An HSP, or highly sensitive person, is someone who experiences the world with heightened sensitivity to various stimuli such as loud noises and emotions. Many highly sensitive people describe themselves as empaths because they’re especially attuned to other people’s moods and feelings. They can often figure out what others are thinking or feeling based on intuition alone.
However, being so in touch with their environment and emotions can be distressing for highly sensitive people. Many empaths wish they could turn the dial down on their sensitivity to prevent feelings of overstimulation and emotional overwhelm. If this description of HSPs resonated with you, here are 10 undeniable signs you’re an empath.
1. Intense Empathy
You feel emotions deeply, sometimes to the extent that you can sense what people around you are going through without them expressing it verbally. Your tendency to absorb the moods and feelings of loved ones can sometimes lead to emotional burnout.
According to Healthline, grounding techniques like meditation, guided imagery, and deep breathing can help you create healthy emotional separation between yourself and others.
2. Overwhelmed in Crowds
Large crowds and noisy environments can be overstimulating for you. Highly sensitive people often have a harder time filtering out and ignoring background noise like conversations.
This can cause you to feel drained or exhausted after spending time in busy, loud venues like restaurants and malls. Enjoying some relaxation and downtime after an outing can help you recharge your batteries.
3. Strong Intuition
Highly sensitive people often have strong gut feelings about people and situations. Listening to your intuition can help you make decisions that are more aligned with your values and life goals.
4. Sensitive to Stimuli
Highly sensitive people can also have stronger reactions to stimuli than others. You may find bright lights, overpowering scents, and coarse textures more jarring than the average person. Remember that it’s ok to go outside and take a break if you get overwhelmed or uncomfortable in a certain situation or environment.
5. Deep Emotional Responses
You have deep emotional responses not only to your own lived experiences, but also to the personal stories of others. You may find yourself crying while watching sad movies or reading news stories. The emotions of those around you can also profoundly affect your mood and state of mind. So it’s important to surround yourself with positive people who uplift you.
6. Need for Alone Time
As an empath, you need regular time alone to recharge and process your emotions. Mindful activities like reading, meditating, and spending time in nature can help you reflect and recenter. Finding hobbies you enjoy can also refill your cup when you’re feeling uninspired and drained.
7. Trouble Maintaining Boundaries
As a highly sensitive person, you easily absorb the moods and emotions of others and feel deep compassion for them. Your strong desire to help friends, loved ones, and even strangers makes you a caring, understanding person.
However, it’s important to maintain boundaries for your own well-being so you don’t burn out. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so remember to practice self-care and avoid stretching yourself too thin.
8. Being a Good Listener
People often turn to you to share their problems because you’re a good listener, providing comfort and understanding. Friends, loved ones, and even strangers feel comfortable opening up to you and revealing their personal challenges.
However, your friendships can easily tip into feeling unbalanced if you’re the one doing all the listening and cheerleading. It’s important for you to find mutually supportive relationships that give you a safe space and outlet for your emotions.
9. Avoidance of Conflict
According to Verywellmind, highly sensitive people tend to avoid conflict and tense situations because they can be emotionally overwhelming. Empaths might feel physical symptoms in response to arguments, such as headaches or stomach pains.
If you feel close to your breaking point during a disagreement, try stepping away and taking a break. Communicate your need for respectful, calm communication even in the midst of disagreements. If a loved one resorts to yelling or name-calling, don’t be afraid to assert your boundaries and walk away until they calm down.
10. Love of Nature and Animals
Highly sensitive people often report enjoying a deep connection to nature and animals. Spending time outdoors in a beautiful location makes empaths feel more grounded and at peace. Pets are also a source of comfort when emotions or stimuli become overwhelming. The calming presence of a beloved dog or cat can help highly sensitive people recenter and emotionally regulate.
Highly Sensitive People Are Uniquely Valuable
Highly sensitive people have valuable traits that contribute to society. Their empathy and understanding help make the world a better, kinder place. Although being an HSP can feel overwhelming at times, remember that this personality type isn’t a character flaw.
You can thrive as an empath even in a world that isn’t designed for you. By understanding yourself and learning to manage your heightened emotions and intuition, you can embrace your empathic nature in ways that enhance your life rather than detract from it.
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Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.