If you’ve been following the 5e brand, you’ve likely come across terms like “nervous system regulation” and “highly sensitive person (HSP).” In our last blog post, we explored the autonomic nervous system, what it means when it's dysregulated, and ways to restore balance. In this post, we’re diving deeper into how a dysregulated nervous system can particularly impact highly sensitive people, and how understanding this trait can help you thrive in today’s world.
Here at 5e, we’re passionate about supporting the highly sensitive community. Neva, Audrey Jean, and I are all highly sensitive individuals, and it’s estimated that around 20% of the population shares this trait—though we believe it may actually be more widespread than that. So, what does it mean to be a highly sensitive person?
What Does It Mean to Be a Highly Sensitive Person?
Being an HSP means that your nervous system is more reactive, and your body and mind have different filters for processing external stimuli. This heightened sensitivity makes you more aware and responsive to your environment. For HSPs, this can manifest as intense emotional reactions, sensory sensitivities (such as to touch, noise, smell, or light), and a deeper processing ability of environmental stimuli.
The Gifts and Challenges of Being Highly Sensitive
In today’s society, being a highly sensitive person comes with both gifts and challenges. One of the greatest strengths of HSPs is their deep empathy and the ability to perceive things others may overlook. HSPs often experience a depth of emotions that allow them to connect on a profound level with others, making them incredible friends, partners, and healers.
However, this sensitivity can also make HSPs more vulnerable to overstimulation. Environments that are loud, chaotic, or overly busy can quickly lead to feelings of overwhelm and irritation. This is why it’s crucial for HSPs to recognize when they are becoming dysregulated and take steps to nurture their well-being.
How to Support Yourself as a Highly Sensitive Person
Understanding that you are an HSP can empower you to take action to protect your energy. Learning to tune into your body’s needs, setting clear boundaries, and practicing self-regulation are key.
For example, an HSP can easily pick up on the energy of a room or another person’s emotions. Where others may walk into a space and remain unaffected, an HSP might instantly sense if someone is upset or if there is an unusual tension in the air. This intuitive awareness can be a gift, but it also requires protection.
To thrive as an HSP, it’s essential to:
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Practice somatic techniques to calm overstimulation.
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Use aura or chakra-clearing visualizations to reset your energy.
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Set boundaries in relationships to protect your emotional well-being.
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Engage in regular self-care routines that support nervous system regulation (like taking the Balance tincture daily).
- Create a space filled with glimmers (items that spark safety and joy) to nurture your self-care practice and bring peace to your nervous system.
Remember, being an HSP often means that you are energetically open, making you highly attuned to others’ emotions. This compassion can attract individuals who may take advantage of your caring nature, leaving you feeling drained. It’s important to recognize when your needs are being neglected and to take action by setting firm boundaries.
Are You a Highly Sensitive Person?
If you’re wondering whether you are a highly sensitive person, consider reading The Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine N. Aron, the pioneer who coined the term, and The Empath's Survival Guide by Dr. Judith Orloff. These books are packed with helpful insights and practical tools for managing sensitivity in a world that often doesn’t cater to it.
How 5e Supports Highly Sensitive People
Being a highly sensitive person inspired our creation of the Balance Tincture. At 5e, we take a holistic approach to health, and we’re always developing new tools for our community. The Balance Tincture was born out of our own need for a product that could support the highly sensitive in regulating their nervous system. It’s a formulation we wish we had sooner, and we’re proud to share it with those who feel deeply, as we believe it will make a significant difference in your daily self-care routine.
If you identify as an HSP, we encourage you to explore how the Balance Tincture can become a powerful tool in your self-care kit, just as it has been for us.
Understanding and embracing your sensitivity can be transformative, not only for your emotional health but for your overall well-being. By recognizing the traits of a highly sensitive person, setting boundaries, and incorporating tools like the Balance Tincture, you can begin to thrive in a world that may often feel overwhelming.