Most highly sensitive people (HSPs) do not understand how their sensitive nervous systems work, and how it effects so much of our well-being — from sleep and focus to happiness and work. Let’s get you some basics, to reduce stress, and to boost your well-being and your ability to access your HSP gifts.
Page contents:
- There’s nothing to fix about you.
- Learn the HSP basics.
- Learn some HSP stress reduction skills.
- A fresh look at work life for HSPs.
- Stay informed and connected to HSP community.
First: There’s nothing to fix about you.
You’re wired this way for a reason. There’s a lot of gold here. However, HSPs need to understand how to work with this fine-tuned brain and body.
Taking time to learn has made a huge difference for me as a highly sensitive person. I now know how I can minimize the challenges of it, and benefit from my HSP superpowers.
Our HSP superpowers often include:
- An exquisite ability to understand how others are feeling and to read the room.
- Deep enjoyment of beauty, nature, and positive surroundings. (People around us get to enjoy our enthusiasm and appreciation.)
- Seeing more details and sensing things like sounds and smells that others miss. (Like a great detective.)
These are all useful skills to have, and there are more.
Willow McIntosh has coined some alternative terms I like: High Sensory Person and High Sensory Intelligence®. It brings home that it’s not just a trait to tolerate, it’s a natural talent that’s needed.
Of course these traits, like any traits, have challenging sides too. So I’ve got some helpful tools and learning options for HSPs below.
Trust those great instincts of yours as to which of these will be most helpful for you. (No need to do it all.)
Next: Learn the HSP Basics
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Let’s clarify these labels so you can have some freedom. You’re not stuck in a box. Introvert or Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or What? How To Know.
- High Sensitivity Assessment Quiz
– the research-based way to actually know if you have this trait, by Elaine Aron. - “Being an HSP While Black” – video with Sydney James, The Sensitive Black Girl.
- The difference between being “highly sensitive” and “highly reactive.”
– by Liesel Teversham, HSP well-being specialist.
– These concepts are often confused and the difference is important. - Having a Big Heart Can Also Mean Big Exhaustion. Start with Grounding.
- Watch the movie! This is a very helpful documentary by the most known researcher about high sensitivity, Elaine Aron: Sensitive, the Untold Story.
Then Learn Some HSP Stress Reduction Skills
These self-paced classes and courses are by Julie Bjelland, a licensed psychotherapist, HSP specialist.*
Free intro classes:
Online courses (paid):
- Brain Training for HSPs: Learn Techniques to Reduce Anxiety and Overwhelm
Learn and practice tools in this self-paced course, ideally done over 8 weeks. Includes community connection. - HSP Toolbox to Calm a Sensitive Nervous System
Learn and practice how HSPs can find more calm and prevent overload. Includes community connection. - Blooming Brilliantly as an HSP
Helps you more fully understand and appreciate who you are as an HSP. Includes tips on energy, sleep, health, relationships, stress, and all the basics of life that HSPs should know. Includes community connection. - Sensitive Empowerment Community
Get access to a full library of learning, as well as regular opportunities to connect online and at small caring Zoom gatherings. Like-minded community with no pressure.
A Fresh Look at Your Work Life for HSPs
These resources are from me, a career/business coach for introverts and HSPs.
Is your work too draining?- Discover what will actually work for YOU specifically:
Career Clarity Course for Introverts and HSPs - You can check out some career ideas of what other HSPs do, to find some hope:
- Self-employment Career Explorers Group, especially for introverts and HSPs
- SOULpreneurs – Business Coaching Group (and learning) for HSP/introvert solopreneurs
Stay Informed and Connected to HSP Community
- Subscribe to Val’s newsletter for HSPs and introverts (in the yellow box below)
- Follow The Sensitive Black Girl on Instagram.
- Listen to the HSP Podcast.
- Consider joining the Sensitive Empowerment Community – a caring community of HSPs, including both online discussions and Zoom gatherings. A haven for feeling understood. (Subgroups include HSP business owners.)
*Disclaimer: If you use these links, I might receive a referral bonus, but I can honestly endorse these classes.
