If you’re a highly sensitive person, you might have noticed that you do some things that other people find strange. You may be more affected by your environment, strong emotions, and physical sensations than others, and you might have developed some coping mechanisms that seem unusual to those around you.
For example, you might avoid certain foods or textures because they feel overwhelming, or you might need to retreat to a quiet space when you feel overstimulated. You might be highly attuned to other people’s moods and need to take breaks from social situations to recharge. These behaviors can seem odd to others, but they’re a natural part of being a highly sensitive person.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the strange things that highly sensitive people do and why they do them. If you’re a highly sensitive person, you might find comfort in knowing that you’re not alone and that your quirks are a normal part of your highly sensitive personality. If you’re not a highly sensitive person, this article might help you understand your HSP friends and loved ones better.
People’s Emotions: Emotional Sensitivity
Highly sensitive people are known for their emotional sensitivity. They tend to feel things more deeply and intensely than others. In this section, we will look at two aspects of emotional high sensitivity to: feeling overwhelmed and empathy overload.
Feeling Overwhelmed – Overwhelmed Mentally
Highly sensitive people can easily become overwhelmed by their emotions. They may feel like they are drowning in their feelings and unable to cope. This can happen when they experience intense emotions such as sadness, anger, or anxiety.
When overwhelmed, highly sensitive people may need to take a break from the situation and retreat to a quiet place to process their emotions. They may also benefit from talking to someone they trust, such as a therapist or a close friend.
Empathy Overload
Heightened empathy is a trait that highly sensitive people tend to possess in abundance. They are able to pick up on the emotions of others and feel them as if they were their own. While this can be a strength, it can also lead to empathy overload.
Empathy overload happens when highly sensitive people take on the emotions of others to the point where they become overwhelmed. They may feel drained, exhausted, and emotionally depleted after being around others who are experiencing intense emotions.
To manage empathy overload, highly sensitive people may need to set boundaries and limit their exposure to situations that trigger their empathy. They may also benefit from practicing self-care activities such as meditation, exercise, or spending time in nature.
Physical Sensitivity – Strange Things You Do Because You’re A Highly Sensitive Person
As a highly sensitive person, you may find yourself experiencing physical sensitivity more intensely than others. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including sensitivity to light, sound, and touch. So that you can feel physically unwell. Understanding these sensitivities can help you to better manage them and improve your overall well-being.
Sensitivity To Light And Sound
Highly sensitive people may find themselves easily overwhelmed by bright lights and loud noises. This can lead to headaches, fatigue, and other physical discomfort. It’s important to recognize your own limits and take steps to minimize exposure to these triggers. This may include wearing sunglasses or earplugs, avoiding noisy environments, or taking breaks in quiet, dimly lit spaces.
Additionally, some highly sensitive people may be particularly sensitive to certain types of light or sound. For example, fluorescent lights or high-pitched noises may be particularly bothersome. Identifying these triggers and finding ways to avoid or minimize exposure can help to reduce discomfort and improve overall well-being.
Sensitivity To Touch
Highly sensitive people may also experience heightened sensitivity to touch. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including discomfort with certain fabrics, sensitivity to temperature changes, and a heightened awareness of physical sensations. Paying attention to these sensitivities and finding ways to minimize discomfort can help to improve overall well-being.
For example, choosing clothing made from soft, comfortable fabrics can help to reduce discomfort. Additionally, paying attention to temperature changes and making adjustments as needed can help to prevent discomfort. Finally, taking time to engage in activities that promote relaxation and reduce stress can help to reduce physical and sensory sensitivity, and improve overall well-being.
Social Sensitivity
Highly sensitive people are often very attuned to the feelings of others, which can make social situations challenging. Here are two common ways that social sensitivity can manifest:
Difficulty Saying No
Highly sensitive people often have a strong desire to please others, which can make it difficult for them to say no. They may worry that saying no will hurt the other person’s feelings or damage the relationship. As a result, they may find themselves taking on too many commitments or agreeing to things that they don’t really want to do.
If you’re a highly sensitive person who struggles with saying no, it can be helpful to practice setting boundaries. Start by identifying your priorities and deciding what you’re willing to say yes to. When someone asks you to do something that doesn’t align with those priorities, be honest and clear about why you can’t do it. Remember that saying no doesn’t make you a bad person – it’s an important part of taking care of yourself.
Avoiding Conflict
Highly sensitive people may also have a strong aversion to conflict. They may find arguments or disagreements to be overwhelming or distressing, and may go to great lengths to avoid them. This can lead to issues in relationships or at work, as avoiding conflict can sometimes lead to resentment or misunderstandings.
If you’re a highly sensitive person who struggles with conflict, it can be helpful to practice assertiveness. This means speaking up for yourself in a clear and respectful way, even if it means disagreeing with someone else. Remember that conflict is a normal part of relationships and can actually be healthy if it’s handled in a constructive way. By learning how to manage conflict effectively, you can build stronger relationships and feel more confident in your interactions with others.
Coping Mechanisms
Highly sensitive people (HSPs) are more prone to overstimulation and require coping mechanisms to help them manage their emotions and stress levels. Here are a few common coping mechanisms that HSPs use:
Withdrawing From Overstimulation
When HSPs feel overwhelmed by external stimuli, they tend to withdraw from the situation. This can manifest in several ways:
- Leaving a crowded room and finding a quiet space to decompress.
- Turning off the TV or radio to minimize noise.
- Avoiding social events or gatherings that are too stimulating.
By withdrawing from overstimulation, HSPs can give themselves time and space to recharge and process their emotions.
Seeking Solitude
Another common coping mechanism for HSPs is seeking solitude. HSPs often need time alone to recharge and process their emotions. This can manifest in several ways:
- Spending time in nature or other calming environments.
- Engaging in hobbies for introverts, such as reading or writing.
- Taking breaks throughout the day to be alone and recharge.
By seeking solitude, HSPs can give themselves the time and space they need to process their emotions and recharge their energy.