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China Elevator Stories
Being A Highly Sensitive Person In Urban China
What is it like to be highly sensitive in China?
19/11/2013
Ruth Silbermayr
Author
What does it mean to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) living in one of China’s biggest cities?
It means dealing with a lot of external stress—sometimes much more than you’d face back home. Millions of people, hundreds of thousands of vehicles, tens of thousands of sounds, and thousands of smells—this might be overwhelming for a less sensitive person, but if you’re highly sensitive, your system can become completely overloaded by the sheer volume of people, feelings, smells, sounds, and colors.
What can you do about it?
Find your oasis in the concrete desert:
Your oasis might be a nearby park, the sea, a café, or simply your home. For me, my apartment is particularly important. Before moving in, I looked for a place with an extra bedroom. The bedroom is reserved just for sleeping—my computer, the television, and other distractions stay in the living room. This way, I can truly focus on resting in the evening.
Make time for yourself:
You might easily get exhausted just by going shopping or commuting to work. Meeting up with friends can be fun, but sometimes it’s essential to relax alone and give your brain a break.
Get out of the city whenever you can:
Visit the countryside, climb a mountain, or simply relax in a place with fresh air, nature, and fewer people.
Engage in creative activities:
Read a book, write something, paint, cook, make music, or grow a plant. Find activities that are both fulfilling and relaxing.
Although living in such a huge city has its challenges, it can also be incredibly inspiring for a Highly Sensitive Person. The markets, the colors, and the stories people share can all be deeply moving.
Traveling through China’s vast countryside is another experience I would never want to miss and would highly recommend to others.
Even though the pressure of living in a megacity like Shenzhen puts a strain on a person’s nervous system, I’m still very grateful for the time I’ve spent here and the daily inspiration it provides.
Are you a Highly Sensitive Person living in China?