Highly Sensitive Person? Here’s How to Cope

Do loud noises make you anxious? Do strong smells, bright lights, or crowded spaces drain you fast? Do you feel everything deeply — even other people’s moods? You might be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) — and that’s not a flaw. It’s a different way of processing the world. Here’s how to manage life as an HSP without feeling overwhelmed or broken. 1. Understand Your Sensory Limits HSPs process stimulation more deeply — that includes sounds, textures, smells, and emotional energy. Once you recognize this, you can: Use noise-canceling headphones Avoid harsh lighting Limit multitasking environments It’s not avoidance. It’s smart energy management. 2. Build “Recovery Time” Into Your Day After a meeting, commute, or intense conversation — your brain needs to decompress. Schedule buffer time before jumping into the next thing. Silence isn’t empty. It’s your fuel. 3. Create a Calm-Down Toolkit Have a go-to list for when the world gets too loud: Soft blankets Gentle music...