If you struggle to enjoy happiness because you’re highly sensitive then you probably need these 14 things

If you struggle to enjoy happiness because you’re highly sensitive then you probably need these 14 things

by Jenn Granneman 

Growing up, I was a very sensitive child. One of my earliest memories is of freaking out after seeing a particularly bad story on the news. I don’t remember what the story was about, but I do remember running to my bedroom, plugging my ears, and making up a song about how “everything will be all right.” I sang it as loudly as I could — to cover the noise of the TV — until my mom came in, shocked to find me in such a ramped-up state.

It wasn’t until much later in my life that I learned that I’m a highly sensitive person (HSP), and things finally made sense. Highly sensitive people process information deeply, and as a result, they experience the world a little differently than non-HSPs. Images of violence or stories of heartbreak can be excruciating to HSPs. Sudden loud noises, bright lights, and busy schedules have the power to rattle us profoundly.

Today, I’m a writer who studies introversion and high sensitivity. I’ve found that HSPs need somewhat different things in life than non-HSPs to be happy. Here are 14 of those things. Keep in mind that every highly sensitive person is an individual, so each will need slightly different things to thrive.

What Highly Sensitive People Need to Be Happy

1. A slower, simpler pace of life

Because they process information deeply, HSPs may move a little slower than non-HSPs. They may need more time to do certain tasks, like getting out of the house in the morning. They may take a little longer to make decisions, such as which item to buy at the grocery store, because they are taking in not just the mountain of choices, but also nutrition information, price, and how they feelabout chicken noodle. Suddenly, their mind flashes to chickens being cooped up in tiny cages then slaughtered… and they must take a few beats to ponder if they can live with this reality on their dinner plate or not. All of this takes time.

2. Time to wind down after a busy day

Like introverts, HSPs can’t go-go-go for too long. Their extra sensitive nervous systems absorb mounds of information and process it to the umpteenth degree. As a result, they may get easily overwhelmed and worn out after a busy day. Time to relax lowers their stimulation level and restores their sanity.

3. A calm, quiet space to retreat to

Preferably #2 is paired with #3. This space, ideally, would have low lighting, little noise, a warm feeling, a beautiful look, and the HSP’s favorite tools to relax (a book, music, a comfy pillow, etc.)…

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