Highly sensitive persons are a subgroup of people who are prone to being emotional and overstimulated.You can find out if you are a highly sensitive person by examining your personality preferences, social interactions, and other sensitive qualities.
Step 1: Do you need extensive time to make decisions?
The highly sensitive person has an indecisiveness when making choices.Before moving forward, HSPs need time to reflect on their decisions.Considering all the options takes longer because of the minute details involved.This may describe you if you contemplate restaurant menu items as if they were life or death decisions.
Step 2: Decide if you want to do meaningful work.
Highly sensitive people's work is important to providing satisfaction.Some people may enjoy their jobs simply because they expose them to diverse people or deposit an impressive check into their bank accounts, but other people are more likely to choose careers that align with their values.Many people change careers over time because the jobs don't fit with their values.
Step 3: If you are interested in art, figure it out.
Being moved by a song, poem, or other work of art is common for the HSP.You can pick up on the qualities of art that others don't.Many artists are drawn to aesthetic beauty and creative expression.
Step 4: Decide if you have a vivid imagination.
A clear picture of the characters and settings in their minds can be evoked by listening to a song or reading a book.It's possible that you're a valued member of a team because you consider many options for a problem.Your imagination helps you in your creative endeavors.HSPs can benefit from a vibrant imagination.Your imagination may lead you to make negative assumptions.It can be easy for an HSP to get caught up in their thoughts when they daydream.
Step 5: If you enjoy solitude, think about it.
Your friends and family may want you to work all the time, but many HSPs enjoy solo downtime.You can use your solitude for creativity, quiet reflection, or to rest after a long day of socializing.The downtime required by introverts is very similar to the trait of the HSP.More than 70% of HSPs are introverts.If they become overstimulated, they may prefer lower stimulating people, places, and activities.
Step 6: Contribute to others and be kind to them.
You are the ultimate giver.Highly sensitive people tend to be the most caring friends and family members.When a friend needs a shoulder to lean on, you are there at the drop of a dime.You would give your loved ones the shirt off your back.You can't say no.You can push yourself beyond your resources if you want to help others.You give in to requests even when you don't want to because of your sensitivity to other's disappointment.Some people-pleasers can be made out to be because of this characteristic.
Step 7: Do you have a knack for reading peoples emotions?
The greatest strength of the HSP is emotional sensitivity.You can sense when someone is hurt.You are able to offer support or change topics to make a conversation more pleasant because of this.It's also a double-edged sword.You are more distressed because you pick up on other's emotions.If a friend is upset, you may be as well.
Step 8: You should notice if others say you are overreacting.
You are more likely to take minor comments personally if you have natural sensitivity.You may be accused of being too emotional by your loved ones.Even when you are alone, there is a strong start to emotions.A negative train of thoughts can lead to self-destructive behavior.
Step 9: If you are affected by criticism, figure it out.
You take criticism to heart because of the depth of emotion you feel and your tendency to take things personally.You may become emotional or hurt by another person's perception of you after receiving initial feedback.Your tendency to think deeply allows you to closely consider criticism and find ways to use it to your advantage.After managing the initial emotional reaction, you are more likely to use the feedback for growth.
Step 10: Do you feel overwhelmed by the chaos?
A long to-do list, numerous demands on your attention, and too many moving pieces can be too much for a highly sensitive person.You might be vulnerable to emotional overwhelm and dislike uncertainty.It is possible to schedule natural breaks in your day if you are overwhelmed.In a more peaceful environment, take away an hour of two.
Step 11: Think about your reaction to a beverage.
You may be sensitive to caffeine because you are prone to anxiety.If you consume even small amounts of the substance, it will create a more stimulating effect than if you don't.If you notice a change in your demeanor after drinking coffee, limit it to non-caffeinated options.
Step 12: Do you have a low pain tolerance?
Humans are sensitive to pain.Highly sensitive people may go to lengths to avoid pain, even if they are not averse to it.Seeing needles in medical offices upsets some people.It's because of this sensitivity to pain that many people don't watch violent or gruesome movies.
Step 13: Determine how you will respond to excessive stimuli.
Highly sensitive people are easily overstimulated.Loud noises, strong smells, and bright lights can cause sensory overload.Your nervous system may receive different stimuli than non-hypersensitives.It is possible to avoid crowds, noisy bars or restaurants in favor of quiet environments.Highly sensitive people can be affected by too much stimuli.