Written by Suzanne Nieuwenhuijs
Do you recognize yourself in the following questions?
- Do you regularly feel tired and overstimulated at work?
- Can’t concentrate in an office environment?
- Do you pick up the mood and emotions of others quickly?
- Do you have trouble setting boundaries?
- Do you often have a “busy head” full of thoughts?
Chances are you are highly sensitive. But what does that actually mean? And how can you make this work for you? Is this actually possible; high sensitivity as a possible superpower? In this article, I will help you get started recognizing if you are highly sensitive and how to use it as a superpower in your work.
From blue lawyer to chief happiness officer!
Until a few years ago, high sensitivity was a relatively unknown phenomenon to me. That I would be a highly sensitive person (HSP) myself did not occur to me at all. Until a friend told me at a wedding that she was highly sensitive; all the puzzle pieces fell into place. I finally understood why I was no longer happy as a lawyer in the central government. If only I had known about this sooner! I decided to change course and became Chief Happiness Officer within that same government. Later, I became an independent trainer and coach. My work happiness and energy level grew as I was able to use my high sensitivity in a focused way in my work. It eventually became my superpower. I grant you that too!
The highly sensitive brain engages in ‘elite sports’
High sensitivity is an innate trait. As many as 15-20% of people are highly sensitive, research shows. Briefly, it means that you are more sensitive to stimuli and incoming stimuli are processed deeply in the brain. New information is linked to previous knowledge, experiences and information, after which a multitude of associations are put into action and the social setting is assessed by the highly sensitive brain. The in-depth processing of information takes a lot of energy is equivalent to “top sport.
Just inconvenient?
High-sensitivity is still sometimes considered a “nuisance(s)” in the workplace. Research shows that highly sensitive individuals are more stress sensitive and more likely to experience burnout. Disadvantages of HSP are:
- sensitive to stress;
- fast overwhelm;
- perfectionist;
- unnecessarily self-critical;
- difficulty setting boundaries;
- take issues personally;
- sensitive to (negative) emotions others
- prone to a bad atmosphere.
At the same time, high sensitivity can be a superpower, both privately and at work. American psychologist Elaine Aron, founder of the concept of high sensitivity, also calls HSP the “ideal workers. Because the deep processing in the highly sensitive brain also brings many benefits:
- creative thinking;
- seeing the big picture;
- sense of responsibility;
- signaling ability;
- self-reflection;
- properly assess risks and opportunities ;
- empathy;
- caring.
As an HSP, what do you need in your work?
If you want to experience work happiness and use your high-sensitivity as a superpower, then it is important that your work (context) fits your needs well. Most HSP thrive in their work once a condition is met:
- a good atmosphere: from research shows that a good atmosphere is most decisive for HSP to experience pleasure at work. This is largely determined by: mutual trust between colleagues, absence of quarrels, the mood of colleagues and supervisor, supporting each other when needed and regularly receiving appreciation, positive feedback and understanding;
- autonomy: many HSP enjoy maximum (creative) freedom. The corona period and working from home has given many HSP the space to schedule their own time and take breaks as needed. In addition, many HSP work as independent contractors;
- meaning: many HSP value meaningful work. They are eager to help others and contribute to society. Consulting and service professions often fit well. You often encounter HSP within sectors such as healthcare, education and government, and you find them among trainers and coaches;
- Harnessing HSP talents: if HSP are allowed to use their talents in a focused way at work then there is a win-win situation. The organization reaps the benefits and the work feels effortless for the HSP. The work gives more energy than it takes. High sensitivity can then become a superpower;
- transparency & fairness: internal decision-making and HR processes (think pay and promotion policies) must be arranged fairly, openly and transparently. When this is not the case, it results in frustration for many HSP. These are typically things that are beyond one’s control but can have a major impact on job happiness.
But the most important boundary condition is you as an HSP yourself. Or rather, your own resilience and vitality. When this is up to par, you have applied a “Teflon layer,” so to speak, that protects you from internal and external stimuli, work stress, changes and difficulties. But as an HSP, how do you create such a teflon layer? The answer is incentive management!
Create your own Teflon coating!
With incentive management, you create your own phone layer. It allows you to stay better balanced and have more energy. It allows you to make timely adjustments in case of under-stimulation or over-stimulation. You are less externally “lived. Stimulus management consists of 3 steps:
- step 1: recognize your external and internal stimuli. Consider:
- light;
- sound;
- social interaction;
- social media;
- (negative) thoughts;
- emotions;
- pain.
- step 2: recognize your signals of under- or over-stimulation. Consider:
- poor sleep;
- a short fuse;
- tinnitus;
- fatigue;
- headache;
- concentration problems;
- impulsive behavior.
You can use a so-called traffic light model to determine the degree to which you are under- or over-stimulated. When are you in green, light orange, deep orange or red?
- step 3: visualize and apply so-called “counterbehavior. Read: adjust as needed by adding stimuli, reducing stimuli or actively charging. This could include:
- sports;
- taking breaks;
- only time;
- mindfulness;
- seeking nature;
- hobbies;
- good contact with friends and family.
Once you master stimulus management and manage to stay balanced more often and for longer periods of time, you can use your talents more often and in a more focused way. Your high sensitivity then becomes not a burden, but a superpower!
Help me out!
Are you HSP and could use some help? Want to learn how to manage your stimuli and use your high sensitivity as a superpower, at home and at work? I am happy to help you through a 1-on-1 coaching program, workshop or training. Click here for a contact button.
Want to know more about what Suzanne can do for you? Check it out here!
