What it Means to be Highly Sensitive
Let’s chat about those people who some call overly sensitive. This is often used as a pejorative term. People who don’t have this trait, about 80% of the world, roll their eyes and get frustrated with those who might call themselves “High Sensitives.” They are more sensitives to noise, stimulation, and crowds than most people.
Let’s look at this trait for a moment.
Highly sensitive don’t have something wrong with them. Even though sensory stimulation may overwhelm them, it doesn’t mean they have a disorder. Their brains simply process information differently than those who love stimulation. About one in five people could be described as having “high sensitivity.” That’s 20% of the population.
If you feel you are more sensitive to sensory stimuli than others, know you’re just different. You need to learn how to handle stimulation. If you’re in relationship with someone who is what you call “overly sensitive,” be aware they are not making things up or just being dramatic. Being overwhelmed by sensory stimuli grates on the nerves. It hurts.
There is a term for this trait: Sensory-Processing Sensitivity or SPS. Those who study such things have found that nearly all 
animals, including dogs, cats, fish, and horses, have demonstrated this trait. Even insects can have the SPS trait, which is surprising since I never thought of insects in that manner.
Common Traits of Highly Sensitive People:
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- Cry easily. Do you cry at commercials? Some people cry at commercials designed to tug at the heart strings. Those with SPS or may when overstressed or uncertain. They cry when happy. Many people will smile indulgently at them, which can be infuriating for the one crying. Those who do the crying are often embarrassed by how easily tears flow.
- React more strongly. The “average” person thinks that the highly sensitive person “overreacts” to situations. They are more emotional and their reactions are stronger. This is confusing to others as well as to them. Have you noticed how some people are more susceptible to being cold than others? The SPS individual feels their feelings more strongly than others.
- Are more self-critical. Highly sensitive people are highly self-critical. They know how to beat themselves up. Anything less than perfection can be a source of anxiety and embarrassment. Knowing they respond differently often embarrasses them. When someone points out their shortcomings, they will react much more strongly than others, and feel embarrassed because they do.
- Become overwhelmed in crowds. The highly-sensitive person feels bombarded
by the sights, sounds and emotions of people in a crowd. This can be the mall, where they may suddenly drop everything and walk out immediately, or at a large family gathering. If there are people talking, bright lights, music and other stimuli all at once, the highly sensitive person will either not go or stay for a short amount of time. I have a friend who can become easily overwhelmed at the mall. When she says she must leave, she means right now. - Are more annoyed by stray stimuli. Whether it’s a squeaking noise in the car or a seam in a sock, highly sensitive people are less able to ignore annoying stimuli. The tic-toc of a clock can keep them from sleeping. A rattle in the car or someone clicking a pen can set their nerves on edge.
- Take criticism poorly. I haven’t met anyone who likes criticism. Even mild criticism can elicit a strong emotional reaction in the highly sensitive.
- Easily overwhelmed by time pressure. When there’s a lot to get done in a short amount of time, they struggle with anxiety, even panic attacks.
- Pick up the feelings of others. The highly sensitive person will know when you’re upset even before you do. They are affected by the emotions of those around them and have difficulty separating the emotions of others from their own.
- Cry easily. Do you cry at commercials? Some people cry at commercials designed to tug at the heart strings. Those with SPS or may when overstressed or uncertain. They cry when happy. Many people will smile indulgently at them, which can be infuriating for the one crying. Those who do the crying are often embarrassed by how easily tears flow.
Is this you or someone you’re close to?
There are strategies you can use to keep yourself in balance and lessen the effects of the SPS trait:
- Get enough sleep. Your brain needs the processing time sleep provides.
- Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine. You don’t need anything else which can stimulate your nervous system.
- Meditate or spend time in a quiet place relaxing.
- Avoid noisy, highly-stimulating environments. Go shopping when there are fewer people.
- Give yourself enough time to complete tasks.
- Engage in positive self-talk.
- Learn to breathe deeply. Deep breaths calm down your nervous system.
The Power of the Body Talk System
If you or someone you know is a highly sensitive person, understanding this characteristic can reduce frustration and assist those around you. There are ways, using energetic healing such as The BodyTalk System and Encodements, which can help you stay in balance.
Body Talk works with the consciousness of your body. By keeping your brain in balance and balancing the emotions and sensations which can overwhelm you, the highly sensitive person can handle stimuli more easily. They will also be able to control their own thoughts and emotions.
Balancing Your Encodement System
Encodements are your smallest energy structures. By learning to balance your Encodement System, you will be able to remove other people’s energy from your body and better handle your own.
Stay Centered and Grounded
By focusing on your heart and imagining growing roots from your feet, you can stay centered and grounded. You won’t be as easily thrown off balance by the sights, sounds and emotions of others.
Watch What You Eat
I’m not talking about watching the food as it goes in your mouth. The highly sensitive person needs to be aware of what the changes made by the food industry to your food do to your body. Added colors, preservatives, and other chemicals can cause your nervous system and brain to react with greater sensitivity. You don’t want your nerves over-reacting. You want a nice, even nerve impulse. Eat foods as close to coming out of the ground as you can.
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