How to Be Less Sensitive: 8 Proven Strategies

Introduction

Sensitivity is defined as the ability to perceive or feel things deeply. While sensitivity can be an asset in certain situations, it can also be a hindrance if you’re easily hurt by criticism or are overly affected by the opinions of others. If you’re looking for ways to become less sensitive, there are several strategies that can help.

Develop a Thicker Skin

One of the most effective ways to become less sensitive is to develop a thicker skin. This means learning to accept that not everyone will agree with your ideas or hold the same opinion as you. It also means being able to take criticism without taking it personally.

Understand That Not Everyone Will Agree With You

It’s important to remember that not everyone will agree with you. As author and entrepreneur Brendon Burchard said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” In other words, the fact that some people don’t share your views doesn’t mean they’re wrong or that you are.

Choose Your Battles Wisely

Sometimes it’s better to pick your battles rather than engaging in every argument. Ask yourself if it’s really worth the effort and emotional energy to debate a particular issue. If not, it’s best to let it go and move on.

Reframe Negative Thoughts

Negative thoughts can be damaging to your mental health, so it’s important to reframe them in a more positive light. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, focus on what could go right. Shift your perspective from fear to possibility, and replace negative thoughts with more empowering ones.

Make an Effort to Understand Differing Points of View

When faced with opposing opinions, it’s essential to make an effort to understand where the other person is coming from. Listening without judgment and asking questions can help you gain a better understanding of the situation.

Listen Without Judgment

Listening without judgment is key to understanding someone else’s point of view. When we listen without judging, we open ourselves up to learning something new. This helps us to see things from a different perspective and can help us become less sensitive to criticism and differing opinions.

Ask Questions and Be Open-Minded

Asking questions and being open-minded can help us gain new insights into a situation. Instead of getting defensive or shutting down, try to take a step back and ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of the other person’s point of view.

Put Yourself in Other People’s Shoes

Putting yourself in other people’s shoes can help you to be less sensitive and more understanding. Try to imagine how you would feel in their situation and consider the possible motivations behind their actions. This can help you to empathize with the other person and, in turn, become less sensitive to criticism and differing opinions.

Take Criticism as Constructive Feedback

Criticism can be difficult to hear, especially when it comes from someone we care about. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone will like our ideas and that criticism can be a valuable source of feedback. Learning to take criticism as constructive feedback can help us to become less sensitive and more resilient.

Accept That Not Everyone Will Like Your Ideas

It’s important to accept that not everyone will like your ideas. Harvard psychologist Ellen Langer explains, “The idea that we need everybody to like us is not only foolish, it’s impossible.” Accepting this reality can help us to be less sensitive to criticism and more open to hearing different points of view.

Look for the Good in a Critique

When faced with criticism, look for the good in it. Instead of letting negative comments bring you down, try to find something positive in the critique. This can help you to focus on the silver lining and become less sensitive to criticism.

Learn From Mistakes

Mistakes can be hard to take, but it’s important to remember that they can be a great opportunity to learn and grow. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, try to use mistakes as a chance to reflect and improve. This can help you to become less sensitive and more resilient.

Don’t Take Things Personally

It’s important to remember that not everything is about you. Reminding yourself that it’s not personal can help you to be less sensitive to criticism and other people’s opinions.

Remind Yourself That It’s Not About You

It can be easy to take things personally, but it’s important to remind yourself that it’s not always about you. As psychologist Guy Winch says, “You should always keep in mind that when someone is behaving badly, it says more about them than it does about you.”

Establish Boundaries

Establishing boundaries can help you to be less sensitive to criticism and other people’s opinions. Setting boundaries is about communicating what you’re willing and unwilling to accept from others. This can help you to maintain your sense of self-worth and protect yourself from feeling overwhelmed or taken advantage of.

Don’t Let Others Define Your Worth

It’s important to remember that your worth is not dependent on the opinions of others. Don’t let other people define your value or dictate how you should feel. Instead, focus on developing a strong sense of self-worth and believing in yourself.

Find Humor in Difficult Situations

Finding humor in difficult situations can help to lighten the mood and make it easier to cope with criticism and other challenging situations. Humor can also help to diffuse tension and put things in perspective.

Lighten Up

Learning to lighten up can help to ease the tension in difficult situations. As author Mark Twain said, “Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing.” Taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture can help you to be less sensitive to criticism and more resilient in the face of adversity.

Laugh at Yourself

Laughing at yourself can help to break down barriers and make it easier to take criticism in stride. As comedian Amy Poehler said, “You have to laugh at yourself, otherwise you’ll just take yourself too seriously.”

Use Humor as a Coping Mechanism

Humor can be a powerful coping mechanism when faced with criticism or difficult situations. According to a study published in the journal Health Psychology, humor can be an effective way to manage stress and reduce feelings of vulnerability.

Practice Self-Care and Relaxation Techniques

Self-care and relaxation techniques can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, which can in turn help you to be less sensitive. Taking time out to prioritize your mental health can be beneficial in the long run.

Prioritize Your Mental Health

It’s important to prioritize your mental health and take care of yourself. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you to relax, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature.

Get Enough Rest

Getting enough rest is essential for maintaining good mental health. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night and take regular breaks during the day to recharge.

Take Breaks From Stressful Situations

Taking breaks from stressful situations can help to reduce feelings of overwhelm and give you the space you need to process your emotions. Step away from the situation and take a few deep breaths or go for a walk to clear your head.

Conclusion

Being less sensitive can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and make it easier to handle criticism and other challenging situations. There are several strategies that can help, such as developing a thicker skin, making an effort to understand differing points of view, taking criticism as constructive feedback, and practicing self-care and relaxation techniques. With a little effort and practice, you can become less sensitive and more resilient.