7 Things HSPs Avoid

What is a “highly sensitive person” or “HSP”?

We all have different personalities and traits, and for some people, their sensitivity sets them apart.

In short, HSPs are individuals who process information and experience emotions more intensely than others on a neurological level. Depending on the situation, this can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, HSPs often have rich inner lives and strong intuition; on the other hand, they can be more easily overwhelmed by noise, strong scents, or violent images.

HSPs are estimated to make up around 15–20% of the population, so chances are you know at least one!

As an individual who identifies as highly sensitive, there are a few things I consciously avoid doing to maintain my well-being. Although I’m sure other highly sensitive people have their unique list, these are 10 things that tend to work for me. If you’re someone who wants to better understand and care for yourself better, maybe some of these will resonate with you as well!

7 Things HSPs Don’t Do (in no particular order)

1. Go anywhere overnight without earplugs (and a sleep mask!)

Sensitive individuals are extra sensitive to noise and light, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. As a result, many HSPs, including myself, travel with earplugs and a sleep mask. While this may seem like a hassle, it’s an essential part of self-care, allowing me to stay healthy and well-rested when away from home.

2. Binge-watch The Walking Dead

Watching a violent or gory movie can be a profoundly distressing experience for highly sensitive people. For HSPs, sights, and sounds of violence can be overwhelming, and the after-effects can linger long after the credits have rolled. As a result, the older I get, the less I prefer content filled with violence and gore, and I steer clear of anything too graphic or disturbing.

3. Engage comfortably in small talk

Highly sensitive people generally prefer deep, meaningful connections with others over small talk. They tend to be good at reading people and picking up on subtleties, so they often feel like they can get to know someone more quickly and easily by having conversations beyond the surface level. This preference for deeper connection can sometimes make things like office parties pure torture for me.

4. Perform well with schedules that are too tightly-packed

Highly sensitive people often find that tightly packed schedules leave them feeling rushed, stressed, and overwhelmed. When there is too much to do and too little time to do it, HSPs can quickly become frazzled because they are bombarded with sensory input, and their nervous systems are easily overloaded. As an HSP, I have to have downtime to relax, breathe and recharge.

5. Suffer fools gladly-or at all

Highly Sensitive People have strong intuition and psychic abilities, which means they can often tell when someone is lying to them. HSPs also have a strong sense of empathy, so they can feel what other people are feeling, which makes them very good at reading people and knowing when something is off. My gut always knows.

6. Leave the house without layers

Leaving the house without being appropriately dressed for the weather can be a daunting prospect for highly sensitive people. HSPs’ sensitivity to heat and cold can make it difficult to regulate body temperature, and even the slightest temperature change can cause discomfort. I try to remember to layer my clothing to be prepared for any eventuality.

7. Get bored often

Highly sensitive people have a rich inner life of thoughts and dreams; they are intrigued by their world and are excited to explore new experiences. This emotional intensity can be both a blessing and a curse, as they feel things deeply, which makes life more meaningful — but it also means they are more prone to anxiety and overwhelming emotions. I never have time for all of my interests!

If you’re an HSP, congratulations! You have a superpower that can help you navigate the world in a more sensitive and aware way. However, that doesn’t mean living this way is always easy. There are things I intentionally do not do because I need to protect my nervous system from being overloaded. What are some of the items on this list that resonate with you? Let me know in the comments below!

© Kelley Murphy, 2023. 

Thank you so much for reading! xo

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