HSP Coping Strategies!

Have you ever heard of the term HSP?

A highly sensitive person (HSP) is someone whose sensory experiences are more intense, in comparison to an average person.

Highly sensitive persons can have an increased sensitivity to smells, sounds, and bright lights.

Also, HSPs may find themselves easily overwhelmed by sensory information, and tend to process information deeply, often analyzing their experiences.

In fact, Elaine Aron has a test you can take online to determine if you are a Highly Sensitive Person.

This test consists of questions that assess emotional reactions, sensory experiences, and responses to social environments.

While this test can provide valuable insights, it’s essential to consult with a mental health professional, to explore further and provide support.

Meanwhile, knowing you’re an HSP, allows you to plan ahead by creating strategies to navigate stimulating environments.

What Impacts HSPs?

🔸 Intense vibrations from electric toothbrushes.
🔺 Loud hand dryers in public restrooms.
🔸 Nail salon toxic smells and vibrations of massage chairs.
🔺 Unexpected car horns or car alarms.
🔸 Loud movie theatre previews.
🔺 Perfume samples in stores.
🔸 Food odors in closed spaces.
🔺 Car air fresheners.
🔸 House guests scented products.
🔺 Brightness of snow.
🔸 Flickering fluorescent lighting in stores or offices.
🔺 A streetlight or neighbors light shining in a home window.
🔸 Strobe lighting at movies, concerts or emergency vehicles.
🔺 Mall, concerts or football game crowds or crowd noise.
🔸 Sun shining in the window and restaurants or coffee shops.
🔺 Vibrations at concerts from drums, bass, or loud speakers.
🔸 Computer screen brightness.
🔺 Exposure to violence or distressing news on TV.
🔸 Negative energy from other people.

These triggers occur because HSPs feel things more intensely, therefore certain situations become more challenging.

In addition, the heightened sensitivity means they process the world around them with a level of depth that can lead to sensory overload in overwhelming situations.

Strategies and Tools!

Generally, these types of triggering situations can lead to a range of responses that can cause discomfort, migraines, overwhelm, anxiety, irritability, anger, tears, sweating or trembling.

Everyday situations can affect highly sensitive people differently.

Here are a few valuable resources and coping tools, to help manage sensitivities.

🚫 Avoid triggering situations, if possible.
🚧 Set boundaries by saying no.
💆🏻‍♀️ Seek calming environments.
👩‍💻 Wear computer blue light glasses, or download a blue light filter extension.
🤳🏻 Keep cellphone handy.
👖 Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
📱 Use a calm type app to meditate or practice mindfulness.
😎 Wear sunglasses, noise canceling headphones, or earplugs.

Using coping tools, and strategies, allows HSPs to function somewhat normally, in even the most challenging of conditions.

Be Proactive!

Handling challenging situations becomes more manageable when we proactively prepare for obstacles.

Here are five steps to guide you.

1. Identify potential triggers.
2. Develop a coping strategy toolkit.
3. Engage in a daily routine that includes exercise and meditation.
4. Create a calm space to recharge.
5. Build a support network of people who understand and offer guidance.

By taking these proactive steps, you can anticipate difficulties and build resilience in navigating life’s unpredictable moments with greater ease.

To summarize, proactive planning for obstacles, helps to ensure HSPs are better equipped to handle unexpected challenges before they arise.

Furthermore, check out Elaine Aron’s book, “The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You“, which goes more in depth.

TOPIC: HSP Coping Strategies!