Throughout the whole course of our lives, we meet different people with different personalities. There are introverts and extroverts, challengers and peacemakers, optimists and pessimists, etc. But at least at one point in our lives, we meet someone who is considered a highly sensitive person.
According to studies, a highly sensitive person (HSP) is someone who experiences involuntary overreaction to stimuli and has a deeper sensitivity to processing information. HSPs fall within the neurodivergent spectrum, for which their brain processes, learning styles, and behavior differ from what is considered typical.
Although it is not considered a disability, the way their brains are wired differently can explain their unique perception of the things around them. People outside the spectrum sometimes label HSPs as people who are just “too sensitive” – often in a negative way.
As compared to a non-HSP, highly sensitive people tend to feel emotions more intensely and have a higher level of consciousness. Because of this, they find it challenging to be happy in life. Other reasons are as follows:
As highly sensitive people tend to process information deeply, they often need different things in life to feel fulfilled. But what does an HSP need to be happy?
Since highly sensitive people are known to be overthinkers, they need proper communication to make the subject and intentions clear. Likewise, they can also be poor communicators as they are too afraid to offend the people around them. If they did not get the chance to understand something clearly, they may have the tendency to overthink it, thus causing stress on their end.
A highly sensitive person needs to be open about their feelings and communicate them with the people they care about. Some people may find it unnecessary, but having peace of mind is what an HSP need to help them find happiness.
Highly sensitive people are often bad at setting boundaries for themselves. Their feeling of being different sometimes leads to forced social interactions and the need for validation from others. They would feel like they need to conform to other people’s standards so they could fit in a group or society in general.
Enforcing healthy boundaries can help HSPs to make priorities for themselves. Otherwise, they wouldn’t know how to ask for what they want and when to stop sacrificing too much for other people. HSPs need to prioritize their needs as well to ensure their happiness from time to time.
Being constantly overwhelmed and stressed comes with being highly sensitive. Due to their overreaction to stimuli, they would always feel uncomfortable with their surroundings and even themselves. In fact, most HSPs love sticking to routines as it makes them feel like they can have some control of the things around them. Being organized with their tasks can help them identify which things they can regulate and not.
Highly sensitive people need regular breaks from stimuli. Practicing self-care is essential for them to keep their mental health in check. As being overstimulated can easily affect their daily function, they need routines and self-care habits to prevent feeling exhausted.
While other people still have the energy to hang out after a long day of work, HSPs get easily drained and have a low tolerance to a whole day of activities. Their heightened sensitivity causes extra stress compared to most people around them. Having some time to relax can help lower stress levels and maintain their sanity.
Being highly sensitive people that they are, feeling overwhelmed can also make them become more emotional. They are more expressive of what they’re feeling so if they feel extreme sadness, they would show it. A good way to ease a negative feeling is having a good cry when they’re sad. If they feel angry, having an outlet to release rage can also help relieve stress.
While anyone can feel cranky when not getting enough sleep in a day, the situation can be worse for HSPs. Sleep is essential for them as it can help regulate their emotions and soothe their overstimulated senses. A consistent bedtime schedule that works is recommended to achieve better mental health in the long run.
Not all, but many HSPs tend to be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and alcohol. Some of them experience an intense adrenaline rush as if they had six cups of espresso for only a few sips of a regular coffee. The side effects can last for several hours which can cause extreme exhaustion for highly sensitive people. Consuming less of these can help them to feel more calm and collected.
Highly sensitive people value the relationships they have with others – be it with family, friends, or a partner. They are dedicated and work hard to create a deep connection with the people around them. This makes them more likely to be in a long-term committed relationship. If they are in a healthy relationship, whether platonic or romantic, it helps them feel secure and can even gain higher self-esteem.
A highly sensitive person may be seen by others as merely overreacting, but it’s only a surface of what’s underneath. Their sensitivity can be used as an asset rather than a problem. HSPs are often very intelligent, creative, empathetic, and outgoing with the people they trust. When they find their happiness, they can make a great impact and make the world a better place.
Do you know anyone who is considered a highly sensitive person? Share this post if you appreciate HSPs and believe in their potential, too!
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