The Highly Sensitive Person's Survival Guide: Essential Skills for Living Well in an Overstimulating World [Paperback]

Building on Dr. Elaine Aron's research on Highly Sensitive People, Ted Zeff's book takes a practical "next step" for the HSP: Now that you *know* about the trait, how do you *manage* it, in an overstimulating world? I started reading this book on a flight from Texas to a convention in California, and discovered tips I could immediately apply to my situation at that moment.

The author starts with a general overview of the HSP trait-- including the sensitivity "self test" developed by Elaine Aron-- and then offers readers some guidance on how to make the best use of the book. Subsequent chapters deal with such topics as preparing for your daily life, dealing with time pressures, physical health, improving sleep patterns, coping with relationships, the work environment, and spirituality. The book concludes by answering some common concerns and questions asked by HSPs, as well as a section on choosing an appropriate healer from the helping professions.

Throughout, Zeff draws on a variety of relaxation and meditation techniques, as well as aspects of Eastern philosophy and spirituality helpful in minimizing and ending general pain and suffering. His overall tone is gentle, helpful and validating, and completely appropriate for a Highly Sensitive Person.

Final thoughts: Highly Recommended (10 out of 10 possible bookmarks) for all HSPs. The book is easy to read, and takes on the much needed topic of how to PRACTICALLY deal with being an HSP.

Thanks for reading!

--Peter

As a child, I was sent to my room as punishment for being "too sensitive" within my very stoic family. Looking back, I think I probably relished the time alone although I still remember the conflicting feelings of aloneness in not being understood, wondering why I so easily cried during a sad movie or other empathic inducements while others did not, wondering if there really was something wrong with me, etc. Later, in trying to eliminate all pieces of the sensitivity traits, I remained a bit different, regardless. Later still, I have found a good balance which simply comes from knowing and being true to yourself, knowing your strengths and limitations, saying "yes" to what would be good for you and learning to say "no" when need be. Good sense for anyone - highly sensitive or not.

The HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) is wired differently than most. Their nervous systems are more reactive and finely tuned, processing things - both positive and negative - more deeply. Also their brain wave patterns are more frequently in the theta state (near the state of meditation, open to intuitive feelings and able to pick up light, sound and other subtle vibrations easily) so truly they should be aware that their water glass holds more stimuli from sources that can become overwhelming and spilled over when not handled properly.

Maybe it's because I am an older HSP and have learned to adjust to the inherent traits, but I felt this book was not as beneficial as I had hoped. In addition, I felt many parts of "The Highly Sensitive Person's Survival Guide" focused on negative limitations instead of needed ways to transcend problems and troublesome situations.

Reading this book from a non-HSP's perspective, I viewed the HSP portrayed as being willfully temperamental, weak, fragile and needing to be coddled. I also felt they were singled out for possession of weaknesses not necessarily belonging to an HSP but could fit a broader population or sometimes anyone at all. A few examples are: "In some situations it can be useful to state that you have a finely tuned nervous system before you request that the person change their (annoying) behavior." (Yet the scenarios given would make anyone upset and it's doubtful that telling the offender that one is HSP, would help.) "The hospital and medical environment is quite emotionally challenging for the HSP." (I disagree.) "By the way, I don't think the song `I Could Have Danced All Night' was written by an HSP." (I disagree with the inference that an HSP doesn't have the physical stamina and/or that they may need a constant drone of boredom in order to survive.) References to "safe", quiet spaces, "inhospitable environment" and other innuendoes caused me to believe the inaccurate stereotyping that HSPs must be catered to due to their delicate natures.

"The Highly Sensitive Person's Survival Guide" is a great resource guide for any who need to learn how to take care of themselves, however. Written by Ted Zeff, PH.D., a psychologist who has taught stress reduction, insomnia management and also currently teaches workshops for HSP, "The Highly Sensitive Person's Survival Guide" is filled with very detailed methods of sensible and vital information and coping techniques for anyone wanting to reduce stress levels and live a calmer and healthier lifestyle. I especially enjoyed the "Nurturing The HSP Soul" chapter.

If you're highly sensitive, this is the book for you. Dr. Zeff shows you how to cope with overstimulation, and stay healthy, relaxed and centered. There's plenty of very practical advice as well as clear explanations of what's been going on with your nervous system and what you can do about it to make life a much more pleasant experience. This is a terrific book!

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