How does high sensitivity stack up against the OCEAN model? The biggest correlations, in my view, are openness to new experiences and conscientiousness. Of course, we know that 30% of HSPs are also extraverts and that neuroticism and agreeableness do not necessarily follow from being highly sensitive. HSPs CAN be neurotic and CAN be agreeable but, in and of itself, sensitivity is neutral and does not imply anything beyond a greater openness to all stimulation and a more thorough processing of those events, experiences, memories, etc.

As mentioned in the link, many other factors shape and form how we develop as human beings with sensory processing sensitivity representing a strong, heritable trait present in the human population in a large minority 15-20%. The trick really is utilizing it in the world for its many insights, its creativity, and its ability to connect us together through vulnerability and empathy.

#thegeniusofsensitivity #tracycooperphd

Sleep, or rather sleep problems, are what we are most familiar with but it is fascinating to learn about the history of sleep and segmented sleep. As we ALL should know by now, sleep is the basis for all mental health and well-functioning. Some suffer from an inability to fall asleep due to a racing mind but may not have any issues with staying asleep. Others have problems both falling asleep and staying asleep long enough for the body to benefit the most.

If your sleep is difficult to enter, I suggest some elementary things to try. Consider looking at your diet, specifically your carbohydrate intake. Modify how many carbs you ingest and see if that makes a difference. Similarly with sugars of all types, cut back or cut them out and see if that helps. It could make a huge difference in your racing thoughts, your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep!

Structure and routine, as mentioned in the article, are also crucial to stick with, as much as possible. It really does help for your body to expect a routine and to stay with that over time. Sleep may be more comfortable and safe now than in the long past but still represents a challenge for many.

Sleep is the foundation of health, well-being and well-functioning. This is especially true for HSPs.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/01/medieval-sleeping-habits-insomnia-segmented-biphasic/621372/?utm_source=pocket-newtab

Boy Abunda really does have an inspiring story of overcoming ALL the odds desperately stacked against him, as a gay man in a decidedly macho culture, as an aspiring talk show host, and as someone who had to overcome the direst of poverty!!Boy’s insights are powerfully inspiring and poignant in their testament to the human need to individuate. #TheGeniusofSensitivity#highlysensitivemen#highlysensitivesoul#BoyAbunda#highlysensitivepeople

Curious about those people who will be part of this most-awaited documentary? We’ll give you a sneak peek. BOY ABUNDA, The #1 Talk Show host in the Philippines aka the Male Oprah of the Philippines

He grew up gay, with the sensitive trait in one of the poorest regions in the Philippines. He dealt with painful rejection but accredits his trait for his perseverance and understanding of negative complexities.

Watch out for his uplifting and moving testimonial in The Genius of Sensitivity! #BoyAbunda#TheGeniusofSensitivity#Sensitive#HSP#RedefiningMasculinity

Hybrid working arrangements are now becoming a topic of discussion in the ongoing renegotiation of how, where, and when we work. Autonomy, as we know, is HUGE for HSPs, we do best when we are able to choose when we work so it aligns with when we are at our energetic peaks during the day, or night.

Hybrid, as a term, also does need to be defined clearly. Some people do find it disjointing to work through the initial phases of home versus office. I feel it is likely, however, that those who wish to make hybrid arrangements work will quickly sort out a smoother flow between office time and working from home time. It’s a bit overblown to think that people are not capable of making it work. In my view, if anything, it’s the office time that may be disruptive and problematic as distractions abound and endless meetings carve into peak cognitive and creative time.

It’s an in-between transition time, at least it feels that way, and employees and employers are sometimes clinging to old paradigms not well suited to new realities.

The power is yours, at the moment, as employees or job seekers. Now, is the time to seize the moment and FINALLY utilize this scarcity of workers to renegotiate what is important to you as an HSP or HSS/HSP in how, when, and where you work!

How are hybrid working arrangements working for you? What have been your experiences?

#highlysensitivemen#hsshsp#TheGeniusofSensitivity#highlysensitivesoul#careers#highlysensitivepeople

Just as relevant and timely now as when I wrote it in 2014! Thrive: The Highly Sensitive Person and Career continues to connect HSPs with the lived experiences of other HSPs, and HSS/HSPs, on many facets of career, while offering a broader view of career for HSPs and HSS/HSPs.

Working from home may seem like the answer to all your problems of crowded, noisy, distracting, and uncomfortable offices but that same environment that you can now control can also set you up to ignore your physical and emotional health.

HSPs are known to be highly conscientious individuals and will work hard, sometimes to hard, on projects that they care about. When we overlook the need to balance what may be a new working environment for many, one in which we can control the things that formerly were irritants we could do little to control, we may proportionally be little better off than working in an office.

ALL of the same tenants that help keep you functional and sustainable as sensitives also needs to be balanced and paid attention to in the home office! Yes, hydration, exercise, change of routine and scenery, and boundaries ALL still matter!

Understand that this is still work and, even though you be at home, you should view it with the same sense of necessity to keep yourself healthy and happy. It doesn’t just happen magically, we have to pay attention to it and put forth the effort on each aspect of our well-being.

What have been your biggest challenges if you have started working from home?

The Genius of Sensitivity: Redefining Masculinity. It’s a fundamentally positive and inspiring title for a film in that we are framing the discussion of sensitive men around strengths, application of the trait, and purpose!

That purpose is as it has always been for sensitives, to use their keen attunement to the environments they live in combined with a capacity to more thoroughly process lived experiences in service to strategic thinking.

Simply put, it’s saying “hey guys, maybe there are other possibilities for what men can be! Let’s do better!” Then, it’s enacting those reVisioned and reimagined notions of about masculinity in practical reality as fathers, partners, and men out in the world.