Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People (HSP): Inner Work and Strategies for Coping with Stress, Overwhelm, and Negativ

Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom
  • 5.0 (27)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

As a highly sensitive person, are you looking for a more effective way to cope with stress and negative emotions? This show helps highly sensitive people avoid overwhelm, eliminate stress, and find true inner freedom. Listen to discover: • Specific stress management strategies to avoid overwhelm as an HSP • Real stories and insights to inspire your own inner freedom • Powerful ways to understand and embrace your sensitivity Todd Smith, your host and founder of True Inner Freedom, has been helping people reduce stress through The Work of Byron Katie since 2007—a powerful practice for questioning the thoughts that cause suffering. Each week, you’ll hear three episodes designed to support your inner freedom as an HSP: • Breakthrough Mondays feature success stories and insights to inspire your growth. • Self-Compassion Wednesdays explore the unique traits of high sensitivity and offer deeper self-understanding. • Strategy Fridays focus on practical tools and stress management strategies to help you stay balanced and grounded. If you’re ready to transform your inner experience, start by listening to Episode 189, “The 3 Pillars of Stress Management for HSPs: A Path to Emotional Balance​.”

  1. 1D AGO

    #292 | Why Stress Management Fails When You’re Feeling Guilty Doing It, & How to Overcome This

    Is Guilt Hijacking Your Self-Care as a Highly Sensitive Person? Ever feel like you're sabotaging your own stress relief because of a subtle sense of guilt? You're not alone — and it's costing you more than peace of mind. For highly sensitive people, guilt can quietly undermine meditation, movement, and other nourishing practices — all in the name of pleasing others or avoiding discomfort. This episode unpacks the hidden guilt loops that keep you from getting what you truly need and shows you how to gently reclaim your right to restore yourself. Here’s what you’ll gain from this episode: How to identify when guilt is quietly eroding your stress relief routines The emotional and practical consequences of doing nothing — and why it matters A simple shift in perspective that can help you stop people-pleasing and start deeply nourishing yourself again Listen now to reclaim your space for true restoration — without guilt.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you’re interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

    15 min

  2. 4D AGO

    #291 | Why HSPs Need More Personal Space & How to Get It So You Can Ease Overwhelm and Find Balance

    Do you ever feel guilty for needing time alone—even when your body is clearly asking for it? As a highly sensitive person, your internal "processor" is working overtime. Without enough space to recharge, it's easy to hit the wall of overwhelm. But carving out personal space doesn't have to mean conflict, guilt, or isolation. In this episode, you'll learn: Why personal space isn’t a luxury for HSPs—it’s a necessity for emotional balance. Five practical, low-stress ways to reclaim your space without alienating others. How to navigate guilt and internal resistance when stepping back to care for yourself. Press play now to discover how to take care of you—without apology.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you’re interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

    16 min

  3. 6D AGO

    #290 | How to Avoid Overwhelm When Caring For Stressed People as a Highly Sensitive Person

    Are you absorbing other people’s stress and losing your balance in the process? If you’re a highly sensitive person (HSP), being around others who are anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally reactive can feel like walking through a storm with no shelter. This episode will help you understand why that happens—and what you can do to stay grounded and compassionate without getting swept away. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why HSPs are more vulnerable to emotional overwhelm around stressed people—and why that also makes them uniquely equipped to help. How to create healthy emotional boundaries without disconnecting from others. The one question that can instantly shift your stress response and restore your inner calm. Listen now to discover how to support others without sacrificing your own peace.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you’re interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

    19 min

  4. SEP 29

    #289 | Why Perfectionism Is Making You So Stressed as an HSP & the Simple Shift That Can Restore a Sense of Calm

    Are you chasing perfection… or simply doing your best? If you're a highly sensitive person, the pressure to get everything “just right” can feel overwhelming — but what if your perfectionism isn’t a flaw, but a message? Perfectionism can feel like part of your personality — but it may be the root of your burnout. This episode of Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People dives deep into how perfectionism sneaks in under the radar for HSPs, how to recognize when it’s hijacking your peace, and the simple but powerful mindset shift that can restore calm and clarity. In this episode, you'll learn: How to recognize the quiet signs that perfectionism is running your life. The key difference between healthy high standards and perfectionism — and why it matters. A practical mindset shift that helps you reclaim energy, focus, and peace as an HSP. Press play now to learn how to embrace your strengths without being driven by fear.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you’re interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

    17 min

  5. SEP 26

    #288 | How to Compromise With Your Partner While Still Honoring Your Unique Needs as a Highly Sensitive Person

    Are you giving so much to your partner that you’re losing yourself—or have you gone too far the other way? Many Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) struggle to find the sweet spot between honoring their own needs and showing up fully in their relationships. If you're feeling emotionally stretched, disconnected, or unsure where to draw the line, this episode offers a perspective shift you need right now. In this heartfelt Strategy Friday episode, you'll discover: Why it's so easy for HSPs to swing from self-neglect to overindulgent self-care in relationships How to recognize the signs that you're out of balance—and what your emotions are trying to tell you What true compromise looks and feels like when both partners’ needs are valued and met Press play to learn how to care for yourself and your relationship without burning out or disappearing.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you’re interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

    15 min

  6. SEP 24

    #287 | Why It's Easy to Think Being an HSP Means You're Weak & How to Change the Narrative

    If you’re a highly sensitive person (HSP), you may have internalized the belief that your sensitivity is a flaw — especially in a world that praises toughness, speed, and emotional detachment. This episode dives deep into how those beliefs are formed, how they silently drive your stress and self-doubt, and most importantly, how to break free from them. Discover how to: Reframe your sensitivity from a perceived weakness into a legitimate strength Identify the damaging comparisons that erode your self-worth — and replace them with fairer, more empowering perspectives Understand the real-life strengths HSPs bring to relationships, work, and emotional resilience Press play to reclaim your confidence and discover a more balanced way to see your sensitivity — one that affirms your worth and power.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you’re interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

    18 min

  7. SEP 22

    #286 | How to Enjoy Deep Connections as an HSP Without Getting Lost or Stressed in the Process

    Highly sensitive people crave meaningful, soul-nourishing relationships—but what happens when that connection starts costing your peace? In this episode of Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People, Todd Smith explores the powerful draw HSPs have toward deep, emotional relationships and the hidden toll that can come with them. If you've ever felt overwhelmed or even lost yourself while bonding deeply with someone, this conversation will help you reconnect with what matters most—yourself. Here’s what you’ll gain from tuning in: Discover why HSPs are naturally built for emotional depth and authentic relationships. Understand the warning signs of going too far and losing balance in the name of connection. Learn practical strategies to create soulful connections without sacrificing your inner stability. Listen now to reclaim your peace while keeping your heart open. Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you’re interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

    14 min

  8. SEP 19

    #285 | The Secret to Handling Criticism as a Highly Sensitive Person Without Overwhelm or Stress

    Ever felt like a small critique cuts deep—and you just can't shake it? You're not alone, especially if you're a highly sensitive person (HSP). Criticism can feel overwhelming for HSPs—not because we're weak, but because we process emotions deeply and care about doing things well. This episode reveals why criticism stings so much and how to shift your relationship with it, so it no longer hijacks your peace of mind. Learn why criticism feels more painful for highly sensitive people and how to reframe that understanding with compassion. Discover a powerful step-by-step process, based on The Work of Byron Katie, to handle criticism without getting triggered. Hear real-life strategies and mindset shifts that help turn judgment into valuable insight—and reclaim your emotional resilience.   Listen now to discover how to turn criticism from a source of pain into a path to greater confidence, clarity, and calm.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit trueinnerfreedom.com and complete the HSP Stress Survey. Gain clarity on your stress triggers and enjoy a free 15-minute Inner Freedom Call designed to guide you toward lasting inner peace and fulfillment. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you’re interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

    19 min
See All (292)

5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

As a highly sensitive person, are you looking for a more effective way to cope with stress and negative emotions? This show helps highly sensitive people avoid overwhelm, eliminate stress, and find true inner freedom. Listen to discover: • Specific stress management strategies to avoid overwhelm as an HSP • Real stories and insights to inspire your own inner freedom • Powerful ways to understand and embrace your sensitivity Todd Smith, your host and founder of True Inner Freedom, has been helping people reduce stress through The Work of Byron Katie since 2007—a powerful practice for questioning the thoughts that cause suffering. Each week, you’ll hear three episodes designed to support your inner freedom as an HSP: • Breakthrough Mondays feature success stories and insights to inspire your growth. • Self-Compassion Wednesdays explore the unique traits of high sensitivity and offer deeper self-understanding. • Strategy Fridays focus on practical tools and stress management strategies to help you stay balanced and grounded. If you’re ready to transform your inner experience, start by listening to Episode 189, “The 3 Pillars of Stress Management for HSPs: A Path to Emotional Balance​.”

Information

You Might Also Like