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What it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (and why I think it's the ultimate superpower)

Have you ever felt that your experience of life isn't quite the same as everybody else's?


Are you moved to tears by the smallest things?


Do you often notice details others miss?


Are you more affected by your environment, such as loud noises, a sudden change in temperature, or walking into a beautiful room?


If so, you might be what's known as a Highly Sensitive Person or a High Sensory Person (HSP for short).


Despite the negative connotations of being labelled "too sensitive", research and the lived experience of a growing network of HSPs are beginning to paint a new picture of what it means to be highly sensitive. That is: rather than a flaw, being highly sensitive is an incredible strength when understood and nurtured properly.


What is the High Sensory trait?


I'm a high sensory person and the more I learn about the trait, the more excited I am about it. Of all the things I've learned about in the last few years, this has had the biggest impact on how I understand myself and my place in the world.


So, what is it?


  • High sensitivity is a neurodivergent trait found in roughly 30% of the population, equally in men and women (and, fascinatingly, in over 100 other species).


  • High sensitivity is not about how emotionally sensitive we are (although feeling emotions more intensely is an outcome of the trait) but rather the depth at which our brains process sensory input from our environment.


To put it another way, a high sensory brain takes in more information from the senses and does more with that information than a neurotypical brain. This explains the "always on" nature of being an HSP. We can't switch off our sensitivity and depth of processing, even when resting. This is one of the 'downsides' of the trait (I'll come onto that shortly).


A high sensory brain takes in more information from the senses and does more with that information than a neurotypical brain.

The Challenges of Being Highly Sensitive


With heightened sensitivity comes the challenge of overstimulation. Crowded places, loud noises, or even strong emotions from others can quickly overwhelm us. Add in the daily pressures of work, keeping up with friends and family, and being bombarded by information from the news and social media and it's no wonder our supercharged brains are struggling to keep up.


By some estimates, we are now exposed to more information in one day than a person living in the Renaissance period encountered in their entire lifetime. For brains designed to take it all in, this "too fast, too much" world can be a difficult place to be.


We are now exposed to more information in one day than a person living in the Renaissance period encountered in their entire lifetime.

Why It’s a Gift


Learning to embrace and work with our high sensory nature can transform these challenges into strengths and lead to a more balanced, fulfilling life.



High sensory people have unique qualities that make them incredible listeners, compassionate friends, and often highly creative thinkers. Our deep processing ability means we're more likely to make thoughtful decisions, have a natural affinity for empathy, and dedicate ourselves with zeal to whatever we do (attributes which make for brilliant leaders and change-makers, by the way).


As I once said to a client, HSPs see the people at the back. In other words, we see things others miss; whether it's the look of discomfort on a colleague's face in a meeting or a mistake in a critical document, this sensitivity, when managed well, becomes a powerful tool for insight, connection and creativity.


For example, my high sensitivity makes me a better coach because I'm able to 'read' my clients in multiple ways, simultaneously.


When I'm listening to a client speak, I'm also “listening” to what their body is telling me (FYI they don't always say the same thing!). I can sense when a client's breathing gets tight, their energy has shifted, or they've skirted around something they're afraid to go near.


The result is that clients tell me they feel "seen" by me in a way they aren't seen by other people. I hold them in their entirety, with love and compassion, and go deep. I can't help myself. It's how I'm wired as an HSP.


Embracing and Managing the Trait


For high sensory people, understanding and embracing this trait isn’t just empowering—it’s a path to living a life that honours who they truly are.


As a foundation, it's crucial that HSPs learn to set boundaries and practice self-care. We need more downtime to restore our energy reserves, and benefit more from exposure to nature and beauty. Understanding this about myself, I now make it a part of my weekend to get out of the house and visit somewhere beautiful (my favourite spot locally is the botanic garden in Cambridge). I'm moved and revitalised by beautiful things and spaces, and the effect on the quality of my thinking is almost instantaneous.


When it comes to our work, because of our innate intensity and desire to grow, we often take on more than our fair share and find ourselves overcommitted (and soon overwhelmed). It's worth conducting a work 'audit' and reviewing how you work (and who you work with) to see if there's anything you could be doing more or less of to bring out your best self.


FYI, if you're lucky enough to be an HSP doing work you love (and which works for you), the odds are you'll be more successful and fulfilled than your non-HSP peers because of some of the qualities I've mentioned in this post. (See what I mean about superpower?!)


What next?


Of all the ways of being in the world, as an HSP, I feel so glad I get to do life this richly.


Yes, like anything, there are things HSPs need to manage. There will be times we wished we weren't so sensitive, and could just "switch off" the trait. But there will be many, many more times when we stop and gasp in awe at a sunset, shed tears over a beautiful piece of music, and feel our hearts burst open with love for the person in front of us.


I’d choose that version of life, every time.


If you’re an HSP longing to live a more meaningful, fulfilling life, let’s get some time together. I would love to meet you.


Go well,

Louise







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