The Ultimate Highly Sensitive Person Survival Guide with Free HSP Quiz

Do you ever feel like the world's volume knob is cranked way past everyone else's? Bright lights leave you drained, strong emotions send you reeling, and social gatherings can feel like an assault on your senses. 

If you find yourself nodding along, then you might be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).

But hold on! Being a HSP isn't a curse, it's a superpower! This survival guide is your roadmap to thriving in a world that often feels overwhelming. Lets delve into what it means to be an HSP, and equip you with the ultimate Highly Sensitive Person Survival Guide, and there’s even a HSP quiz to help you see yourself reflected in the traits.

What Makes You a HSP?

Imagine your nervous system as a finely tuned antenna. HSPs pick up on subtle cues, absorb emotions from others like sponges, and process information deeply. This heightened sensitivity can be a double-edged sword…

On the one hand, you experience the world with an incredible richness and vibrancy. You're naturally empathetic, intuitive, and possess a keen eye for detail. On the other hand, overstimulation can leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and emotionally drained.

Take the HSP Quiz Below to Discover Your Sensitivity Level 

This quick quiz can help you identify if you possess the traits of a Highly Sensitive Person. Answer with a "Yes" or "No" for each statement and jot down your answer for each.

The HSP Quiz

  1. Do you find yourself easily overwhelmed by strong smells, bright lights, or loud noises?

  2. Do you tend to pick up on the subtle moods and emotions of others?

  3. Do you need extra time to process information and make decisions?

  4. Do you get easily upset by violence or injustice in the world?

  5. Do you prefer quiet, calm environments to chaotic ones?

  6. Do you feel drained after spending a lot of time with other people?

  7. Do you find yourself more affected by caffeine and alcohol than others?

  8. Do you enjoy having a rich and complex inner life?

  9. Do you have a strong sense of empathy for others?

  10. Do you notice details in your surroundings that most people miss?

HSP Quiz - Mostly Yes (7-10): You are likely a Highly Sensitive Person! 

Welcome to the vibrant world of HSPs.  Embrace your unique strengths – your empathy, intuition, and rich inner life are gifts. Utilize the HSP Survival Guide below to navigate the world on your terms. Here are some additional tips:

  • Connect with your tribe: Find other HSPs or supportive people who understand your sensitivity.

  • Develop healthy boundaries: Learn to say no and prioritize activities that nourish your soul.

  • Explore your creative side: HSPs often have a deep well of creativity – express yourself through art, music, writing, or any creative outlet that resonates with you.

HSP Quiz - Mostly No (4-6): You may have some HSP traits, but sensitivity isn't your dominant characteristic. 

That doesn't mean you can't benefit from the HSP Survival Guide! We all experience the world differently, and sometimes taking steps to manage overstimulation or prioritize self-care can be helpful for everyone.

Here are some ways you can incorporate HSP practices into your life:

  • Schedule quiet time: Even if you're not easily overwhelmed, carving out dedicated quiet time for relaxation can benefit anyone.

  • Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, leading to greater emotional regulation.

  • Embrace nature: Spending time outdoors can be a grounding and rejuvenating experience for everyone, not just HSPs.

HSP Quiz - Mixed Answers (Somewhere in Between):  Some HSP traits resonate with you, but not all.

Sensitivity might manifest in certain areas of your life, but not all. This is a very common outcome! Sensitivity can show up in different ways for different people.

Remember: This is a brief HSP quiz and doesn't offer a definitive diagnosis. If you believe you’re a HSP, read through the Highly Sensitive Person Survival Guide below, or consider exploring my toolbox where there are additional resources for you to explore. 

The Highly Sensitive Person Survival Guide and HSP Quiz

The Highly Sensitive Person Survival Guide: Thrive, Don't Just Survive!

Being a HSP isn't about shutting down the world, it's about learning to navigate it on your own terms. Here are some powerful HSP strategies to make your future as a HSP is a bright and empowering one. 

  • Create and Embrace Your Own Sanctuary: Create a haven in your home – a calming space with soothing colors, dim lighting, and comfortable textures. This is your recharge zone, a place to retreat for some quiet self-care.


  • Master the Art of Saying No: You are not obligated to attend every social event or take on every responsibility. Learn to politely decline invitations that drain your energy. Prioritize activities that nourish your soul.


  • Befriend Solitude: Don't confuse solitude with loneliness. Schedule regular alone time to recharge your batteries. Take a calming bath, read a good book, or simply sit in silence and connect with your inner world.


  • Listen to Your Body: HSPs are incredibly sensitive to physical sensations. Pay attention to your body's cues. Are you feeling tense? Take some deep breaths. Feeling sluggish? Nourish yourself with some healthy foods.


  • Declutter Your Senses: Crowded spaces, loud noises, and strong smells can be overwhelming. Carry earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones for noisy environments. Diffuse calming essential oils, like lavender or chamomile, to create a peaceful atmosphere at home.


  • Embrace the Power of Nature: Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Take a walk in the park, breathe in the fresh air, and let the calming rhythm of the outdoors soothe your senses. Nature is a powerful source of grounding and rejuvenation for HSPs.


  • Develop Your Intuition: One of your greatest strengths as an HSP is your intuition. Pay attention to your gut feelings, the subtle inner nudges that guide your path. Meditation and journaling can be powerful tools in honing your intuition.

Check out my Psychic Intuition Development Mentorship Program to fully embrace and implement your psychic ability into your life. 

  • Find Your Tribe: Surround yourself with supportive people who understand your sensitivity. Seek out relationships with other HSPs or those who respect your need for quiet time and emotional space.


  • Celebrate Your Strengths! Being an HSP is a gift, not a burden. You have a unique capacity for empathy, creativity, and depth. Don't shy away from your sensitivity – embrace it as your superpower!

Recommended: Top 10 Healing Careers for Highly Sensitive People

The Highly Sensitive Person Survival Guide for Tapping into Your Psychic Potential

Being a Highly Sensitive Person isn't just about feeling the world more intensely – it's about having a powerful connection to the unseen.  HSPs often possess a natural aptitude for psychic abilities, making them adept at picking up on subtle energetic shifts and intuitive nudges.

Here's how your HSP traits translate into potential psychic superpowers:

Empathy as a Gateway:  Your deep well of empathy allows you to not only feel the emotions of others, but also sense their underlying energy. This can manifest as a premonition about someone's day, or an inexplicable knowing about a situation they haven't shared.

Intuition on High Alert:  HSPs are constantly bombarded with subtle cues.  This translates to a heightened intuition, that inner voice that whispers insights and guidance.  Learn to trust your gut feelings – they might be picking up on information beyond the five senses.


The Power of Observation:  Your keen eye for detail extends beyond the physical world.  You might unconsciously pick up on energetic signatures and subtle changes in the atmosphere.  This heightened awareness can be a springboard for developing your skills in clairsentience (feeling energy) or clairvoyance (seeing psychic visions).

Living Dreams:  HSPs often experience vivid and symbolic dreams.  These dreams can hold hidden messages or premonitions, offering glimpses into the future or deeper truths about yourself or others.  Start keeping a dream journal and pay attention to recurring themes or symbols that resonate with you.



Purchase my Dream Interpretation Class to discover how to recognize psychic dreams. 

Discovering Your Inner Psychic:


The good news? You can cultivate your psychic abilities! Here are some tips for HSPs to tap into their hidden potential:


Meditation: Meditation quiets the mind and allows your intuition to come to the forefront.  Regular meditation practice can enhance your ability to receive psychic information.


Energy Awareness: Pay attention to the energy you feel in different environments.  Does a certain place feel heavy or light?  Can you sense the emotional residue left behind by others?  Developing your energy awareness is a key step in strengthening your psychic muscle.

Visualization: Visualization is a powerful tool for honing your psychic abilities.  Practice visualizing specific outcomes or focusing on receiving intuitive messages.  The more you train your mind, the stronger your psychic connection becomes.


Grounding:  Being an HSP can leave you feeling ungrounded.  Develop grounding practices like spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness exercises, or using crystals to help you stay centered and connected to your physical body.  This will help you to better interpret and manage the flow of psychic information.


Remember, being an HSP is a journey of exploration and self-discovery.  Embrace your unique sensitivity and trust your intuition.  With dedication and practice, you can tap into the extraordinary psychic potential that lies within you!


If you enjoyed reading this highly sensitive person survival guide and are ready to go on your psychic development journey, schedule a free 30-minute call with me here to get started.

Brandi Van

“Many people struggle with doubting the validity of their psychic abilities. Through my targeted 90-day mentorship program, I help individuals overcome their self-doubt, allowing them to fully embrace and utilize their psychic gifts. The impact is profound: clients gain confidence in their abilities, learn to live purposefully and with fulfillment, and become empowered to make a meaningful difference in the world.” – Brandi Van

Ready to go all in with your psychic development? Book a free 30-minute call with me so we can enroll you in my 90-Day Mentorship Program.

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