Stress Relief + Self Care Reminders For HSPs
If you’re an HSP, you’ve probably realized by now that you need ample “down time” - time to reflect & simply “be” (rather than being compulsively “busy” which our culture seems to value). This kind of time is vital for us because it allows us the opportunity to truly & deeply connect with ourselves. HSPs require quality time every single day. It’s sacred & hallowed time which helps us both decompress & fill up our cups - in order to be able to connect lovingly & generously with our families, friends, communities & world.
HSPs need time - expansive time - time that may appear (to others) like we’re doing “nothing.” Because of our extraordinary “depth of processing” (taking in “all the things”) & our huge reservoir for empathy, we become overwhelmed + overstimulated (&, therefore, depleted) much more readily than non-HSP folks. We require time to sit still & process life - to meditate - to journal - to walk in nature - to think deeply - to slowly sip tea. These are requirements for us - in order to be the best version of ourselves - in order to feel calm, centered & happy. I so dearly & deeply encourage you to practice all of these soul-fulfilling & soul-nourishing “things.” If folks don’t get us, so be it. (HSPs are frequently misunderstood.)
Let’s Talk Morning Rituals (Routines) - Ooh La La!
HSPs thrive on/with morning &/or evening rituals (even if you’re not a morning person!). Your ritual can begin any time - 6am or 8am or 10am (for sleepyheads like me!). Here are some ideas to get you started!
Wake up gently (Maybe a jarring alarm isn’t even necessary?!)
Spend a few moments in meditation/prayer
Journal for 10-15 minutes
Put the tea kettle on
Do some easy stretching
Gratitude Practice of your choosing
Take your shower or bath (Allow time; HSPs generally love water!)
Do your skincare routine (Don’t forget sunscreen if you’re going outside)
A morning walk?
TIP: Check electronic devices AFTER your morning ritual - if possible. You’ll feel so much better when you ease yourself into your day (without being attached at the hip to technology; ugh & double ugh!).
How About An Evening Ritual?!
If your mornings are really rushed & chaotic due to time constraints & commitments, kiddos, etc., maybe an evening ritual is more your cup of tea. It’s definitely my jam! Your ritual could look something like this (after dinner + dishes + maybe a little tele):
Meditation - 15 minutes
Journaling - 15 minutes
Review your “To Do” list for the next day
Set your intention for the next day (I LOVE setting my intention the night before. That way, my intention is able to sink into my unconscious mind & marinate there overnight.)
Give thanks for your/our many blessings
Light stretching
A luxurious bath &/or a cup of calming tea. Preferably both … together. ‘Yogi’ brand Honey Lavender Stress Relief tea is delightful! Yum.
A guided meditation right before bed. I love The Honest Guys on YouTube. This meditation is really relaxing. This one is also excellent; enjoy!
I would absolutely love to hear your ritual ideas too; please drop them below!
What About The In Between Time?!
This chunk of time will obviously vary greatly from person to person because our lives & schedules are so different. It’s important to remember, however, that HSPs really need breaks - even small ones. Please take a brief break every 2 or so hours & check in with yourself: “How am I doing? How am I feeling?” Try to get outside every day - even if only for 20 minutes. Also, if time permits, do a little journaling mid-day - if that serves you well. Or maybe take a walk mid-day. Experiment. Get really creative. See what works for you & what makes you feel ALIVE!
Practicing Morning &/or Evening Rituals = Powerful + Vital for HSPs. They help reduce stress!
Our rituals set the tone for our days & for our rejuvenating, healing slumber. They help us feel grounded, happy, focused & organized. They help us CONNECT WITH OURSELVES. I believe we can only fully & lovingly connect with others if we’ve first connected fully & lovingly with ourselves.
HSPs are lovers & givers. Many of us are in helping, healing, nurturing & creative professions. We are able to most authentically & completely serve others (& create a better world) when we are practicing self-love & self-care first. Don’t skimp on yourself. Show yourself loving-kindness each & every day.
It’s okay to be a non-hustler - even if culture + society say it isn’t so. In all cultures, there have always been the folks who remind others to slow down & “smell the roses,” to be intentional, to be thought-full, to bear witness. There have always been healers, helpers, listeners, medicine people, storytellers, artists & more. Honor yourself. Proudly walk to the beat of your own drum. Remember to surround yourself with some like-minded & like-hearted folks too. “The S/heroes Journey” inward can be lonely (but doesn’t have to be). It’s also powerfully transformative. Deep connection with self & others is imperative for HSPs - whether you’re an introvert or extrovert. “Be Brave. Be Bold. Be Beautiful. Be You.”
Much Love. XO
TSS
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Hi; I’m Mary - a Highly Sensitive Person, cat lover, tea drinker and counselor. I love helping young women navigate life while caring for their sensitive souls.
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