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Highly Sensitive? 8 Steps To Stop Overwhelm And Take Action

When you’re highly sensitive turbulent times like what we’re experiencing now  can be overwhelming.

And I’m going to make a not-so-bold assumption that you’re struggling right now.  Me too.

On bad days, it feels like there is nowhere to turn or even any hope in sight.

On good days, I know that long overdue change is coming.

As I’ve sat to write I get flooded with so many emotions. It’s been difficult to even journal let alone blog.

And I know why…

I’m a Highly Sensitive ENFP

What does that mean?

On a high level, these personality traits are defined as:

• A Highly Sensitive Person is someone who experiences acute physical, mental, or emotional responses to stimuli. Elaine Aron is the psychologist that discovered this trait and the author of The Highly Sensitive Person. If you’re not familiar with her work or need a refresher you can check out her website www.HSPerson.com.
• An ENFP, as defined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, is an Extroverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Perceiving person.

In other words, I’m all feelings.

Even though

I look tough (I’m almost 6 feet tall)
I sound tough
And I am tough

However, because of these traits, I can also get overwhelmed fairly quickly. That’s why heated arguments are hard for me. The emotions are too high. The feelings overtake my thinking and I go right into fight, flight, fog or freeze as the adrenaline hits me. In the moment, I can’t think straight and I start saying things that don’t make sense.

Because of this I tend to avoid verbal conflict.

I know a lot of you have the same temperament to varying degrees. That’s what makes this turbulent time in our history especially tough.

But what if you feel called to action?  Below are 8 tips that calm the overwhelm and allow your sensitive soul to move forward with clarity and confidence.

8 Tips To Calm The Overwhelm

 

• Get Clear| Write out what you believe. Get very clear on where you stand. Pretend you’re having an argument (it’s not that hard right now). What would you say? How would you say it? Why do you believe what you believe?
• Get Grounded Using Tapping | When you’re clear and grounded, your demeanor stays cool. Do a few rounds of tapping to bring down those high emotions (click HERE for a tapping refresher). Then take a deep breath, plant your feet on the ground and remember you don’t have to change anyone’s mind. That’s not your job. Your job is to be clear and grounded. For us, the less said the better. When you know your position, you don’t have to shout to defend it.
• Keep it Simple | Clarity brings simplicity.  Although issues are complex, the core of an argument is typically straightforward. State your case clearly, no need for dramatics.
• Listen Carefully | Although feelers tend to be good listeners when we’re in conflict we can get caught up in “waiting to speak” instead of really listening. Being a good listener takes ground rules.
• Listen with an open mind, an open heart but also with discernment.
• Passion can override actual facts. We can pick up the passion and be swayed.
• Remove distractions so you can focus on what’s being said.
• Curb Interruptions | It’s important to listen but it’s equally as important to be listened TO. To curb someone talking over you, say “stop, I’m not finished.” If they continue, end the conversation, there’s no point in continuing. They are too invested in their point of view.
• Let Your Intuition Be Your Guide | I’ve seen posts or heard arguments that just didn’t ring true even if it was something that I wanted to believe. If your BS meter is going off, check the source even if you want to believe it.
• Watch What You Eat and Drink | What? This is important. Too much sugar, caffeine, alcohol and processed foods will affect your emotions much more than those that aren’t as sensitive. You have to watch it! When I cut back on my cold brew coffee intake my anger level went down.
• Do What You Can | Taking action calms anxiety and anger. If standing in front of crowd with a microphone isn’t your thing, can you join a digital group instead? Host a video conference? Send a text or a postcard? Donate money?  Even a small amount counts. There are more ways now than ever to volunteer and make a difference without leaving your home

Watch The Webinar

I recorded a webinar a few years ago on how to navigate life as an HSP which is still pertinent and I believe you’ll find interesting. If you haven’t watched it, you can view it HERE. It’s my most viewed video on YouTube. Move to the 3 minute mark to skip over the intro.

Sensitivity may seem like a detriment but I know it’s

a strength, a superpower.

My superpower allows me to see many sides of an issue. To empathize. I may not fully know what someone is going through but I can imagine it. Sometimes on a very deep level.

And once I feel it, I have to take action, even if it’s just acknowledging and supporting those that are more vocal. Small steps can create big change.

We may not know what the future holds but I know we have the strength and resiliency to handle it and the tools to take action.

I can feel your smile through your mask! xoxo Eva

 

 

I’m Eva Lewandowski MBA,  a certified Life Coach, certified EFT Practitioner, seminar leader, speaker, co-host of the “Corporate Talk with Charlie and Eva” podcast.  I’m a 30 year veteran of Corporate America, that has worked as an Accountant and IT consultant.  Using the skills I learned in acting classes, life coaching and EFT certification training as well as my own struggle with debilitating stage fright, I created, Stand Up and Be Heard! Public Speaking for Private Professionals, an online, interactive course that teaches professionals how to overcome their fear of the spotlight. I’m also the author of “Put on Your Phone Face: Tips and Techniques for teleconferences and conference calls”.

To learn more about me and my services click here.

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