The Healthy HSP - A Sensitive Topic by Christine Magnussen
Guest Post
Do you ever think "If I had my health, I could do just about anything?" As a sensitive person in my 70s, I have come to make health a priority to allow myself more freedom to be active and engaged in life.
In my 60’s, I received five reversible diagnoses. I became a Master Certified Health Coach to learn all I could about health and inspire others to be their most vital selves. We HSPs benefit from gaining awareness about managing our sensitivities to optimize our health.
In her *Brain Training course, HSP psychotherapist Julie Bjelland LMFT writes, “Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) and the Neurodivergent have specific brain differences that make us more susceptible to increased stress, depression, and anxiety.” A chronic stress response in our bodies can trigger inflammation, which can lead to autoimmune dysfunction, pain, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and brain fog. We notice these challenges, especially as we get older if we have not found strategies to reduce stress over time.
Because of the effect of stress on our minds and bodies, I have designed a Master Health Club for HSPs 50+ to address health issues particularly relevant to us, such as osteoporosis, sleep challenges, and poor concentration/memory.
A research article: “Impacts of Psychological Stress on Osteoporosis: Clinical Implications and Treatment Interactions,” suggests that chronic stress can contribute to inflammation in the body, causing the development of diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis. The National Center for PTSD states that there is some evidence to indicate PTSD is related to cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal disorders. It makes sense that since the highly sensitive person is more prone to stress, these physical issues may also be more prevalent in the HSP.
These resources support the HSP in managing stress to maintain better overall health:
Julie Bjelland’s *HSP ToolBox course provides tools for handling nervous system overload, trouble sleeping, fatigue, or panic attacks.
High Anxiety & Sensitivity free Masterclass describes how HSPs may be more susceptible to stress and provides tools to help relieve anxiety.
Julie Bjelland hosts free HSP Podcasts on a vast array of topics related to your well-being including When Stress Feels Too High
When you take the Brain Training, ToolBox, or other courses by Julie Bjelland LMFT, you receive 8 free weeks of membership in the Sensitive Empowerment Community (SEC) with a myriad of free events and discussions in a safe, private online group of like-spirited HSPs. HSPs 60+ can have access to the Sensitive Sage group. Join us on May 20 in the SEC for the BoneUp on Your Bones live Jeopardy game hosted by Christine Magnussen.
Christine Magnussen is an HSP-Certified Coach, Master Certified Health Coach and the host of the Sensitive Sage group for HSP 60+. Check out her Master Health Club for HSPs 50+ starting June 5! Christine invites you to express your key health topics: Health Questionnaire.
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Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is an HSP Psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity, author of The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person, and founder of the exceptionally ranked Sensitive Empowerment Community. Julie's HSP Podcast is among the top 5% of the most shared and followed worldwide. Her online courses and free resources have helped millions of HSPs reduce the challenges of living with sensitivity, and her greatest joy lies in helping HSPs discover their significant value to the world. Julie's brain training program has proven to reduce anxiety within the first two weeks. Explore all her resources at JulieBjelland.com
Julie Bjelland, LMFT, explores the profound effects of chronic amygdala activation on highly sensitive or neurodivergent individuals. This article delves into how overactivation influences mental and physical health and introduces a transformative solution through targeted brain training.