Why Highly Sensitive People Need Minimalism

Embracing a simple, more minimalist home and lifestyle

By Jodie RowePublished 11 days ago • 5 min read

A lot of people feel stressed or unsettled in a cluttered environment. But Highly Sensitive People, in particular, can be more prone to being impacted by negative effects of chaos and clutter. Too much sensory information, including visual clutter can easily make a Highly Sensitive Person feel overwhelmed and stressed.

Clutter has always made me feel unsettled and stressed. After realizing I am a Highly Sensitive Person, it became even more important to strive for a simple, minimalist home and life.

What is a Highly Sensitive Person?

Highly Sensitive People have a sensitive nervous system, are aware subtleties in their surroundings are more easily overwhelmed when in a highly stimulating environment.

I learnt many things I thought were just my own little idiosyncrasies, are actually things other people experience too. I learnt I had to make adjustments in my life where possible to make life easier as a Highly Sensitive Person.

By accepting these aspects and working with them, rather than against them, I could live a happier, calmer life.

Characteristics of Highly Sensitive People

1. Sensory information easily overwhelms you

Things like loud sounds, bright lights, strong smells or uncomfortable fabric textures can overwhelm and unsettle a Highly Sensitive Person. Large crowds or busy environments have the same effect.

2. Multi-tasking stresses you out

Highly Sensitive People feel stress out, anxious and overwhelmed if they have a lot to do in a short amount of time. Having too much to do, being overly busy or rushing leaves Highly Sensitive People feeling particularly exhausted and overwhelmed.

3. News or media deeply disturbs you

Witnessing violence in TV shows, movies or news stories deeply upsets and disturbs Highly Sensitive People. It's hard for them to get the image or idea out of their minds. And they can feel unsettle about it for weeks afterwards.

4. You need more quiet, alone time

After a busy or overwhelming day, Highly Sensitive People often find themselves desperate for some quiet time. Often needing to spend time alone in a calm space, such as a quiet, softly lit room.

Highly Sensitive People need more time and space, in general, to shut the world out and recharge. But this is particularly true after a busy day or after experiencing a lot of sensory input.

5. You have a complex inner dialogue and imagination

Highly Sensitive People often find themselves getting lost in their own thoughts and have a deep and complex inner life.

Highly Sensitive People tend to replay and analyze conversations and experiences in their minds. They often go over all the possible outcomes that could have happened in their mind. Highly Sensitive People are often told they worry too much.

The flip side of this is they also tend to be creative. They have deep imaginations and spend a lot of time thinking of new and creative ideas.

6. People often describe you as overly sensitive

Highly Sensitive People are still not well understood and are often mislabeled. They are often told they are being too sensitive or overly emotional. Or even that they need to toughen up or get thicker skin.

7. You tend to notice details in your environment that others miss

Highly Sensitive People tend to be very observant of their surroundings, often noticing details and subtleties others may miss.

8. You easily pick up on others' emotions

Highly Sensitive People often pick up on the moods and emotions of the people around them. They may even take on the emotions of people around them at times.

This is one reason busy environments and social situations can be exhausting for Highly Sensitive People.

Finding Ways to Cope as a Highly Sensitive Person

Many different things can overwhelm Highly Sensitive People. The key to thriving as a Highly Sensitive Person is finding healthy ways to cope with things that overwhelm you. And taking steps to limit or control your exposure to things you find overwhelming.

Although there are some overwhelming elements and situations a Highly Sensitive Person has no control over, there are some things well withing your ability to control.

One of the most important things you have control over is your home and the environment inside it.

You have the choice to intentionally create a home that can be your retreat. A reguge from the chaos and overstimulation of the outside world. A place to rest and recharge. An environment that can become your sanctuary.

Taking control of your home and the way it makes you feel is particularly important for a Highly Sensitive Person.

Why Highly Sensitive People Need Minimalism

Minimalism, simplifying and clearing the clutter are so important for Highly Sensitive People.

A cluttered room filled with too much stuff can make anyone feel unsettled, but especially a Highly Sensitive Person.

Clutter and too much stuff create a lot of external stimuli to take in. Adding to the sensory information overload that can become overwhelming and stressful for a Highly Sensitive Person.

A cluttered space gives your eyes and your mind fewer opportunities to rest. There are simply too many things to look at and take in. Clutter makes it difficult for Highly Sensitive People to relax or rest because they are bombarded with too much sensory information.

Imagine a room with very little clutter, clear surfaces and room to breathe. A space like this creates feelings of openness, calm and relaxation. Having a clutter-free space with clear surfaces provides a place for your eyes and mind to rest.

A calm and uncluttered environment also helps keep your mind calm and uncluttered. And again, this is especially true for Highly Sensitive People.

Minimalism allows Highly Sensitive People to create the environment they need to truly rest, relax and recharge. Especially after facing the world and all its sensory overload throughout the day.