A Highly Sensitive Person's Brain Makes Decisions Differently
"Decision-making can be difficult for anyone, but for people with a high level of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), or highly sensitive people (HSPs), there can be an added layer of stress.
Making Decisions as an HSP
Why Making Decisions Can Be Difficult for HSPs
"Because HSPs process various stimuli in much greater detail than others, any decision, regardless of whether it is big or small, ultimately becomes more heightened in importance due to the impact such choices have on the HSP's overall state of being," he says.
As a result of using more energy to make decisions, flooding can occur in HSPs, where they feel overwhelmed by certain things others may not be bothered by.
Flooding is very similar to sensory overload, when one or more of the five senses get overstimulated.
COVID-19 Affected Decision-Making
Take your time
Thinking slowly and carefully about a decision can be helpful for an HSP. A decision made in haste may lead to more regret.
Take the time to write up a list of the possible consequences, the pros and cons of a decision, or any risks involved.
Know your needs and values
An HSP often thinks about how their decisions will affect others’ emotions and lives. Though empathy is a strength, it is also important to remember that you are making decisions for yourself too.
Self-compassion is important for HSPs, and it can be helpful to talk to yourself like you would talk to a close friend.
Remember that it's not all-or-nothing
If you're stuck between two choices, you can try to think of a compromise between choices or come up with a backup plan to put yourself at ease.
Keep in mind that most decisions aren’t forever, and you have the strength to deal with any consequences that come with a decision.
Talk it out
Carrying the burden of making a tough decision can be heavy and tiring. HSPs can overthink things, so it can be helpful to get another perspective."
Read the complete article available at Very Well Mind!
Reflection:
Would you consider yourself a Highly Sensitive Person?
*I definitely would consider myself as being highly sensitive. I also tend to have great difficulty in making decisions. Especially ones that could affect others. In addition, I find making mundane decisions difficult as well like deciding on an outfit. I often find myself under decision-stress*
#DecisionMaking #Sensitive #Processing
@comfortableNight4463 Thanks for sharing this.
It was very educational to me.
Learned some new things as well.
@Happy900 You're welcome! I'm glad that it was informative to you. Thanks for reading.
@comfortableNight4463
Thank you for the post! This was a very insightful read.
Personally, I would consider myself a sensitive person. Therefore, I will remember the points made in this moving forward!
@innateJoy9602 You're welcome! I'm glad this article was helpful to you. Thanks for reading.
@comfortableNight4463 yes yes yes! I'm so sensitive lol. Every decision I make is always all or nothing and I wish I could make decisions in more of a gray area. I try to keep things in perspective, but decisions probably seem more of a risk to me than the normal person. It's hard to remember that everything will be okay.
@fruityPond7887 I think this way too. I'm so reticent about taking a decision and think its either all or nothing and I have to pick the correct one but ultimately there is no such thing as a 'correct' choice. Each choice has consequences and I have to remind myself that it's not the end of the world.
@comfortableNight4463 This! I always have each choice laced with possible regret and it's not fun when a decision comes. A pit forms in my stomach with either choice. But the decision would be silly to other people 😂
@fruityPond7887 Exactly! It can be so frustrating. Even deciding what to eat can be stressful.
So informative and thought-provoking thank you!!
@enjoyiableElementary9396 You're welcome! Thanks for reading.
