9 Ways to Tell if You're Highly Sensitive and How to Accept It

Feeling overwhelmed by loud noises and smells and getting emotional easily can be a sign of high sensitivity.

Being a highly sensitive person (HBP) is an innate trait that affects around 15-20% of the population. These people have a keener perception of emotions and experiences, both their own and those of others.

This article will explore some signs that indicate that you may be a highly sensitive person and provide tips on how to accept and appreciate this trait.

Signs that you may be a highly sensitive person:

• Extreme sensitivity to emotions: PAS feel emotions more intensely and can be quickly affected by events that cause sadness, joy or anger.
• Receptivity to the energy of others: Highly sensitive people are able to easily pick up on the energy and emotions of those around them, which can be emotionally draining.
• Sharp perception of details: PAS tend to notice details that others might overlook, such as subtle changes in someone's mood or behavior.
• Sensitivity to sensory stimuli: Highly sensitive people may feel overwhelmed by sensory stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, or intense smells.
• Need for alone time: Due to their sensitive nature, PAS often need time alone to recover and recharge.

Here are some tips for embracing and harnessing your sensitivity:

• Accept your sensitive nature: Accepting that you are a highly sensitive person is the first step towards embracing this trait. Recognize the unique and valuable qualities that come with high sensitivity, such as empathy and intuition.
• Set limits: Learn to set healthy boundaries to protect your energy and emotional well-being. This can include communicating your needs and limits to friends, family, and co-workers.
• Take care of yourself: Practice self-care regularly to ensure your emotional, physical and mental needs are met. This could include activities like meditation, exercise, therapy, or simply taking time out to relax.
• Seek support: Find other highly sensitive people or support groups to share experiences, get advice, and build meaningful connections. Having an understanding support system can help you feel less isolated.
• Cultivate a positive environment: Create an environment that nurtures your sensitivity by minimizing exposure to intense stimuli and surrounding yourself with people who appreciate and respect your sensitive nature.
• See your sensitivity as a strength: High sensitivity can be an amazing quality that allows you to understand and connect with others on a deeper level. Use your empathy and intuition to improve your relationships and make a positive contribution to the world.
• Practice emotional resilience: Developing emotional resilience can help you better handle challenging and stressful situations. Learn to manage your emotions, seek support when needed, and adapt to change.
• Invest in creative activities: Many highly sensitive people are naturally creatively inclined. Channel your sensitivity into creative pursuits, such as art, writing, or music, to express yourself and find personal satisfaction.
• Develop communication skills: Learn to effectively communicate your needs and feelings to others. This can help you to establish healthier and more satisfying relationships, as well as better manage conflict situations.
• Learn to manage stress: Find effective stress management strategies that work for you. This could include relaxation techniques, breathing exercises or mindfulness practices.

By incorporating these additional tips and making a conscious effort to take care of yourself and embrace your sensitivity, you can live a more balanced and fulfilling life. Being a highly sensitive person is a unique trait that offers you the opportunity to understand the world and the people around you in a deeper and more meaningful way. Harness that quality and use it to enrich your life and the lives of others.