I am learning that I need to spread social activities out- used to be fine with lots on the calendar but I notice it stresses me out - one day out in the world, two days of cave time …. I am exactly what you describe with the driving….! Thanks for helping me realize I am not damaged…!
It’s kind of crazy isn’t it? In high school and college, I definitely had that feeling like something was different about me and I took more time to myself than my friends did, but I still did a lot. Even as a young adult and through my thirties I could handle a full calendar. And now so many things push me into fight or flight mode.
While I didn’t know this was the reason, I most definitely benefitted from implementing similar practices! So glad to know I’m not the only one, which it is easy to feel like!
...tbese are great tips. i constantly find myself countin' down to when i'll be by myself again...hearin" parts of your story help me know there's nothin' wrong my -my- normal...💜
Thank you so much for this interesting article. I was able to identify myself as a HSP many years ago, but didn't know anyone else like me! I am happy to read this article and know you are out there. I did write an article on my stack about being overly sensitive called "The Difficult Life of the Delicate Soul" if you might be interested in reading about my sensitive life!! Lovely to meet both of you.
Thank you so much!! Just to be transparent, I did make them from photos with digital editing, but there’s still lots of cutting and pasting and choosing colors, etc and that has been relaxing for me to make these in the evenings.🥰
thanks for the tips! after 67 years I already had a couple, but every new one is kindly accepted! Not easy to find 'understanding' people, I am much better off with my dog, the cats and the hundreds of birds I feed every day. And the sun, the moon, the stars and the trees!
I get it. I have one friend who understands because one of her girls is highly sensitive. She’s the only person I can talk to about this stuff that doesn’t tell me something along the lines of “just don’t let it get to you,” “ change your diet” etc.
But then I feel like I’m always unloading on her and I don’t want to be “that friend”.
my hair dresser is about the only one for me. Years ago I asked him if he knew people who get a headache with changing pressure and itchi with coming rain. He did not, but found it very plausible. I think animals are more understanding because they feel this, too! Thank you for sharing with us.
One way I am able to create a sensory-friendly environment is more with blaring music into my ears. It truly helps me block out everything around me and focuses me. Noise-cancelling headphones wouldn't make much of a difference to me, it would to someone being in my vicinity having to hear whatever music I'm listening to.
All of this resonates with me. Thank you for sharing your perspective along with what it is really like to be an HSP. I definitely felt like a weird little human as a child. I was highly, highly aware of energies around me, textures, tastes etc... Yet, in not being understood, those things were seen as oddities. It led to me feeling insecure and feeling a lot of anxiety. For most of my life, I've struggled with panic and anxiety. It's only been in the last 2-3 years I've started to understand my HSP ways and accept myself... and learn how to soothe my nervous system. Greatly appreciate everything you've shared!
I like these grounding techniques. A lot of good advice here, and I love seeing HSP as a strength because yes, often you feel like something's wrong with you. For me, being sensitive just gets easier as you get older because you've learned to accept who you are, xo
I am learning that I need to spread social activities out- used to be fine with lots on the calendar but I notice it stresses me out - one day out in the world, two days of cave time …. I am exactly what you describe with the driving….! Thanks for helping me realize I am not damaged…!
It’s kind of crazy isn’t it? In high school and college, I definitely had that feeling like something was different about me and I took more time to myself than my friends did, but I still did a lot. Even as a young adult and through my thirties I could handle a full calendar. And now so many things push me into fight or flight mode.
While I didn’t know this was the reason, I most definitely benefitted from implementing similar practices! So glad to know I’m not the only one, which it is easy to feel like!
There is definitely something to meeting other people who have similar experiences and understand. ☺️
Perfect reminders. 🥰 It's important that we remind ourselves & others about our needs, strengths, & boundaries as HSPs.
...tbese are great tips. i constantly find myself countin' down to when i'll be by myself again...hearin" parts of your story help me know there's nothin' wrong my -my- normal...💜
Thank you so much for this interesting article. I was able to identify myself as a HSP many years ago, but didn't know anyone else like me! I am happy to read this article and know you are out there. I did write an article on my stack about being overly sensitive called "The Difficult Life of the Delicate Soul" if you might be interested in reading about my sensitive life!! Lovely to meet both of you.
I will definitely check that out! Thank you so much! Wonderful to meet you as well!
These paintings are beautiful, and perfect for an HSP as a calming tool. Thank you!
Thank you so much!! Just to be transparent, I did make them from photos with digital editing, but there’s still lots of cutting and pasting and choosing colors, etc and that has been relaxing for me to make these in the evenings.🥰
That sounds fun and absorbing. Do you use an app?
Yes… pic collage!
thanks for the tips! after 67 years I already had a couple, but every new one is kindly accepted! Not easy to find 'understanding' people, I am much better off with my dog, the cats and the hundreds of birds I feed every day. And the sun, the moon, the stars and the trees!
I get it. I have one friend who understands because one of her girls is highly sensitive. She’s the only person I can talk to about this stuff that doesn’t tell me something along the lines of “just don’t let it get to you,” “ change your diet” etc.
But then I feel like I’m always unloading on her and I don’t want to be “that friend”.
my hair dresser is about the only one for me. Years ago I asked him if he knew people who get a headache with changing pressure and itchi with coming rain. He did not, but found it very plausible. I think animals are more understanding because they feel this, too! Thank you for sharing with us.
One way I am able to create a sensory-friendly environment is more with blaring music into my ears. It truly helps me block out everything around me and focuses me. Noise-cancelling headphones wouldn't make much of a difference to me, it would to someone being in my vicinity having to hear whatever music I'm listening to.
I do this too sometimes!
It’s been wonderful to understand I’m not alone in this. Thank you.
All of this resonates with me. Thank you for sharing your perspective along with what it is really like to be an HSP. I definitely felt like a weird little human as a child. I was highly, highly aware of energies around me, textures, tastes etc... Yet, in not being understood, those things were seen as oddities. It led to me feeling insecure and feeling a lot of anxiety. For most of my life, I've struggled with panic and anxiety. It's only been in the last 2-3 years I've started to understand my HSP ways and accept myself... and learn how to soothe my nervous system. Greatly appreciate everything you've shared!
Thanks so much for this article and your strategies...I feel so seen!!
A lot of people don't understand me, and think I'm too much too handle because of this. It's hard to meet people who tolerate me.
I like these grounding techniques. A lot of good advice here, and I love seeing HSP as a strength because yes, often you feel like something's wrong with you. For me, being sensitive just gets easier as you get older because you've learned to accept who you are, xo