(upbeat music) - Hey there Psych2Goers and
welcome back to our channel. Thank you all so much for the love and support
that you've given us. You've helped us make
psychology and mental health more accessible to everyone. Now, let's continue. A highly sensitive person is someone who displays increased
emotional sensitivity. They have stronger reactivity to internal and external stimuli
and a complex inner life. Walking through life this way, can be overwhelming and
challenging at times. Through trial and error, you can make some routine changes that help you take control
over your symptoms. Of course, every HSP is different. So, what works for you,
may not work for everyone, but don't give up. Here are seven things,
highly sensitive people need to be happy. One, "A Space of Your Own". What brings you comfort? For highly sensitive
people, having a safe space, that's all your own, can be a lifesaver. It feels comforting to have
control over a certain space, like a bedroom, office or house. This place can be your refuge, when the rest of the world
feels chaotic and overwhelming. Fill your space with things that bring you comfort or relief, such as blankets, stuffed
animals or houseplants. If you're sensitive to light, having a light switch
dimmer can also be helpful. The important thing, is to create a space
that makes you feel good, so that you will always know you have somewhere, where
you can let your guard down and relax comfortably. Two, "Personal Boundaries". Having healthy personal boundaries, can bring benefits to many
areas of your life as an HSP. In relationships, it
might be difficult for you to separate your emotions
from the emotions of others. And this can be why you often
have a hard time saying "No", or prioritizing your needs before theirs. If you have boundaries set in place, it gives you the chance
to focus on your own needs and lets you properly rest and recharge, before the next stimulating event. Three, "A Good Night's Sleep". Any healthcare professional will be quick to tell you how important it
is to get a good night's rest. But, sleep can be an obstacle
for highly sensitive people. According to research psychologist
and author Elaine Aron, high levels of the
stress hormone cortisol, are correlated with a poor night's rest. Vice versa a lack of restful sleep increases the levels of
cortisol in the body. So, the cycle can be hard to break. So, what do you usually do to stay comfy throughout the night? For me, using white noise machines, eye masks and weighted blankets help me stay comfy throughout the night. Four, "The Freedom To Express Emotions". As an HSP, you probably find great value in relationships where you don't feel like you have to hide your feelings. You feel close to these people, because you're able to open up and have deep, stimulating conversations. Aron notes, "The key to
a successful relationship for an HSP, is
communicating what they want out of a relationship and finding
a partner that understands their emotions are part of their nature." This type of communication will
look different for everyone. So, remember to be
considerate and patient, if you're still getting to know someone. Number five, "A Mental Tool
Belt of Coping Skills". There is no one size fits all solution for when you get overstimulated. I personally find breathing exercises or coloring to calm down and stay present. Sometimes, it can be good for
you to put on your headphones and retreat into a book, or other times you might need to do some grounding exercises instead. Having a variety of skills at the ready, can make you feel more confident that you can handle any situation, even if you do get overwhelmed. Number six, "Patience
When Making a Decision". HSPs have a hard time making decisions, even small choices, like
what to have for dinner, can leave you frozen in place. Dr. Aron attributes this quality to an increased depth of processing, a strength that is common for HSPs. She says, "We notice even quite
subtle aspects of our world and a vast array of the possible
consequences of a choice. All of this goes into our consideration of what may be going to
happen and what we should do." Aron suggests making a pros and cons list and thinking through decisions, but also cautions against
taking other's advice. And number seven, "A Healthy Outlet". Highly sensitive people take in a lot so having a healthy outlet is a good way to cope
with all of your emotions. Physical activities like dancing, can release physical tension and help you express your
feelings through movement. Journaling, is another way to recognize and work through your feelings, or maybe something more mindless, like coloring can help you focus on something that is both
calming and in your control. Are you an HSP? Do you have any tips to
share in the "Comments" on living a more happy life, please "Like" and "Share"
this video if it helped you and you think it can
help someone else too. The studies and references used are listed in the description below. Don't forget to hit the "Subscribe" button and the "Notification Bell"
icon for more Psych2Go videos. Thanks for watching and
we'll see you next time.
