Highly Sensitive People on overload can end up crashed, shut down, physically sick with an upset stomach or migraine and often in tears. It is so important for HSPs to recognize when they are in a situation that is causing overload and find ways to manage it.

It’s ok to not be ok.

And it’s ok to do something about it.

Overload can feel different from person to person. Some signs can be eye strain, head pressure, gut discomfort or maybe you just can’t really follow the conversation in the room. Whatever it is for you, listen to your body and know when you need to shift out of the overload.

Make a plan ahead of time for what actions you are going to take when you recognize overload.

• Double word statements like “stop stop”, “cancel cancel”, or “shift shift” can help interrupt the negative pattern and help your brain move into fix-it mode.
• Focus on how you’re breathing and change it…breathe in for a count of 3, hold for 4, breathe out slowly.
• Take a break, get out of the room, find a place quiet to recenter or take a walk outside. Once your body has calmed down, re-engage if you can.
• If you can’t, it’s ok to leave the situation altogether. Some situations are just too much and if you aren’t able to calm the overload, you can get out of it. It’s ok to take care of yourself. No – it’s important to take care of yourself.

Remember – you are wired differently from most people. You have qualities that make you special – you are kind, compassionate, intelligent and creative; but that means you also have different needs.

For some people, being ok means bring the center of attention or engaging in long, drawn out conversation. That doesn’t mean you have to do that.

You need balance. You need structure. You need grounding, and quiet, and calm.

Take care of yourself. You are worth it.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14