When Emotional Sensitivity Knocks You Down, Roll Over and Take Charge

Nishi had a tough time in life. People told her all the time that she was “too intense”, “too emotional”, “thinking too much”, “too sensitive”, “too demanding”, “never satisfied”, “perfectionist.” Yes, she was all of this. But, what’s wrong with it? She was just highly sensitive.

Once upon a time, highly sensitive people might have been written off as shy, vulnerable, neurotic people who are easily hurt by comments and actions that are ‘normal’ for most other people. Their emotional over-sensitivity hampers their ability to live a full and happy life.

Did Nishi deserve to believe that there was something seriously wrong with her? No. She could have easily warded off the inconvenience by balancing her sensitivity with common sense, confidence and resilience so that she did not over-react to life's everyday events.

If you are also highly sensitive, follow the tips in this article to manage your emotions better.

Be Your Own Master

Let others just assist you and not rule you. Work on yourself and your life. It might help you to understand the way your mind responds to events. This first step is going to be the most difficult one. Spend time in self-talk and contemplation. Go over whats, hows and whys. Set yourself some ground rules to be in control of your life. “Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do” Benjamin Spock didn’t say this without a purpose.

Explore Your Sensitivity

Understand your situation- know the subjects that make you more sensitive than others. Perhaps you're very sensitive to a particular person or group of people? Does the depth of your usual sensitivity vary? Do you react in a big way or a small way to things you perceive as hurts or emotional harm? It’s your responsibility to look within yourself to see where there are emotional patterns that now need to be changed, to clear the space for even more of your real, loving self to express.

Walk Away

When you begin to make changes in yourself, your relationships will change. Some of them will deepen and others will fall apart. Don’t ever be a victim of someone else’s behaviour, opinion or comments. People who can’t see your light, don’t need to be a part of your life. Let them go for they no longer contribute to your growth and expansion.

Meditate

It helps you explore your sensitivity. Hire an instructor or an experienced friend whose advice is helpful. Meditation can open new pathways inside you, giving you a greater personal understanding of your behaviour. Mindfulness is an excellent format of meditation to look into as you can start to identify the individual feelings, motivations and complexities and address each issue in your own time.

Take Your Own Sweet Time

Before acting, know something really well. Once you understand your sensitivity properly, explore the triggers and take as much time as you need to feel comfortable. Not just the source of your sensitivity is important; you must also have a better apprehension of their impact on your daily life.

Be Brave

Don’t be scared to unpack your sensitivity. Ask yourself whenever the sensitivity occurs, what benefit is it, how is the feeling or the thought chain helping you? If it helps you more, write down the process in your journal but it is recommended that you get used to questioning your sensitivity wherever you may be whether or not you have the opportunity to write it down.

It will take time, but eventually, you will find a foundation to build a balance in your life. Be patient and resourceful with yourself. Sensitivity is a like a habit and you will have to retrain your mind to not get involved. Trust yourself, be patient and don’t let your emotional sensitivity take a toll on your life.

Image Courtesy: Getty 

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