1.    Lighten up on yourself – no more self-judgment for “not being like everyone else”. You were wired differently and that puts you in a category with only about 20% of humanity. You’re special, not flawed.

2.    Make a choice, Gift, or Curse? You have a choice about how you look at your sensitivity. You decide is it a gift or a curse? You can view it as a valuable tool that allows you to know information that most people aren’t aware of. For example, you may be really good at knowing when someone is telling the truth. You may have a strong intuition that will guide you if you listen to it.

3.    Be aware of when you have “taken on” someone else’s emotions, energy or pain. Often just acknowledging that what you’re feeling isn’t yours will allow you to release it and shift.
Take 10 deep breaths and visualize that energy leaving you, and filling you with love instead.

4.    Plan time to relax – Most HSPs do better with schedules that aren’t completely packed and not spending a lot of time in crowded, noisy or challenging environments. After a challenging day or big event, give yourself the gift of time. Just that one change can make an amazing difference in your life.

5.    Give yourself enough time to do things without rushing or hitting the panic button – Many HSPs are easily overwhelmed by sudden changes of schedule. It helps to be able to plan ahead and make sure that you have the time you need to get things done at a more even pace. When your to-do list begins to get out of hand, ask yourself if all those things are really necessary. You’d be surprised at what you can let go of if you simply give yourself permission to not try to do it all.

6.    Create a calm, organized space in at least one room – this is especially important if you live with others. You truly do need a quiet place to retreat from the noise and hubbub – especially if you live with someone who likes to watch the news, violent or aggressive shows, or other things that tend to be loud and are far from relaxing. This can be a bedroom, study, even the bathtub.

7.    Surround yourself with beauty and nature – Decorate your home in a way that is soothing and relaxing. Spend time in nature, even if it’s just a short walk, or look out the window at trees or flowers. An inexpensive bouquet from the grocery store can be a huge mood booster.

8.    Avoid crowds – This probably doesn’t even need to be said, but be honest about what you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy a packed stadium with screaming fans, find another way to cheer for your team or spend time with friends. Shop during less crowded times, go to matinees, find those unique out-of-the-way coffee shops and restaurants and you’ll enjoy yourself much more than in a loud, crowded place.

9.    Learn ways to deal with triggers – You don’t have to stop doing the things you love, just plan ahead. When traveling wear noise-reducing headsets, listen to audiobooks or calming music, you might even want a white noise machine to help you sleep in strange surroundings.

10.    Set a routine for when you go to bed and get up. Try to keep close to the same schedule, even on weekends. Before bed allow yourself some quiet time to allow yourself to release the stress of the day and relax.  I’ve found it immensely helpful to start my day off calmly with a cup of coffee or tea, a magazine, and maybe even a notepad to plan out my day. Jumping out of bed, into the shower, and dashing out the door with a poor breakfast can leave you feeling jangled and unbalanced all day.