As I mentioned in my last post, my research regarding my own introversion is an ongoing endeavor. I am constantly discovering new and different things about myself. I guess my advanced age is making me more self-aware and also more interested in adapted myself so that I can lead the most fulfilling life possible.
My new discovery is that audio and visual distractions hurt me to my core. I mean, it's not new to me abundance of noise and clutter disturb me, but it is a new revelation that it is definitely connected to my introversion.
I have a long history with a calling to live simply. I just can not deal with "stuff" in my space. I absolutely abide by "A place for everything and everything in it's place." This philosophy sticks in my office and my home as well. I can feel my anxiety rising when things pile up around me. I simply can not relax if my eyes are wandering to all the "things" that are out of place. I loved this article:
"Clutter distracts and confuses us. It drains our energy, keeps us from doing what’s most important and gets in the way of our goals and our dreams. While extroverts seem to thrive on juggling lots of balls, introverts who are more sensitive to the world around them may find that clutter is truly an obstacle to their ability to function."
I also abhor audio distractions/ clutter. Slamming cupboards drive me mad, loud talkers are my nemesis, televisions turned up to 50 want to make me stick a knife in my ear... you get the point.
I have been researching ways to cut back my anxiety during these overwhelming times, and in my research, I have introduced myself to a new personality trait: the Highly Sensitive Person. So now I have a new rabbit hole. I actually took a test, and I am clearly a highly sensitive person and, as we all know, internet quizzes are never wrong.
One thing (aside from the aversion to noise) that struck me about the Highly Sensitive person habits was that they have above-average manners. I find this hilarious. I am such a stickler for manners. I always thought I was just uptight, but now I have a much better excuse.
Here are 7 more qualities of highly sensitive people:
1. They get hangry. Hunger can trigger crankiness and an inability to function coherently.
2. They need adequate sleep. Everyone needs sleep, but, for a highly sensitive person, a sleepless night can put you on an emotional roller coaster the next day.
3. They need a healthy way to manage conflict. Nobody likes to fight, but sensitive people tend to feel extra anxious when conflict arises, and an internal battle takes place. They feel torn between speaking up for what they believe is right and sitting back so they don’t provoke an angry reaction from the other person. Often they subjugate their own needs because they’d rather “go along to get along.”
4. They exercise alone. The majority of highly sensitive people prefer individual sports, like bicycling, running and hiking, to group sports.
5. They do not like when they're under observation. It can make them feel rushed and they get flustered because there isn’t enough time to process what they’re doing.
6. They find noisy environments chaotic. Highly sensitive people don't work well in open offices because their senses are put into overdrive by the sights, sounds, smells, and activity buzzing around them.
7. They truly enjoy beauty and nature. Sensitive people are affected by surroundings, especially the way they look. Cluttered, chaotic, or just plain ugly environments are overwhelming. They feel calm spending time in nature enjoying it's simplicity.
Being a highly sensitive person doesn't mean you have a disorder that needs to be fixed. It simply means that you process sensory data more deeply. Recognizing that you're a highly sensitive person could help you develop a better awareness of yourself and your needs.
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