Being highly sensitive is a neurological difference that you are born with. As an HSP, you have an increased, deeper central nervous system sensitivity that causes you to respond and identify with things differently physically, emotionally, and mentally. Once you understand you are genetically different, it can be an ah-ha moment and the beginning of a new adventure.

Being a highly sensitive person means you feel everything, from the moment you were born.

Because you were wired like this at birth, you know no different. And because others are not wired as you are, they don’t understand your level of sensitivity. It’s something many are just beginning to understand and accept.

So, you may have heard far too often “you’re too sensitive” or “why are you crying over that?” when what you should have heard was “Take your time,” and “I understand this is hard for you and that’s OK.”

High sensitivity has its challenges and advantages. Learning to manage and use it to your benefit takes work.

Learning begins with listening to your body and understanding what your triggers are. To make things a little more challenging, high sensitivity is not the same for everyone.

Your best friend may be an HSP and have different triggers and needs than you do. That’s ok. It doesn’t devalue you, or them, as an HSP. Your neurological sensitivities are just different.

Highly Sensitive People are thought to make up about 20% of the population.

While that means you are not alone, it also doesn’t mean there’s a replica of your specifics in the world. You are the only you.

So what can being highly sensitive look like?

What does it truly mean to be a highly sensitive person living in a world that caters to those less sensitive?

The answer to these two questions is the same. You must take every precaution to support your health and well-being.

Are you more sensitive to light? Do you steer clear of scary movies? Find yourself overwhelmed by other sensory stimuli? Do you often get lost in your thoughts and think too deeply for your peers?

Many of these are common for a highly sensitive person. They find it harder to connect with people because they have specific preferences others may not understand. Attending a plethora of social activities isn’t usually at the top of the list for a highly sensitive person, which can result in people no longer sending invites. Why invite them if they never go?

The invite matters.

Being a highly sensitive person, means you notice the little things: the thought, the whispers, the missing invites. You notice them and you think deeply about why you weren’t invited. What could you have done differently to obtain an invite? Does that person not like you? Did you hurt their feelings? All of these thoughts gather in your mind, and you find yourself diving deeper and deeper into thought.

This is what’s different for those who are highly sensitive. The small things matter. Every day there are questions and feelings that you dive into deeply, trying to find a solution. You feel deeply. Connecting with people, animals, and the world around you in such a profound way that even you cannot describe it to others. Being highly sensitive means being in your own realm.

For those who are highly sensitive, life can feel lonely.

Your circle of friends can be very limited. You may prefer to have a few friends that you care very deeply about and spend time connecting deeply with. You may prefer to stay away from conflict, as it can cause you extremely heightened levels of stress, so you keep your inner circle very close. When it comes to being a highly sensitive person, the saying “quality over quantity” is your lifeline.

Although many consider the life of a highly sensitive person as very different, if you’re an HSP you come to realize it can be incredibly rewarding in a way most others would never understand. Having deep connections with people, places, and things, can be incredibly fulfilling.

The truth about being a highly sensitive person is that it’s not easy, but it can be the most joyous adventure you’ll embark upon once you know your limits.

The post The Truth About What It’s Like Being A Highly Sensitive Person appeared first on HSP Coach Ruth.

The number one way to thrive as an HSP is to develop the proper self-care routine, custom to you. Understanding what works best for you and scheduling it into your day is key.

Do you do best with a 30-minute walk to start your day? How do you feel when you spend time journaling? How can you support your mind by taking a real break and resting? Finding what works well for you is important.

Understanding the importance of replenishing your energy through self-care is key to your overall wellbeing

As an HSP, your energy levels get depleted quickly, requiring frequent “refills”. Your brain is always working on overdrive behind the scenes, so many of the common self-care techniques may not actually work for you. This is why it’s important to identify how and when you feel most replenished.

Having the proper daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly self-care routines will help you survive relationships, career challenges, family dynamics, and all of the ups and downs of life. It will make the difference between you thriving versus just surviving. It will enable you to feel more productive, more energetic, and more in tune with yourself.

Self-Care is important because it helps you be you.

Allowing yourself what you need, enables you to communicate more effectively, support yourself and those around you, and truly be your best self. The importance of self-care is often overlooked by most people.

However, for a highly sensitive person, it will ensure you are able to process every experience with the mental and emotional clarity you need. Processing things can be more complicated as an HSP, so every little bit helps!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to digest, and allow your mind a break. Remember, your brain consistently runs on overdrive, so giving it the right amount of time off will allow it to work better. You will be able to show up for yourself and those around you better and stronger, leaning into your superpowers, when you are fully relaxed and refreshed.

Turning your HSP into a superpower can be work, but it’s worth it.

Being able to process things and feel good in your everyday life makes a world of difference for highly sensitive people. Sensitivity, and all it encompasses, can be such an incredible gift if you know how to effectively take care of yourself and empower your inner strengths.

It doesn’t always come easy, sometimes you have to work at it, but self-care is always worth it. Being able to be your best self, sensitivity and all, is powerful.

So please, don’t underestimate the importance of self-care.

Not only can it help you achieve incredible success as a highly sensitive person, but it can also prepare you to conquer the world around you.

The post The Importance of Self-Care If You’re Highly Sensitive appeared first on HSP Coach Ruth.