You have enough on your plate, but you feel the pull to help your friends, family, and co-workers when you know they need it.
You can sense when they’re in a good mood versus a bad one. It’s almost as if how they feel radiates onto you and affects your mood as well.
You love being able to help your loved ones, but you’d be lying if you said it wasn’t physically and mentally draining. You’re exhausted.
If that sounds familiar, here’s how to cope with anxiety as a highly sensitive person.
Know Your Triggers
One of the best ways to begin the process of learning how to cope with your anxiety is to better understand your triggers. Knowing your triggers can help you become proactive towards stressful situations rather than reactive.
Learning about your triggers is becoming aware of your feelings throughout the day. Be in tune with how you’re feeling about different conversations, people, and places. If it helps, start a journal. Keeping track of your interactions and experiences, as well as how you’re feeling throughout the day can be a great indicator for learning about potential triggering events.
Plus, a journal can also be a great tool for you to look back on later and determine what you did at the moment that may have helped ease any of your feelings.
Try Relaxation Techniques
Try incorporating relaxation techniques in your day as another way to stay proactive instead of reactive toward potential triggers. There are many different types of relaxation techniques out there, so you have to see what works best for you. A simple breathing technique you can try is breathing in slowly for 5 seconds and then releasing it slowly for 5 seconds.
You can also incorporate yoga or meditation. These are all great ways to bring you back into the present moment and help you feel grounded.
Establish Boundaries
In any type of healthy relationship, boundaries are essential. Setting boundaries may seem harsh, but they’re actually just a way to protect your mental health and wellness.
Just like you want others to share what they want and need, you need to show that same level of respect for yourself. Let others know what you want and need. You can also do this for yourself by blocking your calendar for time to rest and recharge throughout your day.
Take Care of Yourself
When you’re a highly sensitive person, it may be harder for you to take care of yourself, even when it comes to basic human needs. Keep in mind that you can’t help anyone else until you help yourself first. You need to make sure you’re keeping yourself healthy and have the energy to help others, which means focusing on your needs first.
Make sure you’re eating at least 3-5 healthy and well-balanced meals throughout your day. Sleep is equally important. Aim for at least 6-8 hours each night. Your anxiety may be leading to nutrition and sleeping struggles, but if you get yourself on a schedule and routine, it will become easier with time.
Go to Therapy
There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help. It’s okay to be the one receiving help now and then. Anxiety is completely normal. Everyone can experience this from time to time. When you start to notice it creeping into your daily life and affecting how you live, it’s time to seek additional support.
Reach out to a therapist to help you better manage and control your anxiety. You may not be able to change the fact that you’re a highly sensitive person, but you can make it work for you and your lifestyle.
Reach out to me today to set up a consultation.
If you’d like to learn more about treatment for HSPs, click here.
