10 Things That Can Easily Overwhelm a Highly Sensitive Person
Have you ever wondered why certain situations trigger such strong reactions in you?
Before realizing I was highly sensitive, I'd absorb vibes from various places and people, often feeling inexplicably angry or frustrated. The lack of understanding was frustrating in itself.
Highly sensitive people (HSPs) have a special gift: they see the world with remarkable depth and intensity. Yet, this heightened sensitivity can also make them more prone to feeling overwhelmed in certain situations. Essentially, they're individuals who take in the world around them noticing all the small things others might overlook like shifts in light, temperature, or even the emotions of those nearby. While this heightened sensitivity can lead to some profound connections, it can also bring on lots of stress that feels overwhelming.
Everyone's response to overwhelm is unique, especially for HSPs. There's no right or wrong way to react. Personally, I tend to have a meltdown when I'm rushed, while others might find themselves more overwhelmed by watching the news (seriously, turn it off) or a sad commercial. HSPs simply find certain situations way more stressful and overwhelming than less sensitive folks. If you relate to being an HSP, it's crucial to prioritize setting boundaries and finding ways to minimize exposure to overwhelming situations and people to protect your energy.
Let's explore some typical triggers below that can stir anxiety, stress, and overwhelm in highly sensitive individuals.
10 Things That Can Easily Overwhelm a Highly Sensitive Person
1. Being Rushed
Being rushed can be tough for highly sensitive people because they're extra sensitive to their surroundings. They feel overwhelmed by the pressure to be somewhere by a certain time. HSPs like to take their time, so being rushed disrupts their usual routine. When HSP's are out of routine or feel the pressure of being late it will stress them out. Overall, being rushed can overload their senses and make them feel even more overwhelmed.
Seriously, always make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to meetings, especially when it comes to catching flights at the airport. Maybe if you're running late, there's a reason for it. So, if you're in the car stressing out because you're running behind schedule, take a deep breath and tell yourself, 'It's okay, I'll get there when I'm meant to.
2. Shallow, Surface level, Meaningless Conversations
You might be surprised when you see the title, but think about your own experiences. When chatting about trivial things like the weather or someone's new haircut, do you ever feel like crawling out of your skin? It's because HSP's crave depth and meaningful connections in conversations. Small talk feels superficial, and it doesn't engage our analytical minds, leaving us struggling to participate or find the right words. Sometimes, my mind goes completely blank during these conversations, and I can't seem to string together coherent sentences. It's super overwhelming! I've learned to walk away-setting my boundaries.
HSPs are highly attuned to social cues and can easily sense when someone feels uncomfortable or uninterested in a conversation. The moment I notice someone crossing their arms, for example, I instinctively want to escape because I can sense their energy. All of these factors can lead to overwhelming feelings for an HSP!
3. The news, social media, TV commercial - any external stimuli
For HSP's too much external stimuli can send us into overdrive. Many of us HSPs are also Empaths (like me), meaning we absorb the energy around us. So, when you're constantly tuned into the news or scrolling through social media, you're basically soaking up all that energy. And let me tell you, as an HSP, we're like sponges for emotions - tragic news stories hit us way harder than they do for others who aren't as sensitive.
That's why I'm all about limiting social media and, honestly, cutting out the news altogether. Trust me, if there's something truly important happening in the world, the Universe has a way of letting us know. So, take a break from the constant barrage of information, and give yourself the space to breathe.
4. Being Around Way Too Many People
So, here's a little story from my recent experience. I was at this event, having a blast, and suddenly, I felt this shift in energy. And you know what? Whenever that happens, my first instinct is to bolt out the door. And honestly, sometimes I do just that. I'll excuse myself and make a swift exit. But on the occasions when I stick around, I end up feeling completely drained and exhausted.
For HSPs, being in environments with lots of movement, chatter, and stimulation all at once can be super overwhelming. So, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you suddenly feel the urge to make a run for it, here's what I suggest: Either excuse yourself and take a moment to re-center yourself in the bathroom, or simply listen to your intuition and leave. Trust me, your well-being is worth it.
5. Uncomfortable Clothing
You got it, uncomfortable clothing can send an HSP spiraling into a frenzy of discomfort. That pesky tag poking at the back of your shirt, those shoes that rub just the wrong way – if an HSP wears something uncomfortable you can bet they'll be fixated on it all day long.
I'm with you on this one – pretty much every piece of clothing I own has had its tags removed.
6. Noises
For HSPs, loud noises, quiet noises – heck, anything that sets off annoyance, anger, or panic can hit us like a ton of bricks. Picture this: the TV blaring, a tablet buzzing away, and music playing in the background – it's a recipe for instant overwhelm. My husband loves to have a football game on the tablet and the TV on simultaneously. It's like nails on a chalkboard for me.
And let's talk about trying to work with noise – it's a no-go for me. Multiple stimuli coming at me from different directions? It's enough to send my concentration packing. That's why many HSPs prefer to work in silence and do well at jobs where they can work virtually– it gives us the headspace we need to really focus without distractions.
7. Physical Exhaustion-Lack of Sleep
For HSPs, getting enough rest is non-negotiable. When we don't get the sleep we need, it's like our bodies go into survival mode. I've experienced it firsthand – if I skimp on sleep or push myself too hard, I end up feeling like a complete wreck. It's not just about feeling tired; it's like my whole system shuts down, and I'm left feeling physically sick. Make sure you prioritize rest, not just sleep, rest and sleep!
8. Procrastinating - Us or Someone Else
HSP's need plenty of time to tackle tasks. When we're faced with tight deadlines, it's a surefire recipe for overwhelm. Seeing someone around us procrastinate, and not get things done is also a major source of frustration. We thrive on structure and planning, so when things get left until the last minute, it can really get under our skin.
9. Unpredictability - Changes in Schedules
Unpredictability can really shake things up for HSP's. Sudden changes mess with our groove and can leave us feeling out of sorts. HSP's are creatures of habit and prefer stability. Changing plans, changing deadlines are all things that can cause anxiety. Obviously, this happens in life so developing coping strategies to handle unpredictability and change is key to navigate life's ups and downs with resilience.
10. Crazy - Busy Schedules
For HSPs, having a jam-packed schedule can be a recipe for waking up feeling overwhelmed and utterly drained. Whenever possible, it's best to space out meetings and appointments. Rushing from one commitment to another is just a fast track to burnout for sensitive souls. Taking on too much can really push us to our limits and even lead to a complete breakdown. So, it's crucial to be mindful of our limits and prioritize self-care to prevent overwhelm.
When we take the time to understand our triggers and prioritize self-care, navigating the world becomes a whole lot smoother for us HSPs. Let's celebrate the richness of our sensitive souls and embrace all the beauty they bring to our lives!
Hello and welcome to my blog! My name is Ginger Ready and I am the founder of Mind-Body-Soul Coaching. I am an anxiety and mindfulness coach. I help highly sensitive women heal high-functioning anxiety. I believe we are all meant to live in joy, alignment (it’s all about balance), and have more freaking fun in life. I am on a mission to help women embrace their sensitivities and anxiety and live IMPERFECTLY YOU!
You can find me on Instagram posting lots of anxiety and HSP tips @gingeraready. You can also click on the picture above to reach my Instagram page.
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I am grateful you are here and that also means you are on a healing journey (just like me) and that is to be celebrated!
Sending you so much love, joy, and beautiful energy into your life today and always!
I am not a therapist or a psychologist, I am a certified, professional energy coach through ICF (International Coaching Federation).
