Explain What It Means to Be a Highly Sensitive Person Today
Only when I reached the young age of thirty-five, as I followed career counseling,
my coach made me realize I was an introverted, highly sensitive person.
When I reached the age of thirty-five, a pivotal session with my career coach brought an unexpected revelation.
I was not only introverted but also a highly sensitive person (HSP). This sudden clarity made so much sense of my lifelong experiences. I had always felt different, out of place even as I never seemed to fit in, as if I perceived the world in another way from those around me.
The first time I came across, my coach told me about the term 'HSP'—Highly Sensitive Person; I had no idea what it meant. It wasn't until I got home and quickly Googled it that I realized I fit so many of the descriptive bullet points. Countless articles and videos popped up, bringing clarity to so many of my experiences. I even watched one with my husband to help him understand how being highly sensitive affects my daily life.
Being highly sensitive is more than just feeling emotions deeply—it's a true neurological difference. HSPs are neurodivergent, meaning they process sensory input more intensely, often lacking the natural 'filter' that most people have. Everything—loud noises, strong lights, crowded rooms—hits us at full strength, which leads to overwhelm and heightened stress.
Defining the Core Traits of a Highly Sensitive Person
- Heightened awareness of subtle changes in the environment - very perceptive to details
- Deep emotional responses and strong empathy for others - a sponge for emotions
- Easily overwhelmed by sensory input, such as bright lights or loud sounds - suffering from frequent head aches
- Need for regular downtime to recharge - some kind of routine is essential
- Intuitive understanding of others’ moods or intentions - we're good at reading people (profiling)
Living as an HSP sometimes means missing out on social activities simply because I fear being overwhelmed. The invisible struggle is real, and often misunderstood. People may see me as antisocial, but it’s not about avoiding others per se—it's about managing the constant barrage of noise, emotions, and stimulation that feels impossible to filter out.
If any of this resonates with you, remember: it’s okay to take breaks when everything feels too much. There’s power in recognizing your limits and giving yourself permission to step away. Whether you move to a quieter room, go outside for some fresh air, or just take a few minutes alone, these small steps can make a big difference in your life. You're allowed to take some moments to yourself to regroup and recenter.
Think of it like a coach calling a timeout in sports. Sometimes, you need to pause, regroup, and return with renewed energy.
Be your own best coach—give yourself permission to take a timeout whenever you need it.
Being highly sensitive is often misunderstood, especially when you first put a name to it.
Thanks to the amount of information available today, it's easier to find social proof and a sense of community through a simple search. Yet, explaining it to others can still be a challenge. Many people don't recognize or accept what they can't see—choosing their own beliefs over your lived experience. Despite this invisibility, the strengths of high sensitivity are both real and remarkable.
One of the most important advantages of high sensitivity is a heightened creativity and intuition. Many highly sensitive people naturally notice subtle details and patterns, which inspires innovative thinking and original ideas. This intuitive awareness often leads to artistic expression, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt quickly in a changing world.
Strong intuition and a keen sense of others' feelings enable highly sensitive individuals to forge genuine connections. Their awareness goes beyond surface-level observations, allowing them to support friends or colleagues, mediate conflicts, and offer comfort during tough times. Yet it's important to watch over your boundaries, and say no from time to time, or you'll feel overwhelmed.
Enhanced problem-solving skills are another key strength. Highly sensitive people analyze situations from multiple point of views, drawing on their deep awareness to find creative, effective solutions. Rather than seeing sensitivity as a setback, celebrate how it amplifies your skills and allows you to enrich the lives of those around you as well as yours. Always in respect to your limits.
Find supportive tools for highly sensitive people
Essential Calming Home Goods for Relaxation
Creating a serene environment at home can improve the well-being of highly sensitive or neurodivergent individuals. Opt for essentials that promote relaxation:
- Weighted blankets for deep touch relaxation: which provides gentle pressure known to calm the nervous system.
- Aromatherapy diffusers with calming oils: can fill your space with soothing scents that ease anxiety.
- Soft lighting options like salt lamps or small candles to avoid using stronger light sources,
- Noise-canceling headphones for quiet moments.
- Blackout curtains to block disruptive light.
Soothing Self-Care Items to Elevate Your Routine
Nurturing your senses with thoughtful self-care products can make a world of difference:
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic shower/bath products to avoid skin irritation.
- Herbal teas, known for their calming properties, good to suit your frequent head aches.
- High-quality plush towels and robes: to avoid sensory issues.
- Journals for reflective writing: journaling is an excellent and accessible outlet for your feelings and thoughts. Declutter your mind, gain clarity, and your body will feel more relaxed as well.
Clothing can significantly impact comfort, especially for those with heightened sensory awareness:
- Remove tags from t-shirts and pick seamless socks: remove labels inside clothing, or anything that could become irritating and therefore disrupt your wellbeing during the day.
- Ultra soft fabrics like organic cotton clothing.
- Jewelry and discreet fidget accessories: these provide a subtle sensory input drawing attention.
- Compression vests or sleeve: to relax, stay calm.
Resources to Manage Stress
Managing stress is key for a fulfilling, balanced life. Explore guided meditation apps, supportive online communities. Regular mindfulness practices can ground your emotions and foster resilience.
In conclusion, embrace Your Sensitivity as a Strength
Being highly sensitive means experiencing life in high-definition—emotions, thoughts and connections all feel richer. Rather than seeing sensitivity as a weakness, embrace it as a source of empathy and creativity. Many artists find their unique perspective is their superpower, fueling their most impactful work.
When you are neurodivergent, your brain’s ability to notice the subtle details others overlook can lead to original thinking and innovation. Harnessing these traits in your artistic pursuits transforms sensitivity into your greatest asset, allowing your work to stand out with authenticity and depth.
Just remember to advocate for your needs, dare to say no and watch over your boundaries. Be a good coach to your life, take a time-out whenever you need it. Regain the game once you're regenerated again.
Explore our curated selection designed by your fellow highly sensitive person.
