Navigating Easily Overwhelm: Guidance for People with High Sensitivity

Strategies for Easily Overwhelmed Individuals: A Guide for the Highly Sensitive

In a world that can often feel overwhelming, highly sensitive people (HSPs) may face unique challenges. Elaine Aron, a pioneer in the study of this personality trait, established the concept of high sensitivity through her research. HSPs process more information from their environment and from within than others do, which can lead to a heightened level of empathy. However, this empathy can sometimes make it difficult for HSPs to distinguish their own feelings from those of others.

Being a highly sensitive person is a trait that about 15 to 20 percent of the population possesses. While it might not always be easy, it's important to remember that there's nothing wrong with being an HSP. In fact, it can be seen as a kind of superpower.

When feelings of overwhelm, guilt, or any negative emotion arise, psychologist Vince Favilla recommends turning to healthy distractions. For Favilla, who is also an HSP, meditation can be a helpful tool in managing these feelings. He also gets specific when his brain is in overdrive, separating his to-do list into "things I need to do" and "things I don't really need to do."

Jean Fitzpatrick, a psychotherapist who specializes in working with HSPs, notes that these individuals tend to get overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, strong smells, coarse fabrics, big crowds, being watched while working, having a lot to do in a short amount of time, and when there's a lot going on around them. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, Fitzpatrick suggests giving oneself plenty of time for tasks and travel.

Taking good care of oneself and having strategies to turn to when overstimulated is crucial for HSPs. Regularly paying attention to one's mind and body is important, as is savoring downtime for two hours to feel refreshed and ready to enjoy new stimuli.

For those who suspect they might be HSPs, a test is available on Elaine Aron's website. The test can help individuals better understand their sensitivity and provide strategies for managing it effectively.

Navigating life as a highly sensitive person can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it's possible to thrive. For more tips on how to navigate natural tendencies for highly sensitive people, be sure to check out our other article on the topic.