So much of this resonates with me, I’ve long suspected Im a highly sensitive person. Working in a school was the final nail in the coffin for me, I struggled on for eight years before r itch was enough and I needed my life back. Also, maybe recovery isn’t linear, maybe it’s a really tipsy turvy role. Maybe you are recovered it just looks different to how you expect? Beautiful post I look forward to reading more!
Thank you so much for your kind comment! 🩷 I'm glad it resonated with you. Being an HSP comes with its challenges, doesn't it? Working at a school as a highly sensitive person is difficult for several reasons, I can imagine! I hope you've found a better suited workplace.
I think you are right, recovery isn’t linear, and you might have a point there, too, asking if it just looks different to my expectations. Maybe it's the new normal and that’s fine? So much is still possible and I love my new life anyway (most of the time 😉). So not comparing to my earlier life might be a good idea. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Just finding moments for yourself where you enjoy the sun may be a relief and a good start. But I can very much relate. It's not easy to prioritise our own well-being when we are so used to taking care of others first. For me it was a longer learning process (and still is, although it got better). ☀️🌷
I can relate to so much of what you say Claudia. We do have to remind ourselves there is nothing wrong with us. We were never meant to live an eternal summer all year round. After all nature rests. Thank you for sharing 🌻
Thank you for your kind words! 🌷 I'm glad you can relate. It's so good to know that one isn’t alone with this, that others share similar experiences and also struggle sometimes. You are right, of course, a good reminder! 🩷
I recognise so much of myself and what happened to me in this article. I think it's less about mental health than nervous system dysregulation. It sounds as if you're in or on the edge of 'flight' mode a lot of the time as I was. I've also realised that I don't want to be who I was before I had a so called breakdown as being that way caused my 'positive disintegration'. I'm 6 years on from having to retire and give up my business and it's a tough road, but I learn something every day that moves me on. Take care of you and do whatever you need to do to stay balanced and calm. Deb Dana's book Anchored is brilliant if you haven’t read it too 🙂 Karen
Thank you so much for your kind and supporting comment! 🩷 It's such a relief to hear from others who have experienced similar things. I feel seen and understood. And you are right with your interpretation. I am indeed in ‘flight’ mode a lot of the time. Not always, but when it happens, like three weeks ago, it stays a while this way. Not a good feeling, for sure. It's a recurring mode, so to speak. Everything is fine, until something ‘triggers’ that response. I'll definitely need some more or better tools to deal with this, so thanks for your book recommendation! 😊 Wishing you all the best for your journey! 🌷☀️
You're definitely not alone in your experiences and it takes a lot of repetition to break habits that we've had for years. I have to practice letting go of self criticism and always try to be kind and compassionate to myself, particularly when I'm triggered. I also found Pete Walker's book about cptsd excellent too. Sending good wishes 🙏 ✨️
Thank you so much, Karen! You are right, of course, it takes a lot of time and practice to unlearn old habits and establish new ones. It's frustrating sometimes, but so worth it! I'm also still in the process of learning to be kind and compassionate to myself when I'm in a bad place. It's astounding that something that is so easy when it's about other people can at the same time be quite difficult when it would be helpful to aim it at myself as well. Work in progress, but hopefully we are getting better. 💖 And thanks for another recommendation, I'll take a look at that book as well.
I relate to this so much. Fellow high sensitive person here 👋 the big change came for me when I just accepted that that's who I am. I always thought there was something wrong with me because I couldn't do as much as others. Now I know, if I'm forcing myself to do too many social outings or activities then people aren't getting the best of me. Friends may need to wait a bit longer to see me, but at least they're getting the best version of me. I don't go out late at night anymore because that means my next day will be useless. It's just about knowing your limits and being ok with that.
Thank you for your wise words, Sophie! 🩷 Acceptance is definitely key. It doesn't help to fight it anyway, it only makes it worse. I should be old enough to know that by now. 😉 I think, in my case it's the episodes of depression and/or a dysfunctional nervous system that add to the mix - and I'm not sure that I'm ready to accept to be limited by that (yet). 😄 Glad you find a good way to live according to your wants and needs! ✨
Claudia, thanks for sharing this, and I hope that energy will slowly return when you give yourself the time to rest! I think so much in our world is set up to be overwhelming and stressful - as you say, everything grabbing at our attention from all sides, the internet, but also all the bad things happening in the world at the moment. Even if we try to avoid the news, I think there is a sense of gloom/threat that can place a burden on you that you carry every day. I believe that all this isn't really a suitable environment for humans - so many people struggle - and it feels worse if you're a sensitive person or go/went though a difficult phase in life, like you did. I think we can try our best to change our own small environments, simplifying our lives & setting boundaries as you say, but it is hard sometimes!
I can relate to a lot of this (including what you say about an intense friendship, in fact). I am lucky to have quite some energy for activities I can mostly do on my own terms (work, volunteering, outdoor activities) - I am grateful for that every day. But I am often near my limit because I have an extreme sense of responsibility and try to do too much. I get more overwhelmed than exhausted - I have a lot of things running through my brain and pulling at me from all sides. My social energy is much lower than my "work energy"; having someone visit or going to a conference is absolutely draining.
I think boundaries are a key issue, at least for me - if we let too much "in", it's not surprising that things quickly become too much. I feel that if I had better mental boundaries, i.e. if I was be able to actively reject other people's unwanted expectations, judgements, thoughts, then I would feel less overwhelmed and tolerate more social interaction. I guess it's possible to learn that to some extent, but it is probably a lifelong process.
I am glad you have energy for some things you enjoy, like writing (also for selfish reasons, because I like your texts :))! All the best!
Hannah, you did it again. :) I'm always fascinated by how your comments here or posts / replies over on your blog keep inspiring me to think about many topics I'd love to look into more closely. So many aha-experiences (can you say that in English? Otherwise let's say 'sudden insights'.). :)
I can relate very much to the 'extreme sense of responsibility' on so many levels, for example. I had two pages of notes scribbled down for a reply, but decided to write a proper post about this topic next instead. Luckily you like my texts (thank you!), so you maybe don't mind to wait some more days to read it. ;-)
Also the "work energy" vs. "social energy", a very interesting observation, I feel the same. I keep wondering why I've worked so long in places with constant customer interaction (retail, library ...). Having assumed that my energy level in general is low, but that's not true at all. When I am able to work from home, reading, preparing my texts, writing etc., it's perfectly fine and I can work for hours on end.
I'm glad that there are people out there who get that burden one can feel as a very sensitive person, the threat/gloom, although right here right now in this very moment in my life nothing serious 'actually' threatens me. But still ...
Boundaries are a key issue for me too. But instead of the constant fight to keep my boundaries up, I'd also love to have more 'activities / things' (not the right words, but maybe you understand anyway) in my life that I can draw energy from, like being out in nature alone more often and for longer, not just going for walks nearby. If I can overcome my fear, I could imagine that it could give me a lot. I'm working on that. :)
Thank you for sharing your own experiences! I'm glad that you have found ways to live your life and do what is important to you that are a good match with your energy.
Thanks Claudia, it makes me so happy to read that what I write resonates sometimes, because I don't always find it easy to get my thoughts across.
I'm very curious to read about your thoughts on "sense of responsibility"... I often wonder how other people deal with this! Especially in a world where many other people take *too little* responsibility (I feel), it is so difficult to find balance. I am also planning a post related to this, but more in the specific context of volunteering.
Yes, I get that, about the customer-facing job (I remember reading a post about your work - it stressed me even just as a reader!)... It can be so hard to figure these things out - apparently being social is the norm that is rarely questioned (which seems surprising given how many introverted people there are). If I think about it, I notice that throughout life (kindergarten, school, work) there is the assumption that we're fine to be around people all day long; nobody ever suggests that we might need a break from them.
Anyway, I hope you keep going with your nature walks!! It's true, they make all those other things better...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I absolutely agree on several points (no surprises here ;-)).
I've also always found it difficult to come to terms with my perceived experience that many other people take *too little* responsibility , both on a large and small scale.
Yes, exactly, about what you said about being social is the norm and where does that leave the introverts? I am so relieved that there was no all-day childcare in Germany when I was at kindergarten and school. The horror! I don't know how I would have got through it!
Well, we may be many introverted people, but we are a minority nevertheless and being introverted is still not be seen as a desirable trait, rather something you should outgrow as fast as possible, it's seen as a hindrance. That was my experience at least. I heard that a lot - most recently last year. It was actually the reason I started blogging. I was so angry after that one incident that people still think introverts have nothing valuable to say, that they have to grow out of it, adapt to mainstream society and don't need to be listened to. (But that's a topic for another post ... ;-))
I have saved this to come back to time and time again. I am in a very similar position; I have been doing my (high-stress although it shouldn’t be) job for over 7 years now and have been flirting with burnout for at least 6 of those years. It’s the number one reason I believe I developed a chronic illness and, like you, I am highly sensitive so I think I was probably prone to this anyway. My nervous system has never been what I would call robust 😂 I hope you’re doing much better now and thank you for your bravery in sharing this story. It’s healing to hear from other people who experience similar things so thank you.
Thank you so much for you comment, Victoria! 💗 It's so reassuring to hear from others with similar experiences, so thank you for sharing! I'm so sorry to hear how long you've been under so much strain and that it's already made you ill. It sounds terrible! 😢 Do you have a strategy to change jobs or doing something else entirely?
I can absolutely relate to not having a nervous system that one wouldn't call robust. 😅 Quite tricky to deal with, right?
This post was quite spontaneous, to be honest. I originally wanted to write about something completely different. But this 'limited energy' topic was so acute and so pressing that I sat down in the morning and wrote it all down and published it in the evening without much editing. So this is my rawest and most honest (and perhaps bravest - as you perceived it) post do date. For better or worse! 😅
I really relate to your experience, Claudia. It’s such a delicate balance between what we want to do and what our bodies and minds can handle. What really stands out to me is your approach to boundaries and the gentleness you’ve shown yourself. I’ve had to do the same e.g. no longer watching the news, preferring the sound of silence when I'm working, and even wearing sunglasses in my local supermarket to stay grounded. You’re doing such an important thing by sharing your story. It’s not always easy to talk about limitations, but it’s so valuable to hear that we’re not alone in feeling this way 💛
Thank you, Dana! 🩷 Also for sharing how you've adapted to stay grounded.
I think, you are right, we usually don't like to talk about limitations, it may be not that easy to admit. It's also a much nicer story to tell in hindsight about having overcome a difficult phase in our lives, when all the drama and difficulties are behind us and we seem to have everything under control again. But I think it's also important to talk about setbacks and limits and that the struggle might continue. It's human to have ups and downs and that finding our way may remain an ongoing process and that that's okay.
I'm so very grateful for people sharing their thoughts and stories here as well. It's a wonderful support!
I so hear you as a struggling (introvert) HSP too. It's not that easy to constantly trying to balance your energy, make choices what to do and what not, feeling misunderstood. It's not that easy, but I'm also trying to see it as a kind of gift. Big virtual hug! 💕
Thank you so much, Hilda! 💕Trying to see it as a gift is definitely a good idea, although I keep struggling with that from time to time. But I think it depends on how you are able to build a life in which you can bring the very many positive sides of being highly sensitive forward. And there are many, many positive sides! It just seems that the world often doesn’t value them or that it’s a struggle to be not be overwhelmed by a modern world not designed for our needs. No wonder that we feel drawn to nature, slow living etc. It simply suits us more. 🌳
It’s so good to talk to fellow HSPs about the struggle and the gift! 🩷
Oh this is great Claudia, I can relate to everything you've written! It's so hard to balance energy isn't it. And I so agree about the supermarkets, yesterday I went to 4 shops in a row and was that drained from it, I needed a nap afterwards 😅
It's always a work in progress, trial and error to see what works for us. Oh yes the small talk too, so trivial! I have found when talking with patients at work, that recently I've been asking more open questions and the conversations have been much more interesting!
Thank you so much for your comment, Hayley! It's so good to know that others feel the same way or have similar experiences. Oh, I can so relate to 4 shops in a row and needing a nap afterwards. 😅
Also I forgot to say, obviously it's different for everyone, but in particular what most helps with regulating my nervous system is daily meditation - letting all my anxious thoughts come and go while staying grounded in the one position with calm, slow breathing and then yoga, but specifically the yoginimelbourne channel. Paula radiates such a genuine calm nourishment, I always feel so much calmer and refreshed afterwards. I'm only recently able to start gentle exercise again as even yoga was making me feel dizzy, but Paula's wonderful practices are perfect. I usually just do ones from her monthly plaudits so I don't have to spend too much energy deciding which one to do.
Anyway all this to say, it's helpful to find the things that ground and nourish you daily for days that are trickier. 🙏❤️
Thank you so much for sharing what works for you, Hayley! It's great that you've found things that help you with regulating your nervous system and that nourish you! ❤️
Unfortunately, meditation isn't working for me. I've tried it a lot in the past 25 years, but it wasn't helpful. I'm probably doing it wrong or something 😅 , it seems to work for so many people. But I'll check out the YT channel that you mentioned. Thanks! 😊
Ah there is no wrong way! Gelong Thubten really explains it well on youtube and makes it accessible for us all taking that pressure away. But yeah it's about finding things we connect with that help us get through the days. 🙏✨️
Thank you so much for the recommendation! I've just watched a ninety-minute lecture by Gelong Thubten on YouTube. Wow, that was eye-opening and reassuring at the same time! It just blew me away, I almost cried. 🙏✨️
So much of this resonates with me, I’ve long suspected Im a highly sensitive person. Working in a school was the final nail in the coffin for me, I struggled on for eight years before r itch was enough and I needed my life back. Also, maybe recovery isn’t linear, maybe it’s a really tipsy turvy role. Maybe you are recovered it just looks different to how you expect? Beautiful post I look forward to reading more!
Thank you so much for your kind comment! 🩷 I'm glad it resonated with you. Being an HSP comes with its challenges, doesn't it? Working at a school as a highly sensitive person is difficult for several reasons, I can imagine! I hope you've found a better suited workplace.
I think you are right, recovery isn’t linear, and you might have a point there, too, asking if it just looks different to my expectations. Maybe it's the new normal and that’s fine? So much is still possible and I love my new life anyway (most of the time 😉). So not comparing to my earlier life might be a good idea. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
This is absolutely me right now. I just want to be left alone to sit in the sun.
Sometimes sitting in the sun is the best remedy. Wishing you a calm and peaceful time! Take good care of yourself! 💛
Thank you. Making time for myself is extremely difficult for me. Got too used to taking care of others. But I love the spring sunshine.
Just finding moments for yourself where you enjoy the sun may be a relief and a good start. But I can very much relate. It's not easy to prioritise our own well-being when we are so used to taking care of others first. For me it was a longer learning process (and still is, although it got better). ☀️🌷
I can relate to so much of what you say Claudia. We do have to remind ourselves there is nothing wrong with us. We were never meant to live an eternal summer all year round. After all nature rests. Thank you for sharing 🌻
Thank you for your kind words! 🌷 I'm glad you can relate. It's so good to know that one isn’t alone with this, that others share similar experiences and also struggle sometimes. You are right, of course, a good reminder! 🩷
I recognise so much of myself and what happened to me in this article. I think it's less about mental health than nervous system dysregulation. It sounds as if you're in or on the edge of 'flight' mode a lot of the time as I was. I've also realised that I don't want to be who I was before I had a so called breakdown as being that way caused my 'positive disintegration'. I'm 6 years on from having to retire and give up my business and it's a tough road, but I learn something every day that moves me on. Take care of you and do whatever you need to do to stay balanced and calm. Deb Dana's book Anchored is brilliant if you haven’t read it too 🙂 Karen
Thank you so much for your kind and supporting comment! 🩷 It's such a relief to hear from others who have experienced similar things. I feel seen and understood. And you are right with your interpretation. I am indeed in ‘flight’ mode a lot of the time. Not always, but when it happens, like three weeks ago, it stays a while this way. Not a good feeling, for sure. It's a recurring mode, so to speak. Everything is fine, until something ‘triggers’ that response. I'll definitely need some more or better tools to deal with this, so thanks for your book recommendation! 😊 Wishing you all the best for your journey! 🌷☀️
You're definitely not alone in your experiences and it takes a lot of repetition to break habits that we've had for years. I have to practice letting go of self criticism and always try to be kind and compassionate to myself, particularly when I'm triggered. I also found Pete Walker's book about cptsd excellent too. Sending good wishes 🙏 ✨️
Thank you so much, Karen! You are right, of course, it takes a lot of time and practice to unlearn old habits and establish new ones. It's frustrating sometimes, but so worth it! I'm also still in the process of learning to be kind and compassionate to myself when I'm in a bad place. It's astounding that something that is so easy when it's about other people can at the same time be quite difficult when it would be helpful to aim it at myself as well. Work in progress, but hopefully we are getting better. 💖 And thanks for another recommendation, I'll take a look at that book as well.
I relate to this so much. Fellow high sensitive person here 👋 the big change came for me when I just accepted that that's who I am. I always thought there was something wrong with me because I couldn't do as much as others. Now I know, if I'm forcing myself to do too many social outings or activities then people aren't getting the best of me. Friends may need to wait a bit longer to see me, but at least they're getting the best version of me. I don't go out late at night anymore because that means my next day will be useless. It's just about knowing your limits and being ok with that.
Thank you for your wise words, Sophie! 🩷 Acceptance is definitely key. It doesn't help to fight it anyway, it only makes it worse. I should be old enough to know that by now. 😉 I think, in my case it's the episodes of depression and/or a dysfunctional nervous system that add to the mix - and I'm not sure that I'm ready to accept to be limited by that (yet). 😄 Glad you find a good way to live according to your wants and needs! ✨
Claudia, thanks for sharing this, and I hope that energy will slowly return when you give yourself the time to rest! I think so much in our world is set up to be overwhelming and stressful - as you say, everything grabbing at our attention from all sides, the internet, but also all the bad things happening in the world at the moment. Even if we try to avoid the news, I think there is a sense of gloom/threat that can place a burden on you that you carry every day. I believe that all this isn't really a suitable environment for humans - so many people struggle - and it feels worse if you're a sensitive person or go/went though a difficult phase in life, like you did. I think we can try our best to change our own small environments, simplifying our lives & setting boundaries as you say, but it is hard sometimes!
I can relate to a lot of this (including what you say about an intense friendship, in fact). I am lucky to have quite some energy for activities I can mostly do on my own terms (work, volunteering, outdoor activities) - I am grateful for that every day. But I am often near my limit because I have an extreme sense of responsibility and try to do too much. I get more overwhelmed than exhausted - I have a lot of things running through my brain and pulling at me from all sides. My social energy is much lower than my "work energy"; having someone visit or going to a conference is absolutely draining.
I think boundaries are a key issue, at least for me - if we let too much "in", it's not surprising that things quickly become too much. I feel that if I had better mental boundaries, i.e. if I was be able to actively reject other people's unwanted expectations, judgements, thoughts, then I would feel less overwhelmed and tolerate more social interaction. I guess it's possible to learn that to some extent, but it is probably a lifelong process.
I am glad you have energy for some things you enjoy, like writing (also for selfish reasons, because I like your texts :))! All the best!
Hannah, you did it again. :) I'm always fascinated by how your comments here or posts / replies over on your blog keep inspiring me to think about many topics I'd love to look into more closely. So many aha-experiences (can you say that in English? Otherwise let's say 'sudden insights'.). :)
I can relate very much to the 'extreme sense of responsibility' on so many levels, for example. I had two pages of notes scribbled down for a reply, but decided to write a proper post about this topic next instead. Luckily you like my texts (thank you!), so you maybe don't mind to wait some more days to read it. ;-)
Also the "work energy" vs. "social energy", a very interesting observation, I feel the same. I keep wondering why I've worked so long in places with constant customer interaction (retail, library ...). Having assumed that my energy level in general is low, but that's not true at all. When I am able to work from home, reading, preparing my texts, writing etc., it's perfectly fine and I can work for hours on end.
I'm glad that there are people out there who get that burden one can feel as a very sensitive person, the threat/gloom, although right here right now in this very moment in my life nothing serious 'actually' threatens me. But still ...
Boundaries are a key issue for me too. But instead of the constant fight to keep my boundaries up, I'd also love to have more 'activities / things' (not the right words, but maybe you understand anyway) in my life that I can draw energy from, like being out in nature alone more often and for longer, not just going for walks nearby. If I can overcome my fear, I could imagine that it could give me a lot. I'm working on that. :)
Thank you for sharing your own experiences! I'm glad that you have found ways to live your life and do what is important to you that are a good match with your energy.
Thanks Claudia, it makes me so happy to read that what I write resonates sometimes, because I don't always find it easy to get my thoughts across.
I'm very curious to read about your thoughts on "sense of responsibility"... I often wonder how other people deal with this! Especially in a world where many other people take *too little* responsibility (I feel), it is so difficult to find balance. I am also planning a post related to this, but more in the specific context of volunteering.
Yes, I get that, about the customer-facing job (I remember reading a post about your work - it stressed me even just as a reader!)... It can be so hard to figure these things out - apparently being social is the norm that is rarely questioned (which seems surprising given how many introverted people there are). If I think about it, I notice that throughout life (kindergarten, school, work) there is the assumption that we're fine to be around people all day long; nobody ever suggests that we might need a break from them.
Anyway, I hope you keep going with your nature walks!! It's true, they make all those other things better...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I absolutely agree on several points (no surprises here ;-)).
I've also always found it difficult to come to terms with my perceived experience that many other people take *too little* responsibility , both on a large and small scale.
Yes, exactly, about what you said about being social is the norm and where does that leave the introverts? I am so relieved that there was no all-day childcare in Germany when I was at kindergarten and school. The horror! I don't know how I would have got through it!
Well, we may be many introverted people, but we are a minority nevertheless and being introverted is still not be seen as a desirable trait, rather something you should outgrow as fast as possible, it's seen as a hindrance. That was my experience at least. I heard that a lot - most recently last year. It was actually the reason I started blogging. I was so angry after that one incident that people still think introverts have nothing valuable to say, that they have to grow out of it, adapt to mainstream society and don't need to be listened to. (But that's a topic for another post ... ;-))
I have saved this to come back to time and time again. I am in a very similar position; I have been doing my (high-stress although it shouldn’t be) job for over 7 years now and have been flirting with burnout for at least 6 of those years. It’s the number one reason I believe I developed a chronic illness and, like you, I am highly sensitive so I think I was probably prone to this anyway. My nervous system has never been what I would call robust 😂 I hope you’re doing much better now and thank you for your bravery in sharing this story. It’s healing to hear from other people who experience similar things so thank you.
Thank you so much for you comment, Victoria! 💗 It's so reassuring to hear from others with similar experiences, so thank you for sharing! I'm so sorry to hear how long you've been under so much strain and that it's already made you ill. It sounds terrible! 😢 Do you have a strategy to change jobs or doing something else entirely?
I can absolutely relate to not having a nervous system that one wouldn't call robust. 😅 Quite tricky to deal with, right?
This post was quite spontaneous, to be honest. I originally wanted to write about something completely different. But this 'limited energy' topic was so acute and so pressing that I sat down in the morning and wrote it all down and published it in the evening without much editing. So this is my rawest and most honest (and perhaps bravest - as you perceived it) post do date. For better or worse! 😅
I really relate to your experience, Claudia. It’s such a delicate balance between what we want to do and what our bodies and minds can handle. What really stands out to me is your approach to boundaries and the gentleness you’ve shown yourself. I’ve had to do the same e.g. no longer watching the news, preferring the sound of silence when I'm working, and even wearing sunglasses in my local supermarket to stay grounded. You’re doing such an important thing by sharing your story. It’s not always easy to talk about limitations, but it’s so valuable to hear that we’re not alone in feeling this way 💛
Thank you, Dana! 🩷 Also for sharing how you've adapted to stay grounded.
I think, you are right, we usually don't like to talk about limitations, it may be not that easy to admit. It's also a much nicer story to tell in hindsight about having overcome a difficult phase in our lives, when all the drama and difficulties are behind us and we seem to have everything under control again. But I think it's also important to talk about setbacks and limits and that the struggle might continue. It's human to have ups and downs and that finding our way may remain an ongoing process and that that's okay.
I'm so very grateful for people sharing their thoughts and stories here as well. It's a wonderful support!
I so hear you as a struggling (introvert) HSP too. It's not that easy to constantly trying to balance your energy, make choices what to do and what not, feeling misunderstood. It's not that easy, but I'm also trying to see it as a kind of gift. Big virtual hug! 💕
Thank you so much, Hilda! 💕Trying to see it as a gift is definitely a good idea, although I keep struggling with that from time to time. But I think it depends on how you are able to build a life in which you can bring the very many positive sides of being highly sensitive forward. And there are many, many positive sides! It just seems that the world often doesn’t value them or that it’s a struggle to be not be overwhelmed by a modern world not designed for our needs. No wonder that we feel drawn to nature, slow living etc. It simply suits us more. 🌳
It’s so good to talk to fellow HSPs about the struggle and the gift! 🩷
Yes, it is! 💕
Oh this is great Claudia, I can relate to everything you've written! It's so hard to balance energy isn't it. And I so agree about the supermarkets, yesterday I went to 4 shops in a row and was that drained from it, I needed a nap afterwards 😅
It's always a work in progress, trial and error to see what works for us. Oh yes the small talk too, so trivial! I have found when talking with patients at work, that recently I've been asking more open questions and the conversations have been much more interesting!
Thank you so much for your comment, Hayley! It's so good to know that others feel the same way or have similar experiences. Oh, I can so relate to 4 shops in a row and needing a nap afterwards. 😅
Also I forgot to say, obviously it's different for everyone, but in particular what most helps with regulating my nervous system is daily meditation - letting all my anxious thoughts come and go while staying grounded in the one position with calm, slow breathing and then yoga, but specifically the yoginimelbourne channel. Paula radiates such a genuine calm nourishment, I always feel so much calmer and refreshed afterwards. I'm only recently able to start gentle exercise again as even yoga was making me feel dizzy, but Paula's wonderful practices are perfect. I usually just do ones from her monthly plaudits so I don't have to spend too much energy deciding which one to do.
Anyway all this to say, it's helpful to find the things that ground and nourish you daily for days that are trickier. 🙏❤️
Thank you so much for sharing what works for you, Hayley! It's great that you've found things that help you with regulating your nervous system and that nourish you! ❤️
Unfortunately, meditation isn't working for me. I've tried it a lot in the past 25 years, but it wasn't helpful. I'm probably doing it wrong or something 😅 , it seems to work for so many people. But I'll check out the YT channel that you mentioned. Thanks! 😊
Ah there is no wrong way! Gelong Thubten really explains it well on youtube and makes it accessible for us all taking that pressure away. But yeah it's about finding things we connect with that help us get through the days. 🙏✨️
Thank you so much for the recommendation! I've just watched a ninety-minute lecture by Gelong Thubten on YouTube. Wow, that was eye-opening and reassuring at the same time! It just blew me away, I almost cried. 🙏✨️
The way he phrases things is so accessible and relatable. You're welcome xxx