Coping and Thriving Tips for HSP Sensory Sensitivity Types

What Does it Mean for You if You Have High Sensory Sensitivity?

HSP Sensory sensitivity means that you are extremely sensitive to your environment, colors, textures, noises, lights, odors, and even food textures. You may be overwhelmed by too much stimuli and tend to avoid crowds, loud or chaotic places, flashing lights, bright colors, or smells.

What is barely noticeable by someone who isn’t as sensitive can send you over the edge. You may want to wall yourself off from the world and retreat from a society that is too much to handle; too noisy, too smelly, too insensitive, too intense, too bright, and way too chaotic. Becoming a recluse isn’t always possible or practical; besides, you don’t want to miss out on everything. The idea is to find ways to calm things down to allow you to enjoy a peaceful, productive life.

Note: this post is part of the information for responses to our HSP Quiz. If you haven’t taken the quiz, you can take it here, then choose the HSP/Empath Quiz

What Can Reduce the Sensory Overwhelm?

The good news is that there are things you can do to reduce some of the feelings of overwhelm and the feeling of constant bombardment.

The BioElectric Shield can help. No, we can’t make the world suddenly quiet and peaceful, but it can smooth out some of the energy hitting you.

Often Sensory Sensitives react not only to the sound, lights, chaos, etc., but also to the frequencies, emotions, and energy behind it. The Shield can deflect a good share of that energy and at the same time, keep your energy field more balanced.

Many people have described putting on a Shield as “feeling like they are in an oasis of calm” and instinctively taking a deep “ahhhhh” breath as they feel their bodies relax.

You may want to do other things to reduce the feelings of overwhelm or frustration that comes with too much stimulation and input.

Specific Tips for Managing HSP Sensory Sensitivity Overload

Manage the Chaos to reduce Sensory Overload – Reduce your exposure to chaotic or crowded situations.

Malls and crowded stores are often some of the most difficult places for Sensory HSPs and Empaths. The noise, lights, electronics, energy, and emotions from all the people can completely overwhelm your senses. Many HSPs have difficulty thinking or making decisions in those circumstances. Wearing a BioElectric Shield can help with the EMF and energy issue, but not the noise, lights, etc, although you may react less intensely to it when you aren’t being hit with all the rest.

Parties – Many HSPs have found that when going to a party, it’s helpful to find one or two people they can talk to and have quiet conversations with instead of trying to “work the room”. Another coping technique is to stay more towards the outside of the room rather than the middle of the crowd. Going outside for a break from time to time can also help. If there’s no way to go out, then go in – bathrooms are great retreats.

Allow yourself some downtime afterward. It’s important for you to find a quiet retreat to calm your nerves and refresh your energy. It’s often wise to schedule things so that you aren’t going to events back-to-back but have some time in between to recharge.

Home as a Calm Oasis – When choosing living or working situations it will be very helpful to create a calm oasis as much as possible. Furniture that is comfortable and soft surfaces against your body will make you feel more at ease. If you decide on intense colors, choose those that are more soothing than they are stimulating. If you search online for “soothing colors for home,” you’ll find many helpful articles.

WorkSpace – Working in a cubicle probably isn’t a good idea for you. An office with a door that can close would work much better. If you must work in a cubicle, add some plants or other items that make you feel comfortable and at home. Wear headphones and listen to relaxing music if at all possible in order to reduce the sounds around the office.

Keep things organized – this is good for work and home. Clutter can be extremely bothersome to your sensitive self.

Dress for Comfort – Clothing texture and style is important for you, but comfort is even more so.

I’m thinking right now of the show “What Not to Wear” – while they did some amazing things in helping women change their looks, they sometimes shamed them out of their need for comfortable clothing. When buying clothing, keep looking until you find what flatters your body, looks stylish, And allows you to feel comfortable.

Even shoes can be an issue – you may feel better in sandals that allow your feet to breathe.

Pay attention to color and choose less stimulating colors – red and orange aren’t normally your best choices. Red can be overly stimulating, and orange can bring up or exacerbate emotions.

Here’s a tip – Cut out the tags. They can drive you nuts. If you can’t cut out the tag because of the way it’s sewn in, there is a product called a “tag tamer” that you can tape over the tag—instant relief. Look for soft clothing, smooth, touchable, breathable fabrics, tagless where possible, with no heavy applique or details, and elastic should be covered.

Here’s a de-stress tip: Get rid of everything you don’t love wearing. Having it hanging in your closet makes you feel bad, but wearing it can be even worse. Donate it so someone else can enjoy it.

Don’t let your less sensitive friends talk you into clothing, situations, etc, that aren’t comfortable for you.

Control the Sound and Take Breaks to reduce the effects of HSP Sensory Sensitivity

Quiet things down – Sounds can be muffled with earbuds or noise-canceling headphones. White noise – a fan on in the room at night or at work to drown out other sounds can help you sleep and/or concentrate better.

Take a Break – Build some quiet time during the day, or pre-plan a way to retreat if necessary. At work or school, find a break room, unused room, or even a stairway or back entrance where you can stand or sit quietly and breathe to unwind, even for a few minutes at a time. You’ll find those breaks help you concentrate so you can return to the task with renewed energy.

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I hope you will consider getting a BioElectric Shield – the Shield balances and strengthens your energy field, deflects much of the energy coming from other people and technology, and can be an HSP’s best friend.

The BioShield changed my life, and since 1994, I’ve been passionate about helping others like me discover both peace and their strengths.

If you haven’t already taken the quiz – click here, then take the HSP/Empath quiz and receive information on your sensitivity types and a recommendation for the best level of protection.