Recently when I was in the shower, I went to shave my legs and realized “The water is already cooling off. I missed my shaving window again, dang it!” And just like that, I had to call it. Not because I was done with my shower tasks or because my morning was marching onward but because my neurodivergent brain’s preferred notification system for showering is simply running out of hot water. Sound familiar?

The term "neurodivergence" celebrates the diversity of human brains, recognizing that differences in processing, perception, and interaction can be assets rather than deficits. There are several types but this blog post focuses on the four that are most well known: ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Giftedness, and Highly Sensitive People (HSP).

Being a highly sensitive person (HSP) is like having a finely tuned antenna for the world around you. This type of neurodivergence allows you pick up on subtleties that others might miss, to feel deeply, and often find beauty and meaning in everyday experiences. Yet, being so finely attuned can also mean facing challenges like overwhelm and overstimulation more intensely and more often than others might. Hear are some ways to enhance self-care as a Highly Sensitive Person that help prevent burn our and protect your unique gifts.

In 1996, the term "highly sensitive person" was coined to for those who process information deeply, react strongly to emotions in themselves or others, and are acutely attuned to their surroundings. It's not about being overly fragile or weak, but instead this form of neurodiversity highlights a finely tuned nervous system that catches subtleties most others happen to miss.