Being sensitive is often seen as an annoying trait. If you’re unfazed in the face of chaos, that’s not bad, but neither is being sensitive. You can often be told that you’re overreacting or thin-skinned. Society tells men they shouldn’t be sensitive and complains if women show any sensitivity.
However, being sensitive can be a source of strength. Sensitivity isn’t something to fix. Firstly, sensitivity can be genetic. It means taking in more information from your environment or emotional stimuli. Studies show that sensitive people process things more deeply than others, such as the texture of a fabric, strong smells, other people’s reactions, or taking more time to think about things.
The benefits of being sensitive
1. Artistic Creativity
Some research suggests that highly creative people are born sensitive. Most well-known artists, musicians, and painters have been considered highly sensitive people. They can be overthinkers, have an aversion to uncontrolled crowds, or need to plan things carefully. Sensitive people have a bigger awareness of events and emotions, which is beneficial for creating art.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that highly sensitive people are more creative. There’s no scientific way to measure creativity. But sensitivity is a great asset for those who are creative.
Read also: Here Are Some Tips For Making Your Creative Goals Come Alive
2. Deeper emotions
It may seem like a burden to feel everything more deeply. But this is an asset. Something as simple as the sun on your face in the early morning can bring a deep sense of joy or gratitude. It may be easier for sensitive people to experience more gratitude for the smaller things. Studies show that a greater sense of gratitude makes you happier. Consequently, this improves relationships.
Read also: 6 Benefits Of Having Good Emotional Intelligence
3. Better self-awareness
Highly sensitive people have way more self-awareness. If you’re sensitive, you know your emotions and reactions to them. You also know your triggers and learn how to manage or avoid them, which is safer for your mental health. It also improves relationships because you can better communicate with those around you about what can upset you beforehand.
4. Empathy
Sensitive people find it easier to mirror the emotions of the people around them. You’ll also be more aware of others’ reactions. You automatically sense when other people are upset. This makes you a good listener without judgment. Sensitive people are also less likely just to advise on problems; they will listen, let others vent or sit in silence, whatever is needed for comfort at that time.
However, this means that if you’re sensitive, you can’t over-expose yourself to bad news cycles or heavy films because this can lead to emotional fatigue.
Read also: Signs Of An Empath And How To Protect Your Energy
5. Great teachers
Being sensitive makes you a great teacher. You’re aware of what people need to understand things better. Sensitivity breeds more empathy and patience. There’s a strong desire to make sure others are happy, which means carefully teaching them. Sensitivity also lets you point out what people need to help them learn better.
6. Better decision making
Studies show that people with genetically more sensitivity can outperform others in cognitive tasks. This was common in those that have patterns that can be used to predict outcomes and make better decisions. Being sensitive means you spend more time considering options, comparing past results, and making better decisions.
Read also: How To Make Bold Decisions
7. The “Boost Effect”
The Boost Effect is whereby sensitive people get more boost from the same things that help others. Studies found that people with high sensitivity are more likely to benefit from relationship training to rescue their marriages from divorce than non-sensitive people. Training and support benefit sensitive people more as well. You get more out of coaches, trainers, or mentoring.
Read also: Education: Tips For Success When Taking An Online Course
However, it’s easy to get overstimulated. You can feel anxious, foggy, and fatigued when exposed to too much information. But it’s easy to identify your triggers and know when to schedule breaks.
Sensitivity isn’t a flaw or lack of discipline. Don’t try to hide it or change yourself. You’ll gain more from embracing it.
Check out:
How To Manage Your Emotions Effectively
The Weirdest Quirks Of Your Personality Type
5 Practical Ways To Get Over The Fear Of What Others Think Of You
