Moving Through + Shifting HSP Burn Out | Tools to Traverse the Turning Tides

I was having a bit of a rough go trying to decide what to write about as we move into this new month. Sometimes it feels like each day and week are so similar to the one before and other times it feels like there’s so much change happening from one day to the next. Are you feeling this way too? One of the things that has really been showing up for me lately has been the repeating theme about Highly Sensitive People (like yourself) experiencing HSP burn out.

I’m definitely feeling it in my own life and I’m finding it showing up for my clients and friends as well. We’re officially nearing the halfway mark of this year and there are still so many places that are under lockdown orders and still experiencing a lot of restrictions to daily life. You may still be moving through some of this too or know people who are.

This in and of itself has definitely taken a toll, not to mention all of the other intensity, changes, and upheaval we’re seeing all over the globe no matter where we live. So many people have told me that they just feel like they are having a hard time finding balance, feeling like themselves, and finding a way to experience some semblance of peace in their day to day life. There’s lots of feelings of overwhelm and not knowing how to help, and also feeling exhausted from all of the information. If you’re experiencing any of this, I want you to know that you’re not alone.

In fact, you’re in really good company.

It’s not just you.

You’re not the only one having a tough time moving through this time on our planet.

It is a really difficult time and we’re all in it together.

As a sensitive soul it can feel magnified, and that’s not because you’re not trying hard enough.

It’s because it’s really hard.

Take a breath, a big one, in through your nose, and out through your mouth….good.

One more time.

Good job.

One of the most effective ways we can move through this time is to take a little time to check in with how we’re doing and make some adjustments to things that we can change. Taking good care of yourself will allow you to better know how to help someone else and to be ready to help too.

I’ve included 6 things that have been showing up as deep support systems for Highly Sensitive Souls during this time. Please use these as inspirations and ways to help you, but adjust accordingly to make these a fit for you and your needs. I hope these will inspire you to create some tools that will be helpful for you and for your loved ones too.

Change the Channel, Change Your Frequency, Literally. :

Intense frequencies can drain your energy and can create or lead to exhaustion without even realizing it. Just think about that one family member or colleague who always tells you all of their problems non stop; you may feel drained after interacting with them, while they feel better after taking all your energy from you. Changing the channel can help to reduce or eliminate this issue for you. Turn off your television, especially repeating news about trauma and other negative stories. (you can always set a time to check in on that information but don’t need it on all the time.)

Re-set the frequencies in your space; think about layering sounds that are pleasing and supportive for your nervous system, body, mind, and spirit. If you have a sound machine, get it out and play it in the background quietly. Your body will automatically respond to it and it will help to release and manage stress that could be holding space within you. You may also want to layer another gentle sound over that to help create an even more soothing space for you and the people in your home.

Think of walking into a spa or another relaxing place; you’ll notice there are often layered sounds happening to help you instantly shift into a resting state instead of being in the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn state that most people experience throughout the day.

Water:

Increase the amount of water that you’re drinking to help you move stress and tension out of your precious and highly sensitive body. Hydration also helps to increase clear thinking, better quality sleep, reduces cravings for foods and beverages which can have an adverse effect on the body, and helps to keep the organs responsible for cleaning and processing moving and working efficiently.

Pull Your Energy Inward:

You may need to let people know that you’re taking a break from being overly available for all the things. Highly sensitive people like yourself often over extend their energy without realizing they’re doing it, leaving them feeling drained and exhausted. You may need to turn off your phone earlier in the evening, allow some calls to go to voicemail, let emails sit in your inbox, and say no to extra demands on your time so you can find your own footing again and experience some personal life balance. Use this extra time to invest in activities that are restorative and uplifting for you. These things can include creative outlets, reading for pleasure, and yes, even resting.

Sweat:

I know, not the most glamorous thing in the world, but very effective in clearing away intense energies and increasing strength. Moving your body in a way that lets you sweat out any toxins, stress, or repeating scenarios/interactions you’re still thinking about will help you to clear your body and your mind while simultaneously leaving you feeling more like yourself. You’ll also be strengthening your body too which is a win win.

No need to jump into intense workout sessions if this isn’t something you’re already doing; going for a walk is a great full body workout that will allow you to sweat, move, and even get outside. If you’re not able to walk outside, pull out that workout mat, and do some gentle stretching or a gentle workout.

Clear Away the Old:

Let go of the things that are finished for you. Clear up any clutter that could be hanging around, it likes to sneak up when you aren’t looking, often in closets, pantry’s, and well meaning desk piles. That “to be done” stuff adds to the frenetic energy within and around you which over time can make things feel heavy and off. It can lead to overwhelm, feeling frustrated, and that no matter where you look, there’s always something else that needs to get done. Set a timer and do a quick sweep of a room, gathering up anything that is ready to go to the recycle bin, donation station, or to its rightful place in your home.

Cleaning out closets and places where clutter builds can help to lighten your load, literally; while also bringing a sense of peace and calm into your space that translates to more peace and calm in your life too.

Ask for Help:

Let people know what you need. This can be a really tough one for sensitive people, because they don’t want to add anything to anyone else’s plate. However, it’s important to let people who love you know what you need and to ask them for help. It’s also important to ask professional people in your circle for support too. If you need a referral for a service that could help you, ask someone you love and trust who they recommend.  

Schedule the sessions that you need to help you, don’t wait for some elusive time where everything will be easier and you have everything figured out and perfectly balanced. You’re here right now, and asking for help and then receiving that help is part of this whole thing we’re doing called life.

I know you’re more comfortable doing the helping, but helpers need to receive help too. Schedule that reading, massage, babysitter, coaching session, hair appointment, energy treatment, or __________.

Whatever it is that you need right now, you know more than anyone what that thing is, please give yourself permission to honor that message you’re receiving. Allowing yourself to receive is one of the most important and powerful ways to help shift you into a space where you feel more like yourself again while also helping your body to come back to balance and homeostasis.

The waves have been rough out there, and the energy has been a bit of a roller coaster but you know what? You’re still here and you’re doing a great job. As you take a little time today, and tomorrow, and the next day to honor your needs and to pull your energy inward, I think you’re going to find you’re feeling more like yourself again.

Please remember to breathe, to go at your own pace, to treat yourself with the same level of kindness, compassion, and love that you so easily give to everyone else in your life, and to grant yourself a little more grace.

You’re not alone. You’re Doing it. You can Keep Doing It.

If you feel guided to reach out for support from me this month, I look forward to working with you and helping you in any way that I can.

I’m sending you so much love and support from my teeny tiny corner of the world.

With so much love,
Kristy~xoxo

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