The Covid-19  situation is affecting all of our lives in different ways. For the Highly Sensitive Person, it may seem, on the surface, that this is a great opportunity to enjoy the comfort of staying at home, but it also presents some challenges as well. Dr. Elaine Aron, psychologist and author, coined the term “highly sensitive person” in the late 90s.  Roughly 15-20% of the population possesses this distinct personality trait and genetic difference.  That means, one out of every five people, are hard wired to process everything on a deeper level, and thus become easily overwhelmed. Even in the most average of circumstances, an HSP will reflect on, elaborate on, and make more associations in their mind about what they experience, so, with the increased anxiety all over the country, the stimuli that the HSP is picking up on can be very different than you might imagine and their anxiety  may be triggered by things you would not think of.  For instance, seeing empty toilet paper shelves isn’t as stressful to a highly sensitive person as to the reason the shelves are empty.  It’s a reminder of people’s unkindness and thinking only of themselves.  For an HSP, this is especially disturbing since their entire DNA is hard wired to feel and care for others and also worry about their own emotional responses to stress, which can damage their self-esteem and mental health. So what can a highly sensitive person do to cope during these trying times? 

 

1. Accept Yourself.  You have stronger emotional reactions than other people. Accept them, and don’t bury them or feel ashamed of them, instead, find ways to express them, such as, talking to a friend or writing in a journal.  Mindfulness meditation is another option.

2. Be creative.  Use this time to express yourself through painting, drawing, cooking, gardening, design.

3. Exercise.  According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, exercising helps decrease one’s overall tension, elevate your mood, and improves your sleep as well as your self-esteem.

4. Rest. We often forget that the mind and body are connected.  Absorbing information, processing, and worrying all take their toll on us emotionally, which drains our body’s resources as well.  Make sure you tune out from the news and from socializing, whether it is video chats or facebook or texts.  Make sure you disengage and take some quiet time to re-group.

5. Listen to music.  Try starting off your day with some calming sounds instead of rushing to find out the latest news or to connect with others.  This also might be the ideal time to do a little bit of journaling, let your mind wander and gather itself up again.

6. Feed Your Mind. Read books and articles, watch documentaries and think about things that interest you.  HSPs need an inner life not just an outer one.