13 things you do because you’re a highly sensitive person

By now it’s been established: you’re a highly sensitive person. Whether you required the help of a professional to discover this about yourself or you came to the conclusion on your own, you understand that you feel things deeply.

You’re not alone. This personality trait resonates with about 15 to 20% of the population, according to Psychology Today. 

The term, highly sensitive persons (or HSP) was coined by psychologists Elaine and Arthur Aron in the 1990s. Experts deem HSP individuals have high levels of sensory processing sensitivity. 

They might feel things more deeply, get overwhelmed by intense environments, and have a keen eye for details others might miss. 

If you are an HSP, here are 13 things you often do:

1) Notice subtle changes

Highly sensitive people are more aware of minor changes in their environment that others may overlook. 

This can include a slight change in someone’s tone, a shift in lighting, or the faintest of smells. Your heightened sensitivity to stimuli allows you to be perceptive and alert to nuances. 

While this can sometimes be overwhelming, it’s also a unique strength, allowing you to be intuitive and empathetic.

2) Need time alone

HSPs often require periods of solitude to recover after spending time in high-stimulation environments. 

Similar to an introvert (and some HSPs might very well be introverted), they use this time to recharge their sensory and emotional batteries.

You may find you need some time alone to recover after a hectic day, a bustling party, or an intense conversation.

And this need for solitude isn’t about being antisocial either. You just happen to appreciate the quiet, the calm, the space to breathe, think, and restore your energy.

3) Feel deeply 

Highly sensitive people experience emotions more intensely than others. This can result in deep joy, profound sadness, or potent empathy, depending on the situation.

For me, a self-understood HSP, happiness is pure joy while sadness feels deeply painful. Because I’m a total empath, I always feel like I’m carrying everyone else’s emotions in my heart.

I use this power of feeling to connect with others on a profound level. I consider it my strength! 

However, it can also make me very susceptible to emotional exhaustion. I always remind myself to find healthy outlets for my emotions and strategies for managing my “emotional overwhelm.”

4) Get overwhelmed by sensory inputs

In addition to feeling emotionally overwhelmed, highly sensitive people can also be overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, and crowded places. 

People who embody these qualities may need to step away from such environments to regain balance.

If this is something you experience, you simply need to plan your routines and environments to minimize sensory overload, such as choosing quieter places to work or relax.

5) Have a rich inner life

Highly sensitive people often have an active inner world and are prone to daydreaming, deep introspection, and imaginative thinking.

Sound lovely? As a person who took on writing as a career, I think it is! 

Highly sensitive people often have a vivid inner world. I may find myself daydreaming, reflecting deeply on life, or engaging in imaginative thinking. I can then use this to fuel my writing.

As an HSP, your ability to delve deep into thought and introspection contributes to your creativity, empathy, and understanding of the world. 

6) Are perceptive and observant

Highly sensitive people have a keen ability to pick up on details, spot patterns, and observe changes that others might miss.

With your keen senses, you highly sensitive person, you often notice things that others might miss. 

You’re good at picking up on details, spotting patterns, and observing changes. This skill makes you an excellent listener and a caring friend or partner. 

But it also means that you can become overwhelmed by too many details or changes, so it’s important to take care of your mental energy.

7) Feel empathy strongly

High levels of empathy are a characteristic of HSPs. They often find themselves feeling what others feel and offering deep understanding and compassion.

Your ability to empathize deeply can make you a great friend, partner, or caregiver. 

However, it’s also crucial to establish emotional boundaries to prevent others’ emotions from overwhelming you.

8) Appreciate beauty and art

Many sensitive people have a profound appreciation for art, beauty, and nature. They can be moved deeply by music, visual art, or a breathtaking sunset.

This appreciation for aesthetics can enhance your life and inspire creativity. 

I find this trait of mine to be such a blessing, but I try my best to balance my exposure to both positive and negative stimuli to avoid sensory overload.

9) Seek meaningful relationships

Highly sensitive people prefer deep, meaningful connections over superficial ones. They enjoy sincere emotional expressions and genuine relationships.

This preference for depth in relationships makes you a loyal and empathetic friend or partner.

But, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to have lighter, more casual interactions as well.

10) Are more prone to anxiety or depression

Due to their deep sensitivity, HSPs can be more susceptible to feelings of anxiety or depression.

If you’re an HSP, you might find yourself more affected by negative news, conflict, or personal criticism. This can, in turn, make you spiral. 

Just remember to seek help when you need it. Therapists and counselors can provide strategies for managing these feelings and maintaining your mental health.

11) Are Highly Conscientious

HSPs often take great care in their work to avoid making mistakes, demonstrating high levels of conscientiousness, reliability, and efficiency.

The most sensitive people can be quite meticulous. You’re really good at avoiding mistakes. You aim to do things right. 

Being highly conscientious means you’re also reliable, organized, and efficient. And while this is generally seen as a positive trait, make sure you’re not being too hard on yourself. 

Remind yourself: It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them, and not everything needs to be perfect.

12) Need a peaceful environment

Highly sensitive people prefer environments that are peaceful and comfortable. Chaotic, noisy, or visually distracting environments can feel overwhelming to them.

As an HSP, you’re likely very aware of your surroundings and prefer environments that are peaceful and comfortable. 

Chaotic, noisy, or visually distracting environments can feel overwhelming.

Give yourself a calm and comforting place to retreat to prioritize your well-being. 

13) Protect their loved ones

Highly sensitive people have an innate ability to connect deeply with their loved ones due to their heightened levels of empathy and sensitivity. Because of this, they will be very protective of them.

They provide people they love with empathetic and compassionate support, making their loved ones feel understood and cared for.

They’ll also strive to create such a space for their loved ones, helping them feel calm and safe.

In addition, they’ll also advocate for people in their circle. You’ll see the HSP stand up for others in situations where they may not be able to do so themselves.

What makes someone a highly sensitive person 

If you’ve come to this article because you’re not sure you are a highly sensitive person, here are some key things to know: Each highly sensitive person is unique, and not every HSP will identify with all these behaviors. 

What’s listed above just happen to be common traits that can help you understand whether you might be an HSP.

So, what makes you a highly sensitive person? Well, if you find yourself nodding along to most of these points, you might be an HSP. 

Being highly sensitive is not a flaw, but rather, a unique way of experiencing the world. Your deep feelings, sensitivity to surroundings, and keen perceptiveness are gifts. 

They allow you to experience life’s moments in a rich, meaningful way that others may not. 

It’s important to understand your sensitivity and take steps to protect your energy and mental health. After all, your sensitivity is a superpower in its own beautiful, profound way.

Related:

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• 20 phrases that instantly reveal your emotional intelligence
• If a man has these 15 personality traits, he’s husband material