1 in 5 people is highly sensitive. In highly sensitive people, smells, colors and light, among other things, can enter more intensely than in an average person. But what exactly does being highly sensitive mean?
Characteristics of high sensitivity
High sensitivity is not a disease or disorder, but an innate characteristic. Do you want to know if you might also be highly sensitive? Psychologists Amsterdam has prepared a list of common features. Below we have highlighted a few points:
U(w)…
- …does not tolerate crowds and noise, you prefer peace and quiet;
- …senses are more likely to be stimulated (sounds, smells, light, movements, colors, shapes, tastes, etc.)
- …are more sensitive to stress, which means you perform less well under pressure or when you are being observed
- …needs more time to make a decision or make a choice
- …needs more than average peace, order and regularity to stay in balance
Of course every person is different. This list of features are just examples of common features. If you suspect that you are highly sensitive yourself, it is always advisable to talk to a therapist who specializes in high sensitivity.
Incentives
But how does a highly sensitive brain work? People with high sensitivity, also known as HSPs (‘Highly Sensitive Person’), are people who receive more stimuli than normal. In an interview with Quest Professor of Translational Neuroscience Judith Homberg explains how this works. During the day, all kinds of stimuli enter our brain, for example through our eyes and ears. Some stimuli are consciously registered by the brain, others are not. The balance that this creates ensures that we do not “go crazy”, as Homberg describes it. Also, the stimuli that we do consciously absorb are not all processed equally attentively by the brain, thanks to a ‘filter’.
Overstimulation
With highly sensitive people, that filter lets through more than with ‘ordinary’ people. As a result, the brain does not necessarily receive more stimuli, but the brain does notice it more. Sounds, smells, light and touch therefore also come in louder. This also applies to internal stimuli such as feelings and thoughts. Suddenly everything can seem important, so that the brain is no longer able to analyze all the data. When this happens, you can become ‘overstimulated’. This is potentially stressful and can be very overwhelming.
Overstimulation can be short-term and long-term. You can experience short-term overstimulation, for example, after a tiring journey, in busy shopping streets or after a busy party. With long-term overstimulation, you are too exposed to stimuli in the long term. This can overload your entire system. You can then suffer from, for example, burnout complaints, chronic fatigue, anxiety complaints or depression.
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What can you do?
Highly sensitive is therefore an innate trait. This means that you cannot get rid of it, but you can learn to live with it. This is easier for some people than for others. We have collected some tips to help you on your way.
set limits
Highly sensitive people are more likely to allow and accept many things. Many people will not realize when they ask too much of someone. When the limit is exceeded, while you could not actually have these stimuli, this can cause over-fatigue and over-stimulation. A tip is therefore to set your own boundaries well, so that you are in control.
Listen carefully to your body
Overstimulation can also cause physical stress such as headaches and tremors. If you notice that you are suffering from stress complaints, this can be a sign from your body that you need to slow down. By keeping a close eye on your body, you can notice overstimulation in time and prevent it from getting worse.
Keep calm
Messy, stressful environments provide more stimuli. By avoiding these types of environments and, where necessary, planning rest moments, you can keep the peace. For example, wear headphones if you are bothered by loud noises, or sunglasses if there is light. Activities such as walks or bike rides in nature, where you can retreat for a while, are also useful for stimulating.
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(Source: Quest, Libelle, HSP Praktijk, Psychologen Amsterdam and Psychologie Magazine. Photo: Shutterstock)