Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a necessity for everyone. That’s especially true when you’re highly sensitive.
But, as a highly sensitive person, your self-care practices might have to look a bit different from what other people commonly do. Things like going out to a restaurant with friends or even heading to the spa might seem overwhelming to you, rather than relaxing.
So, how can you practice self-care when you’re highly sensitive? How can you reap the benefits of finding something you enjoy to reduce stress each day?
1. Find Some Quiet Time
If you tend to feel overwhelmed at least once throughout your day (if not more), finding some quiet alone time can make a big difference.
Try to find a place you can go each day where you know you won’t be interrupted or bothered by people or sounds. Spend 5-10 minutes in there just focusing on breathing. It’s a great way to meditate and practice mindfulness, which can help you feel rejuvenated in a matter of minutes.
2. Manage Overstimulation
Whether you’re at work, spending time with your kids, or just trying to keep up with things at home, it’s not uncommon to feel overstimulated each day.
One of the best ways to manage overstimulation is to look at it from a self-care perspective. Think about the things that don’t necessarily have to get done. Shorten your list. Cross things off. Prioritize.
By letting go of some of your “obligations,” you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and burnt out before you even get started. You’ll have more silence throughout the day and fewer things to distract you.
One of the easiest ways to cut back on overstimulation? Log off of social media. It doesn’t need to be a permanent solution. But, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or too stressed, think about how your time online fuels that.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for everyone, especially when it comes to maintaining mental wellness.
For highly sensitive people, though, more sleep is necessary for a very important reason: Your nervous system is working harder.
HSPs are more likely to experience emotional burnout because they’re constantly thinking and feeling in ways other people aren’t. Getting enough sleep is the best way to avoid burnout and to feel more rejuvenated. While sleep might seem like a simple thing, it’s one of the best self-care practices you can do for yourself.
4. Try “The Little Things”
There are so many people that think self-care has to be expensive or lavish when that really isn’t the case. Instead, it can be anything that helps you to relax and de-stress throughout the day.
Because of that, self-care looks different for everyone.
It’s important to try “little things” to find what works best for you. That might include taking a hot bath at the end of the day, reading a few chapters of a book, or journaling.
Try to find hobbies that allow you to enjoy some quiet time while keeping your mind and/or body active. Running is a great option, or decluttering your house. Even something as simple as eating a rich piece of chocolate and savoring the moment can be considered a self-care practice—a delicious one, at that!
As a highly sensitive person, your self-care needs to consist of things that can help you both calm down and recharge. It might take some time to discover what truly works for you, but make it a priority to do something truly caring and good for yourself every day. You’ll notice a difference sooner than you might think, and you’ll see just how much self-care can impact your life.
If you are ready for a therapist to join you on your journey of self care and fulfillment as an HSP, feel free to contact me to set up an consultation call. Together, we can talk more about being a highly sensitive person, what it means, and what you can do to manage things so they don’t feel so stressful and overwhelming. You can also click here to learn more about HSP therapy.
