HSP Life: Tired of Overstimulation

I understand why HSPs sometimes just shake their heads and say that they are "tired of being highly sensitive."

Don't get me wrong, I haven't suddenly had a change of heart and joined the ranks of "I hate being an HSP" supporters... it's just that I "get" how exhausting it can be to feel overstimulated all the time, or most of the time. 

Maybe it's just the fact that we are in the middle of the holidays that are causing me to feel this way... after all, this is the "loud and bright" part of the year. So do take what I say here with that perspective in mind.

We've had visitors, and we have had family, and we have been invited to various events, some of which we felt we "had to" go to because they were put on by organizations we are part of, and support.

Meanwhile, the New Year is immediately ahead, with more "celebrations" which — at least for me — presents more "opportunities" for overstimulation. 

There are two main things that have changed for me, over the years.

One, I regularly remind myself that these seasonal bouts of overstimulating activities are precisely that: Seasonal. There's an end in sight. Knowing that I will be able to take a well deserved rest at the end of all this is very helpful, like having a "goal" to work towards.

Two, I have changed the way my life is put together. That has been a slow and gradual process — one that began with simply realizing that I am not like other people... and that is OK! Sure, there will be some raised eyebrows and furrowed brows along the way, but so what? This is you, living your life... you're not living someone else's life!

Chances are that we cannot entirely eliminate overstimulation from our lives, but we can do our best to manage it in a way that helps us navigate being HSPs. 

Happy Holidays!