Highly Sensitive Person - who are they?

20% of humans and over 100 species have a biological trait associated with higher sensitivity to environmental and social stimuli. A person with this trait is called HSP - Highly Sensitive Person. 

HSP’s have extra sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as bright lights, loud sounds, coarse surfaces etc. HSP’s are not just sensitive to subtle changes in the environment, but, also to changes in the moods of others around them. Evolutionarily, this is an advantage to be more responsive to opportunities and threats. It comes at some metabolic costs that require energy to prepare the body to take action against potential opportunities or threats. HSP’s show same brain changes regardless of culture when exposed to changes in environmental or social stimuli proving that it is a biological/genetic trait.

What does it all mean? If you are with a HSP, you will notice them avoiding negative overstimulation such as loud sounds, disturbing scenes, doing too many things at once as it will overwhelm them. They will also require recovery time after being exposed to overstimulation.

In a social setting, HSPs absorb both positive and negative moods of others and are affected by them.  

Why is this relevant? You or your friend or your partner or your child or your team member maybe a HSP.  It is not a self-limiting belief or a disorder. Many HSPs develop strategies by avoiding certain stimuli or by being selective about who they associate with socially to conserve energy. Understand what HSPs bring to the group or the relationship. HSPs are gifted with enhanced awareness , empathy and higher responsiveness towards others and towards positive emotions. They make for wonderful partners and team members.

I am part of two teams. I had to bring up in both the teams that I cannot handle people shouting/talking over each other or if the meeting gets chaotic without moderation. I am HSP. I realised my sensitivity to overstimulation much later in life. Today’s world of zoom meetings can do with some awareness of avoiding overstimulation and keeping a decorum of meetings.

To learn more or check if you are a HSP, click on hsperson.com

To understand yourself deeper w.r.t your traits, strengths and connect to others better, take an inner voyage with AntarYan at www.antaryan.com