Sensitivity is Tiring It takes up a lot of energy when you're processing the world at a deeper level, taking in lots of unconscious subtleties and stimuli from other people and your environment. We only have finite energy and the reality for highly sensitive people is that these reserves drain faster for us and require us to take downtime more often. This is not a problem, especially as you become aware of your own daily rhythms as well as the activities that require more preparation and recovery time. It's a fair pay off for what I consider an amazing trait to have, though I do get frustrated when certain things that 'shouldn't matter' get to me, overwhelm me or prevent me from doing what I truly want to do. I was wondering: why does this happen and do I truly need to expose my sensitivity to EVERYTHING? To what am I allowing myself to be sensitive right now? Is it necessary? What can I do to alleviate the energy drain? Do We Have Control? These are questions I have begun to ask myself in all sorts of situations. The supermarket, on an aeroplane, in my living room, at work, sat at my desk writing, or walking through the park. Hey, I'm even asking it right now as I look around this untidy room where the TV is on, I have a cat purring at me trying to stand on this computer, and I haven't yet eaten my dinner...no wonder this is taking so long. These questions have started to focus me on the present moment and what I am allowing to affect my mood, energy, and state of wellbeing. We have the power to direct our sensitivity in certain ways. When we begin to grasp this, the trait opens up all kinds of amazing potential. We unconsciously point our sensitivity in some negative directions, allowing it to hinder us rather than help, and definitely drain more energy than is necessary. Maybe you'll recognise some of these examples (I've experienced all of them): Sensitive to the opinions of others Sensitive to the mood of the crowd/media Sensitive to their own self-criticism Sensitive to the past Sensitive to things others don't bother noticing Sensitive to abrasive personalities Sensitive to the pros and cons in all the options Sensitive to feeling different Sensitive to the nagging thought that you 'don't have time'