grown up with feedback that this is a weakness. (If you’re not a highly sensitive person but you know someone who is, read on for information on how to improve your relationship with them.)

It’s true, there are some challenging aspects of high sensitivity, but there are also some great strengths that aren’t always talked about. I’d love to share a bit more about being highly sensitive. Whether the sensitive person is you or someone you love, it helps to understand the dynamics of sensitivity.

Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is a unique trait characterized by deep processing, heightened emotional reactivity, and increased empathy. While it can sometimes feel overwhelming, sensitivity is also a profound gift, enabling rich experiences and deep connections. If this resonates with you, read on for some guidance on how to navigate and embrace life as a highly sensitive individual, turning this trait into a strength.

Being highly sensitive can sometimes be an inconvenience or even a challenge, but it can also be a great strength. Fortunately, several years ago, Elaine Aron identified high sensitivity as a specific trait to study, and sh’e’s spearheaded the movement to research it. (She wrote a great book on the topic and then another, and I’ve had the privilege to interview her, and she’s wonderful.) So now that there’s research that can tell us more about the assets of sensitivity and shed some light on how to navigate the challenges, here’s what I’d love you to know:

• Deep Processing in HSPs: Studies by Elaine Aron indicate that HSPs process information more deeply, leading to rich inner lives and creativity.
  Action: Embrace your depth of processing as a source of creativity and insight.
• Sensitivity and Environmental Sensitivity: HSPs are more affected by their environments, both positively and negatively.
  Action: Create a supportive and calming personal environment. This can mean getting rid of clutter, creating greater organization, and adding comforting things like soft blankets and nice scents.
• Benefits of Mindfulness for HSPs: Mindfulness can help HSPs regulate their emotions and reactions. (I have resources on mindfulness that can help you get started with this. Find them on my website or message me with questions!)
  Action: Practice mindfulness to stay centered and calm.
• Emotional Reactivity and Empathy: HSPs often experience intense emotions, which can foster strong empathy and understanding.
  Action: Use your empathetic nature to build meaningful relationships and help others.
• Stress Management in HSPs: Managing overstimulation is key for HSPs to thrive.
  Action: That’s why it’s important to develop strategies to manage stress and avoid overwhelming situations. (And fortunately, I have a ton of resources, information, and support, that can help with this!)

These action steps are a great start. Here are some more things you can do to enhance your life as a highly sensitive person or support the sensitive people you know and love:

1. Self-Acceptance: Acknowledge and accept your sensitivity as a part of who you are. (Or if you’re reading this and aren’t an HSP but are reading this with someone else in mind, accepting their sensitivity is key here.)
2. Mindful Practices: Incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine to manage sensitivity. (This is great for HSPs and non-HSPs alike.)
3. Set Healthy Boundaries: Learn to say no and protect your energy. There are many ways to create boundaries, but it’s important to find a way that feels right to you.
4. Create a Calming Space: Designate a personal space where you can retreat and recharge. Even just sitting in your car for a few minutes is okay.
5. Journaling for Emotional Clarity: Use journaling to process your deep emotions and thoughts. (My journals can help!)
6. Seek Supportive Relationships: Surround yourself with understanding and supportive people. HSPs really pick up on other people’s energy, so find the energy you want from others when you don’t have that energy within you for whatever reason.
7. Time Management for Downtime: Schedule regular downtime to prevent overstimulation. This means time between activities as well as blocks of time to just chill.
8. Connect with Nature: Spend time in nature to soothe and ground yourself. Walk around your neighborhood and enjoy the yards, take a walk somewhere beautiful, or just relax in a park for a while. Or build a garden or window garden in your own space so you can access it anytime.
9. Creative Expression: Channel your emotions into creative activities like art, music, or writing. Playing the piano is one of my favorite activities for channeling creativity and getting into a meditative state.
10. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about high sensitivity and educate those around you to foster understanding.

If you’d like more support in organizing your life in a way that decreases friction and stress and increases productivity and creativity, download my app, subscribe to my newsletter, or contact me to book a free coaching call!