5 Tips on How to Thrive as a Highly Sensitive Person
Hello! I’m Bronwyn, a Massachuesetts HSP therapist. Recently I wrote about how to thrive as a Highly Sensitive person for Authority Magazine. Related to that, today I’m focusing on five ways to thrive as a Highly Sensitive Person.
1. Redefine and reclaim the word “sensitive”
In our white patriarchal culture, sensitivity is something we have been made to be ashamed of.
We need to talk back to that, to claim sensitivity as the strength and gift that it is and not anything to be ashamed of.
The world needs empathy. The world needs conscientious thinkers. The world needs people who care. The world needs people who want to make a difference. The world needs sensitivity, whether it realizes it or not. Work on claiming your sensitivity and defining it as a strength. Reclaiming the word “sensitive” can help clear out the shame messages and make room for pride.
2. Protect your time
One of your needs as a Highly Sensitive Person is more downtime. When we get enough down time, we can engage deeply and enjoy the things we love. When we say yes to too many things, we aren’t able to give adequate attention or get enjoyment from anything we are doing. No one has the capacity to say yes to everything, and especially Highly Sensitive People.
You can protect your time by being mindful of your schedule and giving yourself permission to say no.
3. Pay attention to what nourishes you
As a Highly Sensitive Person, you will get overwhelmed and overstimulated, as much as you protect your time and are mindful of your schedule. When that happens, you can turn to the things that nourish you.
What excites you? What makes you feel alive? What textures are soothing to you? What music calms you down? What scents are energizing? Find out what those are and engage with them often.
4. Practice grounding
HSPs have a great gift of empathy. It’s a gift, and also something to protect. It takes skill to discern whether you’re picking up on your own distress or someone else’s.
Practicing some kind of grounding helps buffer your very active empathy.
This can be your favorite guided meditation, body awareness exercises, or holding a cup of tea. Some people like to imagine a protective shield around themselves so they can really monitor what energy they are taking in. Whatever it is, practice it regularly so that it becomes second-nature to you.
5. Trust yourself and know that it’s possible to thrive as a Highly Sensitive Person
If you’re reading this and thinking, that is impossible, you might as well tell me I can fly to the moon - don’t give up quite yet. It will take time. It will take lots of support and effort! And, it is entirely possible. Read Elaine Aron’s books. Find other HSPs. Read about the four identifying characteristics of a Highly Sensitive Person. Learn more about how psychotherapy is great for HSPs. Work with a therapist who knows about the HSP trait. Listen to HSP podcasts. Experiment. Practice. It will happen, you will thrive.
About the Author
I meet with women who think it’s impossible to thrive as an HSP do just that.
Massachusetts HSP therapist and owner of Bronwyn Shiffer Psychotherapy based in Madison, WI, I provide online therapy for women living in Wisconsin, therapy for depression, anxiety therapy, online therapy in Massachusetts, and virtual therapy in Washington, DC.
Whether it’s HSP depression, feeling overwhelmed by emotions, or not getting your HSP needs met that is holding you back, thriving as a highly sensitive person is absolutely possible.
Looking for more support in thriving as an HSP?