How To Get Things Done For The Highly Sensitive Person

Highly Sensitive People feel and process life deeply, and we can get overwhelmed because of this, making what may look simple incredibly complex. Sometimes we get stuck and this blog may help you get unstuck. We see meaning in everything and what's a "just do it" moment for someone else may be a very real sense of pressure for us. We need plenty of time and space to be able to feel ready to begin something new, even if we've done it before. This blog offers some tips and tricks that I've used to get unstuck when it comes to getting things done.

Sometimes it's very hard to take that first step, and for some reason this month's blog has been particularly hard for this HSP. I love writing and sharing my thoughts with you, so I think this whole process may be helpful for you too. Overwhelm and the feeling of stuckness are some of the things we HSPs deal with, and that might be feeling like we have to do it all, perfectly, and alone. That's HUGE! There's so much involved in everything for us. Sometimes I struggle with getting my body to do what my brain wants to do. It just won't. I've got so many ideas and topics to write about that it "should" be easy, but I don't "should" myself anymore, and the feeling of "stuck" is very real. Executive dysfunction can be debilitating so I'm hoping this topic of how to get things done is helpful; at least a little bit.

This feeling of being stuck often stems from a variety of factors, including anxiety, perfectionism, and sensory overload. For sensitive neurodivergent folks, like me, and probably you since you're reading this, the world can be an intense place filled with overwhelming stimuli and emotional experiences. This heightened sensitivity can lead to feelings of being paralyzed by the weight of tasks, making it difficult to initiate or complete projects.

Visit my website

Additionally, the fear of failure or the pressure to meet high standards can exacerbate that state. When tasks feel daunting, it’s easy to retreat into avoidance, leading to a cycle of guilt and frustration.

Once I've started I'm ususally focused and interested in whatever I'm doing. I can definitely be distracted by shing objects and squirrels, and it's clearly the starting that's the hard part for me. Executive function is often difficult for HSPs.

So, here are some of my pro tips and tricks that I use to help me get started:

A. Use tools. I often use a timer to begin working, for a short break, to get back to the task, and a timer to stop. (Make sure your break isn't too fun ;)

B. Break the task into small parts so it doesn't seem so big. Think of the task like the steps of a recipe and acknowledge your progress along the way.

C. Have a friend in the room with you to help you stay on track. It might feel better even if they're doing their own thing. When you're done you can do something fun together.

D. Stimulate yourself by moving before you start on your task. Dance, stretch, sing, run around the block, or listen to music or a podcast to get yourself going.

E. Use ToDo lists. ToDo lists can hold all your thoughts so your brain doesn't have to. Write them down, prioritize them, and check them off as you get them done. Prioritizing is key because you can see a beginning and an end!

F. Make a game of it: time yourself & see how much you can get done while something else is happening (like while the laundry is washing/drying, cake is baking, or waiting at the oil change station...)

G. Even if you get less done than you hoped it's still more than you had done before you started! Celebrate!

H. Talk to yourself the way you'd talk to your inner child. Be kind. Be respectful. Be helpful. Be compassionate.

I. Create an organized and comfortable environment to support yourself. Keep it tidy and supplied with what you need, make it beautiful and be sure to adjust the lighting, minimize distractions, and use noise canceling headphones. For me, this is the most important and helpful tip.

J. Use mindfulness to keep you focused on the task at hand. If your mind wanders, come back to the task.

These are a few of my tips and thoughts on how to get through that feeling of being stuck. Please share this blog with someone you know that struggles with executive function. And, I'd love to hear some of the ways that you've found to help yourself or someone you love. Please reach out and let's set up a time to talk about ways that I can help you lead a more empowered and authentic life.

Warmly,

Janis

Contact Me