A pen in my hand, paper on my lap, I sat and watched.
Learning How to Thrive as Highly Sensitive Person:
A guide to understanding your sensitivity and
creating Fuller, Richer Life.
Highly Sensitive Person is a term used to describe people
with a trait of high sensitivity. It is a genetic trait that is found in
roughly 20% of the population. HSPs have stronger emotions, processes
information more deeply and are easily overwhelmed and overstimulated.
I spotted this on the DVD shelf this morning; I bought it a
year ago but never watched it. And I
thought I should. I think l struggle a
lot with this, being highly highly sensitive. There are 27 statements on the
Sensitivity Test. If you answer TRUE to 14 or more, you are highly sensitive.
My score was not 14. It was 25. (25 out of 27 huh. Sensitive much?)
The first thing I liked about the DVD was the background
music on the menu, it was so soft and melodic so calming and soothing. It put me at ease instantly and I thought ‘geez
these people know their audience!‘
Those who know me know that I am a creature of habit. Want
to go to the same restaurant every week for a year and order the same thing? Yup, great. No problem. I always park in the same spot. I feel very
uneasy if I can’t and wonder if I have OCD.
I only go to service stations that I know. I go to the same shops and like visiting the
same places. Why? You might ask. Well I just learnt why.
It helps me stay calm.
What helps me stay calm is what I find familiar. It makes sense, doesn't it?
The DVD goes on to talk about strategies such as:
: having lots of downtime,
one hour per day, one day per
week and having a week’s holiday every 3-6 months, and meditate.
: getting close to nature
- include pets, fish, plants into
your environment. Look at the sky, go to the beach. Its all good for HSPs.
:: learn how to complain nicely when you are too tired or
have had enough.
:: Take care of your body. 60% of illness is stress-related.
Reduce your stress. Reduce your
stimulation, by not reading everything you see, 80% of stimulation is visual.
:: learn how to say no or as they put it ‘ that’s not going
to work for me.’
Well, that was my educational entertainment for the day; I learnt something about myself and I feel
more confident in being myself and being highly sensitive.
What have you learnt about yourself lately?
