High sensitivity: When the world is sometimes too loud, too fast and too much

Highly sensitive people – a term that has been used more and more frequently in recent years. Around 15–20% of people are considered highly sensitive. But what does that actually mean? Highly sensitive people perceive stimuli more intensely and process them more deeply than others. This applies to sounds, smells, visual impressions, and even emotional moods in their environment. It's important to know: Highly sensitive people are not an illness or a weakness, but a personality trait.

While others in an open-plan office just roll their eyes wearily when the printer beeps for the third time, the highly sensitive person has already mentally formed escape plans. Their nervous system is running on overdrive, registering every little thing – and at some point, it all becomes too much. But high sensitivity brings with it not only challenges, but also impressive strengths and opportunities.

In this article, we take a look at the impact that high sensitivity can have on your professional and private life, where the stumbling blocks lie – and why the coffee machine is sometimes your natural enemy.

What is high sensitivity?

The term "high sensitivity" was coined primarily by the American psychologist Elaine Aron. She uses it to describe an increased receptivity of the nervous system to internal and external stimuli. Highly sensitive people (HSPs for short) are often very conscientious, empathetic, and creative. It's important to distinguish between the two: not every introverted or emotionally reactive person is automatically highly sensitive. Extroverts can also be highly sensitive—the range is broad.

High sensitivity in professional life: Between overstimulation and sensitivity

Everyday work often presents highly sensitive people with particular challenges. Open-plan offices, constant background noise, and long meetings can quickly become overwhelming. Multitasking and time pressure are stressful because the brain is constantly processing information.

A classic: the coffee machine. While for many it's merely background noise, for highly sensitive people it's a nerve-wracking experience. The hissing, gurgling, and beeping that starts in the middle of an important phone call can permanently disrupt one's inner peace. It's not without reason that one humorously explains: "Why the coffee machine is sometimes the natural enemy."

But there are also enormous strengths: Highly sensitive people have a keen eye for detail, recognize sources of error early on, and bring a deep sense of responsibility. They often think outside the box and make valuable contributions to teams—especially in jobs that require empathy, creativity, or precision.

Challenges in private life

High sensitivity also brings both ups and downs in private life. Large parties, crowded shopping malls, and intense conversations can be stressful. Highly sensitive people often process conflicts more deeply and need more time to recover. At the same time, they experience relationships intensely, perceive subtle nuances, and are usually loyal, attentive partners or friends.

Here it is important to find a good balance: between withdrawal and togetherness, between empathy and self-protection.

The strengths of highly sensitive people

The strengths shouldn't be overlooked alongside the challenges. Highly sensitive people are often the "emotional seismographs" of their environment: They sense tensions early, think along, and listen carefully. Their creativity flourishes when they can work or live in a safe environment. Furthermore, many HSPs have a strong sense of ethics and often act very responsibly.

Tips for highly sensitive people: Taking good care of yourself

To prevent high sensitivity from becoming overwhelming, some strategies can help:

·      Plan rest breaks: Especially after intensive phases.

·      Use stimulus filters: For example, noise-cancelling headphones in the office.

·      Set boundaries: politely but firmly.

·      Design your work environment: Choose quiet workplaces and structure tasks.

·      Seek exchange: Talk to other highly sensitive people about your experiences.

Tips for those around you: Show understanding

Friends, family and colleagues can also do a lot:

·      Take it seriously: High sensitivity is real, not “imagined”.

·      Be patient: If you are overwhelmed, it is better to give space than to push.

·      See strengths: The sensitivity and loyalty of highly sensitive people are an asset.

Conclusion

High sensitivity is neither a flaw nor a superpower—it's simply a personality trait that brings with it unique challenges and tremendous strengths. With knowledge, empathy, and—yes—a dose of humor, everyday life can not only be mastered together, but enriched. And perhaps, in the end, it will even turn out that the coffee machine isn't so bad after all—as long as it keeps its mouth shut.