Many of us know a Highly Sensitive Person or HSP, whether a partner, a colleague or a family member. Highly Sensitive People, or HSPs, have a nervous system that's more sensitive than most. They absorb more information from their surroundings than others and process it more deeply. It can be challenging to recognise this trait in ourselves or others as it can be confused with introversion, shyness, insecurity, anxiety or depression.
Around one in five of us could be described as HSP. High sensitivity is not a mental illness, and there isn't a precise diagnosis, but there are some characteristics that are widely shared by highly sensitive people:
If you recognise these traits in yourself, you may well be an HSP. Bach Flowers Mix 77 helps to reduce emotional sensitivity and improve resilience to environmental stimuli. In addition, it helps boost assertiveness so that you have the confidence to say "no" to things you aren't comfortable with.
HSPs may be more stressed by the work environment than others, but they are often excellent performers. While managers sometimes undervalue them, HSPs can be a fantastic asset to the team. Their acute awareness of their surroundings enables them to spot problems before they escalate, and their insight and empathy mean that they understand the needs of other people.
HSPs tend to be creative, careful, conscientious and hardworking, and while they may be quiet in group situations, they are often excellent communicators. Here are some tried and tested ways to help your HSP colleagues realise their full potential.
Be open, understanding and receptive to their needs and create a relaxed, positive atmosphere in the workplace.
If your HSP team member is stressed, ask them what is bothering them. Whether it's too much noise, a colleague's smelly lunch or meetings that go on too long, don't be dismissive but address their concerns.
HSPs are highly sensitive to criticism, so be sure to include some positive feedback when reviewing their performance.
If your HSP is an introvert, let them work alone. And if teamwork is essential, build some breaks into their schedule so that they can recharge.
Create a calm, quiet place to work for your HSP colleague. Encourage them to have regular breaks throughout the day. But be fair about this and offer the same conditions to all your colleagues.
If you have to change a schedule, try to give an HSP as much notice as possible. And if they get flustered, allow them space to regain their composure before a meeting or activity.
By creating a calm, supportive working environment for your highly sensitive team members, you will maximise their creativity and productivity, benefiting your team and your company.
If you're in a relationship with an HSP, it can sometimes feel like you're walking on eggshells. Here's how to support them and show your love.
Words matter deeply to HSPs, so use language thoughtfully. Criticism- even an offhand remark - can cut them deeply, so keep it to a minimum. Instead, tell your HSP partner that you love them, compliment their appearance, and reminisce about shared happy memories - it'll mean the world to them.
HSPs are desperate not to inconvenience others. So if your HSP seems subdued or quieter than usual, check in on them and ask them how they are. They'll deeply appreciate the fact that you've noticed.
Discover what gives your HSP the most enjoyment and treat them to beautiful art, a walk to listen to the dawn chorus or a delicious meal. Thanks to their super-sensitive nature, you might get tears, but they'll be tears of joy.
HSPs are highly observant of tiny details in others. It's almost as if they take on their moods and emotions. So if you come home in a bad temper or sulking, your HSP partner will "catch" your mental state. Try to be more aware of the vibes you give out and replace negative behaviour with positivity.
While it might not make much sense, respect the limits and wishes of your HSP. Something that seems unimportant to you may be essential to your partner's wellbeing. Bear in that HSPs experience physical touch very intensely. Hugs and kisses are vital to HSPs - but keep it gentle and with consent!
Your HSP pays close attention to you and wants you to notice them in return. So while you might never be aware of tiny things as intensely as they are, just try - a little effort goes a long way!
If you or someone you are close to is an HSP, you are likely to feel things more deeply, whether positive or negative. The "highs" may be joyful, but the "lows" may impact your work, relationships, and resilience. So develop a plan to manage your emotions in challenging situations so that you don't feel overwhelmed.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4086365/
https://www.highlysensitivesociety.com/blog/tips-to-fight-stress-anxiety-depression-negative-thoughts
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-athletes-way/202006/how-tell-if-youre-highly-sensitive
Bad habits waste your energy and time. They disrupt your life, risk your health and stop you from achieving your aims. So why do we do them? And what can we do to break our bad habits?
When we’re stuck in a bit of a rut, the days and nights slip past so quickly that we barely notice them. But life is not a rehearsal!
Learn how to recognise the signs of stress and avoid slipping into a burnout or a bore-out
According to figures from the World Health Organisation, more than 260 million people worldwide suffer from depression. And it's not only adults who are diagnosed with this illness. Children as young as three or four years old can experience depression.
You see the word "toxic" everywhere these days, but what does it really mean? You've almost certainly come across someone who fits the description. Dealing with difficult personalities can be challenging and emotionally exhausting, to say the least.
Narcissism is a term we often see these days. But what does it mean? It's used to describe a person who is full of themselves or overly vain. However, it's not really about self-love.
It happens to everyone at times: we start doubting ourselves. We worry about the decisions and whether we can face future challenges that life has in store. And sometimes we feel that we just aren't good enough.
Nowadays, it can sometimes seem almost everyone has a mental health issue or learning disorder. But, are we too quick to label people, or is it that we are more aware of the problems? This article looks at some of the issues surrounding these sensitive questions.
What can you do if your kid doesn't want to go back to school? Here are our hints and tips to help if your child is expressing a refusal to go to school.
Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety affect around 1 in 6 people at some stage of their life. Despite it being such a common problem, many sufferers wait months or even years before seeking help.
Are you unsure which Bach flowers can help you? Contact Tom for free advice.
