Being overly sensitive can be a blessing and a curse. It can be a blessing because you can pick up on what others are feeling and connect with what they are going through. This compassionate nature makes you more understanding to not only friends, family, co-workers and strangers, but the world around you and its problems. At times you may consider it a curse with how being overly sensitive can also take a toll of your emotions to exhaust you, but here is how to better cope instead of draining all your energy.
Though you can’t stop all world problems, you can help yourself by not constantly tuning into every news update or feed that can only serve to aggravate you. I’m not saying stop watching watch news reports and monitoring twitter and facebook as well as your news feeds that you follow. On the contrary, still keep up with what is happening but do it less to avoid those triggers that set you off. If that method doesn’t work, then there is another way to lessen any negative impact. You may want to have someone close to you such as your wife or husband keep you informed with any news update on the issues you are following.
A highly sensitive person can also frequently put the needs of others before their own to the point that their welfare suffers in the process. Empathy is a good thing, but you also need to set boundaries because you matter too if you expect more balance in your life instead letting your emotions rule you. If you worry about hurting that person’s feelings, then learn how to be diplomatic and say something like you would be glad to help, but this is not a good time for you.
There is an interesting research study in Ireland that found that extra sensitive individuals also are more prone to helping the environment through recycling, turning off appliances when not in use and taking public transportation more often due to how they relate to nature and experience that sense of awe about the wonders of the world around them and their small place in it. Spending time in nature can be the soothing relief that can help keep precious energy in focus.
Something else that makes a difference is the importance of planning ahead when going to a function. Since spending too much time around people and loud music or noises can be exhausting to the over sensitive, so you don’t want to make it worse for yourself. Always make sure you can leave on your own instead of being dependant on someone else to get you out of there unless you want to feel stuck without a way out.
Finally, you also need to practice more self-care for your benefit. Learn how to be kinder to yourself by avoiding over stimulation that can be overwhelming to someone that overly sensitive. Set aside about an hour for some “me” time and relaxation can wipe out that mental chaos and clear the mind for solving problems and in decision making.
Sensitivity is nothing to be ashamed of. It can be a strength once you how the proper steps to handle those emotions.
