Being sensitive can be exhausting. You’re constantly taking in the world around you and feeling every emotion and experience more deeply than others. As an HSP it can be hard to keep up with the fast pace of society when you’re living at a different speed. Plus, it’s tiring having to constantly say no to things we don’t want to do.
Whether it’s to avoid small talk or just to use our energy peaks for what we really want. It’s overwhelming, My Dear! But it can be SO overwhelming to try and do it all. So, when we do, we end up coping in unhealthy ways. You may end up drinking to deal with the situation then afterward you have a hangover. Or you may end up with a “social hangover” where you avoid the outside world or people for weeks. As an introvert coach, I have to tell you: It’s not healthy, but I get it. But there is another way.
What is Slow Living for a Sensitive Woman?
The idea of “slow living” is living life in a way that gives us back what we need- energy and time spent on what matters most to us. A way where we can choose one thing or none at all. A method that doesn’t take from us but energizes us. This way of living can be so beneficial for sensitive women.
Slow living gives us space to breathe, and to take the time to focus on our introverted activities. It allows us to connect with ourselves and our loved ones more deeply. And it permits us to say “no” without feeling guilty. So if you’re feeling exhausted from being sensitive, try slowing down and living at a pace that works better for you. You, your introverted soul, and your loved ones will thank you for it. Plus, there are many benefits!
Saying “No” Without the Guilt as an HSP
You’ve tried saying “yes” to everything. You’ve tried to do it all and be everything to everyone. But as an HSP, it’s just too much, and you end up feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. So, try saying “no” more often without guilt. Saying “no” will help you to focus on what’s really important to you.
For example, you’ve been invited to a four-year-old’s birthday party and you don’t want to go. Usually, you would go and make the best of it. But with slow living, you have the permission to say no without feeling guilty. You can send a gift and know that you don’t have to go if you don’t want to.
This way you can preserve that energy for something YOU want to do. Whether that’s reading a book, going for a walk, or taking a nap. Or, if you’re feeling more social, you can use that energy to have a deep conversation with a friend. One where you can connect and share what’s going on in your life. You get to decide! And trust me, your sensitive, introverted soul will thank you for it.
Small Talk is Soul Sucking for Sensitives and Introverts
I’m sure you’ve been at a social event where someone starts talking to you and it is so painfully awkward. You know, the small talk where they ask you how you are and you say “fine” because you don’t really want to get into it. And they say “that’s great!” even though you know they don’t care. It’s soul-sucking, right?
When applying the slower living method as an HSP, you can avoid these types of interactions. You don’t have to go to events that you know will be full of small talk. You can say “no, thank you but maybe next time”. And that’s okay! You don’t have to do everything or be everywhere. Just because you’re invited doesn’t mean you have to go. Plus, it’s more fun to go to events where you know you’ll have a good time.
Perhaps there’s an event that you want to go to! You know there will be some small talk involved but since you skipped the other event, you can use your energy peaks for the parts of the event that you’ll enjoy. Then you can head home to your introverted activities without feeling drained.
As an HSP You Deserve Time for What You Want
This may seem cliche or like common sense, but sensitive women may spend a lot of time going and doing things they don’t want to do. And while it’s good to push ourselves out of our comfort zones sometimes, it’s not good to do things that constantly drain us.
For example, you might be at your high school reunion in your small town. You’re surrounded by people you haven’t seen in years and you’re feeling exhausted. So, to cope you drink. A lot. And while it might help at the moment, you end up with a hangover the next day. But also, a social hangover. You avoid the outside world and people for weeks because you just can’t deal.
This is where slow living comes in. With slow living, you can focus on your wants and needs. So, if you don’t want to go to your high school reunion, you don’t have to. Or, you can go and use your energy peaks to talk to the people you want to talk to. And then you can head home without feeling the need to drink or avoid people for weeks. Which, I think we can all agree, is a much better way to live.
CONSIDER COACHING FOR SENSITIVE INTROVERTED WOMEN WITH ENID DEJESUS
Make life feel easier by slowing it down! Make it a peaceful journey instead of a race to the finish. If you have any more tips about slow living, please share them in the comments below! I would love to hear from you. As an HSP and introvert coach, I would love to help you figure out individualized strategies to live your life slowly as a radical introvert. Let’s connect! I help women all over the world find peace and acceptance with their introverted nature. You can learn more about my radical introvert coaching program with this free, Radical Introvert Audio Training “How to Find Peace in This Fast-Paced World”. When you’re ready to take action, I make it simple to book a free, 30-minute consultation call with me. I can’t wait to hear from you!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Enid DeJesus is an introvert and sensitive person coach for women located in Florida. As a sensitive, introvert herself, Enid understands how hard it is to live in a fast-paced world when you’re wired to go slow. She knows what it’s like to feel exhausted from small talk and to long for more peace and quiet. Just like you. She created her coaching program to help liberate women from the pressure to be different but to help design a life that is meant for their sensitive, introverted nature.
If you’re interested to start the radical introvert coaching program, let’s talk!
