Highly Sensitive People: How to Calm Down When You Feel Crazy Stressed

Stress. We’ve all felt it.

We stress about work.

About bills.

About love (or our lack thereof).

We stress about those things we can control and those things we cannot. Stress, it seems, is a natural part of human life — whether you’re a highly sensitive person or not. Everyone gets stressed from time to time, but for HSPs, who process stimulation deeply, stress can be more frequent and intense. “Little” things that don’t bother other people — like a loudly ticking clock or a jam-packed weekend — can easily overwhelm the HSP.

But stress doesn’t have to run your life. It doesn’t need to be enduring, even if you’re a highly sensitive person. We don’t have to just sit back and take it.

When you feel stress creeping into your life, there are steps you can take to come back to normal, to equilibrium, to peace. And they can be affordable, too! (Because getting a massage once a week isn’t always the most cost-effective solution). Here are five ideas for HSPs (that cost nothing) to calm down when they feel crazy stressed.

5 Ideas to Calm Down When You’re Crazy Stressed

1. Socialize mindfully

Depending on your nature (extroverted, introverted, or somewhere in between), socializing can cause or reduce stress to varying degrees. The majority of highly sensitive people are introverts (70 percent), so it makes sense that socializing would heighten their stress levels. But introvert or extrovert, most agree that spending time with the right people is an energizing, rejuvenating experience.

If you fill your time and your mind with the company and conversation of people who nourish rather than drain you, you’re likely to feel better after seeing them. So take a careful look at your calendar and really consider what you’re saying “yes” to when you accept that next dinner invite. And if you’re really stressed, considering send a polite “can’t make it” in response to some of those looming invites.

2. Visualize frequently

Visualization is a powerful process. When in a state of stress, try visualizing the way you’d rather feel: Perhaps you’d like to feel free, empowered, compassionate, peaceful? Visualize the state you desire, and watch as your mind and body begin to move into that state now.

Of course, visualizing won’t erase that looming deadline or bring your soulmate to your doorstep (or maybe it will, who knows?), but it will change your state — mentally, physically, emotionally — today so that you can start experiencing the feelings you’d rather have instead. And that can make a big difference for your tomorrow.

3. Breathe deeply

It always comes back to the breath, doesn’t it? Your breath is your saving grace — literally. It keeps you alive!

But so often we restrict it, even if unconsciously. When we’re stressed, nervous, or anxious, we hold our breath or breathe in short, shallow bursts. Make a mental note to yourself to breathe when you find yourself feeling stressed. Seriously, stop what you’re doing right now and breathe deeply — in through your nose, out through your mouth (just like in yoga class) — for as long as you need to.

Not only will you find that your heart rate slows and the chatter of your mind tends to cease, you’ll also likely find greater clarity around whatever was vexing you and a newfound motivation to solve your stressors.

4. Exercise daily

Without movement, stress lingers in the body. It hangs around far longer than it needs to — unless you take the (physical) steps to clear it out of your body.

The next time you’re stressed, try going for a run, doing some yoga, signing up for a spin class, or simply taking a walk around the block. When you get your body moving, the stress can move through you, too. Exercise in almost any form can be a huge stress reliever because it not only boosts your feel-good endorphins but it also distract you from your worries.

Even better, make a daily habit of exercise so that stress never has the opportunity to stick around longer than necessary. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise has been found to bring a host of benefits, from increasing your self-confidence to lessening symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety to improving your sleep!

5. Bathe indulgently

And when all else fails (though I promise the tips above won’t!), treat yourself. When the stress won’t abate, allow yourself the time and space to luxuriate.

You don’t need to head to the fanciest spa — though you’re welcome to! You can create a stress-free, relaxed, indulgent experience right from the comfort of your own bathtub. Water is healing and restorative, too. Just by spending some time submerged in the bath, you’ll come out feeling cleaner and fresher in body, mind, and spirit.

A soak in the tub not your thing? Check out these other self-care ideas for HSPs.

Highly sensitive people, what’s your favorite way to destress for free? Share your tips with me in the comments below.

I can help you create the harmonious, successful life you’ve always desired. Learn more about my coaching programs for women here.

You might like:

• These 21 Things Stress Out Highly Sensitive People the Most
• 21 Signs That You’re a Highly Sensitive Person
• You’re Not Crazy, You’re a Highly Sensitive Person
• Why Do Highly Sensitive People Absorb Other People’s Emotions?
• Why Highly Sensitive People Get Mentally and Emotionally ‘Flooded’

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