Everyone benefits from self care, but what works for one person might not work for another. In my journey to managing my anxiety and becoming more at peace, I’ve tried self care from countless angles. But there are a few that resonate most (and thankfully they are simple and accessible) and I think a lot of the reason I connect with these activities is because I’m a highly sensitive person. Empaths and highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate a society not built for them (and often bent on shaming them), so it’s not surprising that our self care may take different forms.
I actually think certain acts of self care are even more effective on HSPs. Because we take in so much (ever been called “easily overwhelmed”?), we can act like a sponge soaking up all the good stuff. Again, I’m not saying you shouldn’t try these methods if you don’t identify as HSP, I’m just calling out these as favorites for my sensitive self!
self care for the highly sensitive person
take a focused walk
The key here is focused. Talking walks as an HSP can be very peaceful, but it’s also easy to spend tons of time in our own heads processing what’s happening in our lives or planning what’s to come. (Extra challenging if you’re anxious!) One way to interrupt anxiety and to feel more joyful as a sensitive person is to use mindfulness techniques while walking. HSPs are known for picking up on the little things. So make it your job to notice every detail, even naming them, as you walk down the street. You’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed in the most positive way, experiencing joy and contentment with ease.
For example, the other day, I was hurrying to the post office when I noticed a hummingbird flittering around a bush. I stopped for a moment to enjoy its bright red and green plumage and stand in awe of how fast its wings could beat. I was suddenly filled with gratitude for such a bright spot among the dreary backdrop of winter. Sensitive people don’t have to try to notice such things, but we do need to get out of our own heads long enough to experience true presence. And once we do, the tiniest miracles can turn our whole day around.
use journal prompts for reflection
Journaling is one of my favorite self-care activities as a sensitive person, but it can be super overwhelming. Sometimes I feel like there’s so much I need to get off my chest, but the idea of starting sends me into a spiral. Enter journal prompts. A prompt is literally a jumping off point, a place to begin. Once you get the ball rolling you’ll find you actually do have a lot to say, and soon you’ll experience the relief of finally releasing long built up energy. If you’re interested, try one of these journal prompts for HSPs!
explore your senses
For this self care activity (which is another mindfulness practice) choose one of your five senses to indulge in. If you’d like to indulge your sense of smell, for example, maybe add a new oil diffuser to your space, bring flowers inside, or light a favorite candle.
As an HSP, I tend to get my best work done in complete silence so I usually don’t have music on during the day. I also go on a lot of walks without my phone. I recently realized that meant I hadn’t been taking advantage of opportunities to listen to my favorite songs or calming sounds. So my sensory self care activity has become taking a few minutes to meditate with calming sounds or just play old favorites on Spotify. Try a scenic drive or get lost in the work of your favorite visual artist. Cook one of your favorite comfort foods and just enjoy the taste. Wrap yourself up in your favorite blanket. Essentially, take a moment to think of which sense you haven’t tended too much lately and find a way to nurture it!
talk about something that excites you
You might want to journal first to explore what’s most inspiring and exciting to you at this time in your life. It can be a big life’s dream or just something you’re looking forward to. Then, make time to connect with someone you love talking to – a friend who always supports your dreams, someone with a mutual love of X – and allow yourself to explore these ideas that sometimes get pushed aside or taken for granted within the overwhelm of daily life.
Again, I know these self care activities are not exclusively beneficial to the sensitive person. But I do know from experience that if highly sensitive people don’t take the time to do mindfulness exercises and simple practices like the above, we can easily succumb to the overwhelm of an overstimulated society – these practices help to calm and center us while allowing us to feel inspired and lifted in a more positive way. I hope these resonate!
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