Hi there!
Let me take you on a journey of self-discovery - the kind of journey that is sure to make you laugh and nod your head in agreement. Two years ago, I was shocked to discover that I was an HSP, and since then, things have started to make a lot more sense.
For those of you who don't know, HSP stands for Highly Sensitive Person. Now, before you start imagining me as a sniffling mess, let me tell you that being an HSP isn't all bad. In fact, there are many advantages to being one. But, let's start at the beginning.
Two years ago, I stumbled upon an article that talked about HSPs, and as I read through it, I felt like someone had just described me to a T. As I started researching more on this topic, all the puzzle pieces of my life started falling into place, especially when I read Elaine Aron`s Book The Highly Sensitive Person. I realized why I couldn't handle conflicts, why I couldn't stand certain artificial smells, and why I was always so sensitive to criticism.
Once I learned about HSPs, I started to understand myself better. I stopped beating myself up for being "too emotional" or "too sensitive" and started to see my sensitivity as a gift rather than a curse. I started to embrace my traits as an HSP, and that has made all the difference in my life. People also tend to quickly label an HSP as being shy. But soon I realized that it`s far from the truth!
(Watch this video to get a hang of what`s coming up)
Take this sensitivity quiz to know your sensitivity range
So, without further ado, let me list down the most common (top 10) traits of an HSP. Let's see how many of them you can relate to:
1. Overstimulation:
HSPs are easily overstimulated. Too much noise, light, or even social interaction can be overwhelming for us. I remember requesting one of my colleagues who organizes weekly office lunch outings, to opt me out of these frequent events, as this weekly affair was making me anxious.
At times the noise and the crowd were just too much for me. My colleague would have thought I was being anti-social, but little did they know that I was just an HSP.
We value our alone time a lot, in fact we need some lone time daily to recharge.
2. Empathy:
HSPs are known for their empathy. We feel deeply for others and can easily put ourselves in their shoes. This is because we have more mirror neurons in our brains, than a non -HSP.
This trait can be a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing because it helps us connect with others on a deeper level, but it's a curse because we can sometimes take on the emotions of others and become overwhelmed. I personally feel deeply connected to animals.
3. Creativity:
Many HSPs are creative. We have a rich inner world, and we often express ourselves through art, music, or writing.
Being an HSP can be a great asset for artists and creatives because it allows us to tap into our emotions and create something truly unique.
4: Noticing Subtlety:
HSPs are highly sensitive to their environment. We can pick up on subtleties that others might miss, such as changes in temperature or the scent of a particular flower. This sensitivity can be a strength because it helps us notice things that others might overlook, but it can also be a weakness because it can make us feel overwhelmed by our surroundings.
5: Intuition:
HSPs have a strong sense of intuition. We often know what someone is feeling before they even say a word. We catch people faking and lying easily. This is natural to us. This intuitive ability mostly drives us towards spirituality.
6: Depth:
HSPs have a deep inner life. We are introspective and thoughtful, and we often seek meaning in everything we do. This is the reason why we hate small talk. We look for depth in everything, be it our work or relationships. This depth allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, but at times, it makes us feel like we don't fit in.
7: Perfectionism:
Many HSPs are perfectionists. We have high standards for ourselves, and we can become easily frustrated when we don't meet those standards. On one hand, it pushes us to do our best and to achieve great things. On the other hand, it can lead to anxiety and burnout.
8: Emotional Depth: HSPs experience emotions on a deeper level than most people. We can feel joy, love, and excitement more intensely, but we can also feel sadness, anger, and fear more acutely. According to me, this is the best gift. This helps us have a rich inner life.
9: Detail-oriented: HSPs are often detail-oriented. We notice the small things that others might miss, and we have a keen eye for detail. This trait can be helpful in many situations, but it can also lead to perfectionism and overthinking.
10: Can`t Stand Conflict/Criticism:
HSPs tend to avoid conflict because they feel deeply affected by negative emotions and prefer peaceful environments. Additionally, they may struggle with criticism because their heightened sensitivity can make them feel overwhelmed and insecure about their abilities.So, there you have it, the top 10 traits of an HSP.
If you're reading this and thinking, "Hey, that sounds like me!" then you might be an HSP too. Congratulations! Welcome to the club!!
Here are some really helpful resources that may help you navigate through the chaotic world.
If you still have doubts about whether you are an HSP or not, then you can take this sensitivity quiz curated by HSP psychotherapist, Julie Bjelland. Learning about my HSP traits has been a game-changer for me. It has allowed me to understand myself better, and it has helped me to accept and embrace my sensitivity.
I no longer see my sensitivity as a weakness, but as a gift that allows me to experience the world in a unique and profound way. If you're an HSP, I encourage you to embrace your traits and to see them as strengths rather than weaknesses.
You are a unique and valuable individual, and your sensitivity is an important part of who you are.
If you're not an HSP, I hope this post has helped you to understand what it's like to be one. HSPs are not fragile or weak, but we do experience t
he world in a different way than most people. We are valuable members of society, and we have a lot to offer. In conclusion, being an HSP is not a curse, but a gift.
We are sensitive, empathetic, creative, and intuitive. We have a unique perspective on the world, and we can use our traits to make a positive difference in the lives of others. So, whether you're an HSP or not, embrace your uniqueness and be proud of who you are.
"Life is too short to be anything else."