Has anyone ever told you that you're sensitive or shy? Do you have busy days and, by the end of the day, find yourself totally wiped out to the point that all you want to do is rest?
I know I totally relate. And, fortunately, I've managed to learn how to care for myself a lot better all because I learned more about how to care for myself as a highly-sensitive person (HSP).
Being a highly sensitive person is a totally normal trait. In fact, somewhere between 15-20 percent of the population are highly sensitive. Which, with those statistics, makes being a highly sensitive person totally normal, however, it's still a small portion of the population. As a result, many HSPs can feel alone and as if there are few people that can relate to their sensitivity.
Are you curious to see if you are a highly-sensitive person? Here are 11 signs that you may be one:
#1 -- You effortlessly pick up on other people's emotions
Someone walks into a room and you get the sense that their stress, happy, upset, angry, worried, or whatever before you even talk to them.
#2 -- You're conscientious
You're very in tune with other people's feelings and inner experiences so you want to act in a way that you perceive to be right for the environment.
#3 -- You're easily overwhelmed by sensory input
Loud noises, sirens, bright lights, strong flavors, coarse fabrics, strong smells, and chemicals bother you more than other people.
#4 -- You avoid watching violent movies or TV shows
You avoid watching violent action or horror films or TV shows because can be too overwhelming for you.
#5 -- You have a complex and rich inner life
You may not necessarily consider yourself to be an introvert, but you do have a complex and rich inner life.
#6 -- When you were a child, others saw you as sensitive or shy
You were commonly labeled as "shy" or "sensitive" by parents, teachers, and peers.
#7 -- You have a lower tolerance for pain than most people
While others may have a headache or feel sick and still be able to go to work, for you the pain is so much that you feel you have no choice but to stay home and rest.
#8 -- You notice subtle change in your environment
For instance, you may a smell or sound that nobody else notices. You may also notice that the food at a restaurant is not very fresh, while others may not notice at all. You may also be able to sense when a person is on the verge of crying even though you're not even looking at them or see them crying.
#9 -- On busy days, you need your time to withdraw
Being constantly on the go doesn't work well for you. When you're busy you need your time to withdraw from the world so you can recharge.
#10 -- You get overwhelmed by other people's emotions
Being around people who are stressed, anxious, angry, or upset can be overwhelming for you.
#11 -- You're bothered by harsh criticism more so than most people
You're more easily hurt when someone is critical of you than most people are.
Take action now!
Do you relate to any of the traits listed above? If so, share which traits you relate to in the comments below!
Jennifer is a self and relationship coach, writer, and spiritual teacher. She is the founder of JenniferTwardowski.com and the creator of Ignite Love from Within: Meditations to Create Relationships and a Life Filled with Love, click here for a free meditation from the album. Her mission is to help women create loving relationships with both others and themselves. Click here for her Free Self and Relationship Healing Meditation and weekly blog updates. To learn about how you can work with her, click here.
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