I remember the moment I realised I was a HSP. I was browsing articles about empathy and stumbled upon one about highly sensitive persons. I read through the key traits of a hsp and ticked all the boxes. 

A wave of relief and sadness came over me. Why? I finally understood the neurological reason behind why I seemed to feel and think differently than others. Also, why I have always been called shy and sensitive. The pieces finally fitted together!

Have you had a similar experience? Or are you wondering if you’re a highly sensitive person? 

Highly sensitive people know they’re different from a young age. I wondered why others didn’t pick up on subtleties or contemplate life as much and liked to go with the crowd. 

No wonder many HSPs are labelled as outcasts in school. Some take their unconventional way of being with pride and others with shame. I personally liked being ‘different’. I didn’t feel special, but I liked to dance to the beat of my own drum.

Highly sensitive persons have a unique mix of natural skills that stem from their neurodivergence. They process stimuli and think differently than neurotypical individuals. 

HSPs are thought to have a deeper nervous system sensitivity to social, physical and emotional stimuli. 

“Highly sensitive people are thought to make up roughly 20% of the general population”. 

verywellmind

They have a deep understanding and sense of connection with the world around them and other people when they learn to embrace their nature. 

However, I won’t lie and say high sensitivity is without its difficulties that mainly centre around overstimulisation. But for today, let’s focus on the positives…

You may know of HSP celebrities such as the late comedian Robin Williams. Former president Abraham Lincoln. Princess Diana. Poet Emily Dickinson and singer Elton John. 

HSPs tend to be creatives, explorers, visionaries, musicians, poets and inventors.

It’s important to remember HSP traits are on a spectrum just like other neurodivergent conditions. Being a HSP is an evolutionary and hereditary trait. It’s not considered an illness or disability. Moreover, environments and situations can exacerbate certain traits which lead to a wide array of different HSPs. 

Let’s explore further. How many powerful natural skills of HSPs can you relate to? 

Top 6 powerful natural skills of highly sensitive persons

Super awareness 

HSPs tend to process information and stimuli deeply. Have you ever been told you read too much into things? Overthink situations? Or that you care too much? 

HSPs contemplate and analyse their experiences and emotions intensely. For example, recapping past conversations and situations. They also think things through thoroughly before committing. 

They can be described as having numerous open-ended theories, constantly evolving as they learn from and explore the intricacies of the world.

This leads to a rich inner world and a greater understanding of themselves and others, which can be both beautiful and overwhelming. 

It comes down to examining and experiencing the world around them with greater depth and curiosity. No wonder many HSPs have a childlike quality. 

Their heightened interest in the inner workings of life becomes a strength in many creative and inventive fields.

When HSPs have the room to explore their theories and tap into their ingenuity without restraints, they can fathom complex ideas and create magic out of thin air. Their originality knows no limits.

HSPs also tend to be natural leaders. Instead of following the crowd, they lead with empathy and originality, allowing others to chime in with new ideas. 

Their ability to quickly perceive multiple perspectives and consider a range of possibilities also makes them innovate problem solvers. 

Highly sensitive persons have super powered senses  

When highly attuned to the world, heightened sensory perception is a given. However, it isn’t a mere habit but a biological trait for HSPs. 

Highly sensitive persons are more prone to overstimulation by noises, bright lights, and crowded environments than neurotypical individuals. They also tend to have a sensitivity to textures, smells and tastes. 

Personally, I find it hard to think straight in crowded and loud places.

Clothing labels and certain fabrics also annoy me way too often, and I can’t help but despise raisins (taste aversion). Is there a food you avoid at all costs? 

My eyes are also sensitive to bright and artificial lights. They often give me headaches. As a result, I often frown, giving others the impression that I’m upset when I’m not (*facepalm*). 

I am also startled by unexpected noises. A siren in the distance can often make me jump. 

Can you relate in more ways than none? 

Nonetheless, a heightened sensitivity to sound makes HSPs more alert. Highly sensitive persons can hear and sense danger quickly. 

It’s important to know that high sensitivity to sounds and other stimuli is an innate temperament trait and not a disorder. Being able to experience life with great intensity can lead to some pretty beautiful moments.

Listening to music can be a full body experience. Imagining how something feels or smells is second nature. Movies can act as mini-therapy sessions and uplifting experiences. Soft fabrics are more than comforting. 

“Highly sensitive people appreciate a fine wine, a good meal, or a beautiful song on a level that most people can’t access. They… feel more gratitude for what they have in life, knowing that it is possibly fleeting and nothing is certain.”

verywellmind

Thus, what others deem normal, HSPs can find captivating. They’re who you want around for a great time, particularly when exploring something new, such as when travelling or visiting a new restaurant or theme park. Their level of interest and attentiveness to the positive qualities of life elevates the mood of those around. They’re magnetic. 

An emotional powerhouse 

HSPs have heightened emotional sensitivity and often feel their emotions intensely. Do you feel your emotions physically and vividly? Are you moved by art and nature? 

It’s normal for HSPs to experience waves of emotion that can change and overlap with other emotions instantly. 

HSPs are highly adaptable. They can easily keep up with changes in conversations and environments. 

They’re great conversationalists when confident and self-assured. They can easily understand new ideas and the ideologies and thoughts that go into them. They may also ask a lot of follow up questions thanks to their curiosity and keen interest in new topics and theories. 

When someone has their undivided attention, they can expect to feel seen, heard and understood on a deep level. They make fantastic close friends and someone to confide in who takes the time to listen and deeply comprehend the state of mind and emotional space of others. 

This makes HSPs some of the most trustworthy and empathic people around.

HSPs often make friends with other HSPs and neurodivergent individuals as they share a deep understanding and connection with one another.

However, they tend to be lone wolfs or prefer to have a few close friends. This is because they are often introverted and need alone time to recharge their social battery, particularly after socially demanding days.

Highly sensitive persons have second to none empathy 

Traits of high sensitivity and empathy often overlap.

You see, HSPs have the natural ability to quickly and coherently pick up on and even feel the emotions of others. That can sound overwhelming, because, well… it can be a lot of the time.

However, for the many self-realised and empowered empaths/HSPs, sensing the emotions of others is a big advantage in life. 

Why? Being able to read and relate to others on a deep level is important in many areas of life. From friendships to the workplace, HSPs can use their empathic abilities to uplift and encourage others. They can naturally sense when someone is feeling down or discouraged. Being able to pick up on subtle facial and body cues also helps them navigate conversations with strong consideration.

Hence, being kind is easy. Almost too easy. Sharing an encouraging word or relatable story is natural. Moreover, many HSPs are passionate advocates for human rights, animal welfare, and environmental causes. They also have a strong sense of justice and fairness.

As such, the benefits flow both ways. By helping someone, they help themselves. They’re natural healers and great listeners. Their compassion and empathy has no limits. 

Although HSPs can be opinionated, they find it challenging not to take into account the perspectives of others and support their ideas, even when they differ from their own.

HSPs are like unsung heroes in our world. Without them, we would struggle to fully appreciate the richness of the human experience. Their remarkable depth and compassion makes them inspiring and comforting. Although they can be overly considerate at times, that genuine concern for others is what makes them so impactful.

They know how to make a comeback

Despite their sensitivity and empathy, HSPs possess a remarkable capacity for resilience and determination.

Just look at the famous and successful HSPs mentioned earlier! Setbacks and differing viewpoints have never deterred or discouraged them from following their passions and leaving their mark. 

HSPs are able to utilise their inner strength and their natural abilities to overcome obstacles and difficult situations.

They use their high emotional intelligence to self-soothe and self-motivate. This allows them to bounce back stronger from challenges and setbacks. Their evolution is inevitable and often surprises others.

Many HSPs enjoy challenges and are aware of their limitations. They willingly push themselves to improve, no matter how meticulously or slowly or how emotionally triggered they may become at times along the way. They know they’ll inevitably reap the rewards of their determination.

Hence, HSPs tend to be go-getters. Entrepreneurs. Thought leaders. When HSPs have a goal in mind, they wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to achieving it with genuine intention and relentless effort.

Strong intuition

Seeing as HSPs are naturally self-aware and observant of the world and others, they possess a strong intuition. You could say they have a sixth sense. 

I often find that my gut feelings turn out to be true. Whether it’s the myriad of possibilities that race through my mind or a deep spiritual knowing, I can sense when something feels off or predict what may unfold. 

HSPs have no problem following their internal voice of reasoning, even when it doesn’t completely make sense logically. Because, HSPs tend to navigate life from their emotions. So, what feels right or wrong to them may not make sense to others. And that’s ok. It helps them operate with greater purpose. They are exactly who they are meant to be. No mould. Deep in their feelings. Expressive and successful in their own way. 

How many of these six powerful natural skills of highly sensitive persons did you relate to? 

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