Do you know any highly sensitive people? I’m guessing you have known or perhaps are one of those people that they refer to as highly sensitive. These people may also be told they have thin skin. Some people feel things at a deeper intensity than others. That is OK, it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you. Being a highly sensitive person also brings along many positive traits along with it.
However, if you are what we refer to as highly sensitive people and you have a stressful job, then it can become overwhelming. There are some things that you can do to help yourself navigate the work challenges without becoming exhausted.
Tips for Highly Sensitive People
Let go of perfectionism
This is much easier said than done, because you have probably been a perfectionist most of your life. While it may be a reason you are successful, you can still be so, with a little less effort. It seems as if perfectionists give 110%. What if you just gave 80%? The reason being is that as a perfectionist your 80% is most likely the average person who gives 100%. So work on giving yourself a break. You might also want to look into Brene Brown’s book, The Gift of Imperfection.
Stay in the here and now
Highly sensitive people tend to be anxious and worry about what will happen next. If we do that in life, we are never at peace. We will always be worrying about the future. Have faith that the future will be fine, just like it usually is. This isn’t to say that there won’t be bumps in the road, because there will be. My guess is that you will navigate them just fine.
Here is a simple grounding exercise to stay in the here and now. We are going to bring in your 5 senses. Look around the room and name 5 things you can see. Now close your eyes and listen. What can you hear? Notice your feet on the ground. Feel the back of the chair or couch on your body if you are sitting down. Can you feel the clothes on your body? Next pay attention to any smells. Was something recently cooked if you are indoors? Or is there cut grass or the smell of the sea outside? What about taste? Can you taste anything? Paying attention to your five senses will help keep you grounded and in the present.
Cord-cutting meditation for highly sensitive people
This is something you can do to help you cut ties with whatever you are stuck on, or whatever emotion is tying you down. It can be hard to let go of suffering and this meditation can help you. At times we all hold on to people, images, or situations that do not serve us well. This is great for any kind of suffering. It can help you clear your mind and be more open to healthy and positive interactions. Just try it, most people feel lighter and more peaceful after doing something like this.
Let go of multitasking
It can get overwhelming if you are doing many things at once. It can lead to system overload and exhaust you. Do one thing at a time. You will feel a greater sense of accomplishment and it will be less taxing on your system. Perhaps you can delegate some tasks to others. Maybe they won’t do it the exact same way as you, but there are several ways to do many things. It is OK to ask for help.
Practice emotional boundary setting
Highly sensitive people are great at picking up on the emotions of others.
If you feel that someone is emotionally overwhelming or anxious, don’t take on their stuff. If there is something you are anxious about yourself, then perhaps a meditation or grounding exercise can help you. Try to acknowledge what emotions are yours and what aren’t. Some people imagine that they have an energy force field around them. They do not let in other people’s negative energy.
Highly sensitive people need to learn to say no
I always tell people that boundaries are to protect you, not make someone else happy. If this person is worth keeping in your life they will respect your boundaries even if they don’t like it. One way to determine if it is something you really want to do for someone, ask yourself if you will feel resentful afterwards. If so, don’t do it. If you give yourself away, you will have no time left for yourself. This will lead to burn out.
Also remember, that even if you have said yes to something and then regret that you did so, you can call the other person and let them know that you thought you’d have time to do it, but after careful reflection you realize that you have too much on your plate. The more you say no, the easier it will be to do so in the future.
Is it worth it?
Some jobs are just too toxic, or have unrealistic expectations. Perhaps you love what you do, but the atmosphere, work culture or demands are too great at your current place of employment. There are healthier work environments out there. Take a look at other jobs. It can’t hurt. Perhaps you even know of a place that the environment in much healthier.
If this is anything I can help you with, please give me a call at 713-304-6554 and I can teach all kinds of tools for anxiety and boundary setting.
Take care,
Debbie
