There is a definition of the Highly Sensitive Person, first described by Elaine N. Aron:

“A person who has increased sensitivity to stimulation”.

This is me all over. About one in five of the population is highly sensitive. There are of course varying degrees and types of sensitivities amongst the highly sensitive people out there.

I first learnt of this official term of the ‘Highly Sensitive Person’ (HSP) when I was studying at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) to become an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. I must say, I was truly relieved to learn that being sensitive is a ‘thing’. I have been deeply aware of my sensitivities and considered them a flaw, a bother, a burden. For me, the sensitivities that have got me down include smells (transpire to facial pain for me), noise, dust, and even others’ vibes. My sensitive immune system is evident in several ways, for example my gut and mind connection is very strong, I get very ‘hangry’, my stress transpires quickly and physically. So it was comforting to hear that there are in fact other people out there who are highly sensitive. It was even more comforting to realise the benefits of being highly sensitive, and realising the importance of these gifts in society.

Being an HSP is an innate feature and is considered an important part of evolution within humans as well as other animal and plant species. When you think about the benefits of having a few people in a community who can alert the group to danger, to new food and water sources, for example, is critical to the survival of the population. It makes sense, doesn’t it?

The qualities that can be attributed to highly sensitive people, and to which I strongly relate are:

1. Empathetic. Able to understand and feel others (important for health coaching).

2. Good at finding mistakes and better at avoiding errors (ideal for when I have my engineering hat on*).

3. Intuitive at picking up on the seen and unseen; subtle and unsubtle.

4. Strong inclination for creativity.

5. Process information more carefully.

6. Conscious and conscientious.

Let’s also take a quick look at the drawbacks of being highly sensitive:

1. Heightened awareness of external and internal environment.

2. Heightened awareness of emotions, noise, sensations, feelings of others.

3. More easily overwhelmed

4. More easily depleted

5. More affected by stimulants such as caffeine

As a highly sensitive person it is easy to worry about how others perceive you. You may consider that because a huge chunk of the population are not sensitive, you are not understood and seen as not being able to ‘handle the jandal’. When you are overstimulated or overwhelmed you might ‘retreat’ or shut down. The following is a handy summary of the things to consider if you are an HSP. This has come from what was shared by IIN and the book by Elaine N. Aron “The Highly Sensitive Person. How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You”.

1. Check in with yourself throughout the day

2. Plan ahead and set boundaries for yourself. Respect yourself and remember that your health and happiness is far more important than someone else’s perceptions of you.

3. Accept yourself fully

4. Make self care a top priority. Sleep and a balanced diet are essential.

5. Know that it is safe to feel your feelings. Make time and space to express them.

6. Set bedtime and morning routines

7. Recognise your triggers

8. Let family and friends know about your sensitivities

And remember, it is your responsibility to create a life that works for your personal style.

 *In addition to being a certified Holistic Health Coach, Amy is a Chartered Professional Civil Engineer.