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
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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. 2D AGO

    #330 | The Real Reason Criticism Hurts So Much for Highly Sensitive People That No One Talks About

    Get the Criticism Unhook Journal, a simple 4‑question reset to help HSPs regain clarity and calm after criticism lands hard. https://trueinnerfreedom.com/perfectionism-unhook-journal/ (Note, the link above will work even though I said it wrong in the episode.) If just one comment can spiral you into self-doubt, shame, or perfectionism—this episode will change how you see criticism forever. As a Highly Sensitive Person, it's not just the content of feedback that stings—it's what it threatens inside you. In this episode, Todd Smith dives into the unseen identity traps HSPs fall into when they feel criticized, and how these hidden patterns sabotage confidence, creativity, and emotional freedom. If you're tired of shrinking under scrutiny, this episode offers a grounded, healing perspective that will help you reclaim your inner stability. Here's what you'll take away: Why even gentle feedback can trigger shame or perfectionism in HSPs. The hidden identity you're trying to protect—and how it keeps you stuck. A powerful mindset shift that helps you receive criticism without collapsing inside. Press play now to break free from the fear of judgment and finally feel safe to be imperfect.   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

  2. 4D AGO

    #329 | Three Things I'm Leaving Behind in 2026 as an HSP

    Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at Add Lead Magnet Link to top of show notes: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/   Do you ever feel guilty for resting, constantly attune to others' moods, or find yourself apologizing for simply having needs? As we look ahead to 2026, now is the perfect time for highly sensitive people to stop carrying what no longer serves them—and start choosing themselves. In this powerful Self-Compassion Wednesday episode, Todd Smith gets deeply honest about three subtle but draining habits he's leaving behind—and why every HSP should consider doing the same. You'll learn how these patterns show up in daily life, why they're so hard to let go of, and a gentle, effective process for setting yourself free from them. You'll Discover: Why proving your worth through productivity is a trap for HSPs—and how to break free. The hidden cost of over-attuning to others' emotions and how to stay in your own lane. How apologizing for your needs leads to self-erasure—and what reclaiming your space really looks like. Press play now to begin releasing what drains you and reclaim the inner freedom you deserve.   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.

    35 min

  3. 6D AGO

    #328 | "Why Can't I Just Handle What Everyone Else Can?" A Common Thought for Highly Sensitive People (and What to Do About It)

    Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/program/ Have you ever felt ashamed for needing earplugs just to get through a store—like you're broken for reacting to things others seem to handle with ease? If you're a highly sensitive person, everyday environments like Walmart or Target can feel like battlegrounds. But the real struggle isn't just the sensory overload—it's the invisible weight of shame and self-judgment that follows you around. This episode dives into why your sensitivity isn't the problem… but what you believe about it is. Learn why HSP tools like earplugs can quietly trigger shame—and how to stop apologizing for using them. Discover the true cost of comparing yourself to others who seem to "handle more" and how it drains your energy. Shift your mindset from seeing your sensitivity as a flaw to embracing it as a strength that deserves protection, not hiding. Press play now to learn how to stop shrinking your life out of shame and start living on your own terms with confidence, clarity, and 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.

    14 min

  4. 12/26/2025

    #327 | 3 Powerful Ways Working WITH Your Sensitivity Can Reduce Your Stress in the New Year as a Highly Sensitive Person

    So many people discover they're HSPs later in life. This quick free test helps you understand yourself. https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and burned out before the year even begins? If you're a highly sensitive person (HSP), stress often hits sooner and harder—but what if 2026 could be the year you finally work with your sensitivity instead of against it? In this episode, Todd Smith reveals how your sensitivity isn't a weakness, but actually your greatest tool for early intervention and lasting inner peace. In this episode, you'll discover: Why your sensitivity is actually your nervous system's secret early-warning system—and how to use it to prevent burnout. Three stress-reducing practices that align with your HSP nature, including the underrated power of intentional rest. A fresh approach to planning 2026 that prioritizes your nervous system's needs—before stress sets in. Press play now to learn how to make 2026 the year your nervous system finally feels supported and your stress starts to melt away.   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

  5. 12/24/2025

    #326 | How to Tell the Difference Between Perfectionism and Passion as an HSP Before It Drains the Joy from What You Love

    Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/joy-pressure/ Is Your Passion Fueling You — or Silently Draining You? What if the joy you once felt for your creative work has been quietly replaced by pressure and perfectionism? In this episode of Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People, we explore how passion can subtly morph into performance anxiety—and how to reconnect with the reason you started in the first place. If you're a highly sensitive person (HSP), you know what it's like to care deeply about your work. But when your worth gets tangled up in the outcome, your creativity starts to feel like a burden rather than a gift. This episode is a gentle yet powerful reminder that your value is not defined by how perfect your work appears—but by the joy it brings you. Listen in to discover: The invisible moment when healthy passion turns into toxic perfectionism—and how to spot it. Why tying your worth to results silently kills your motivation. A simple mindset shift that can bring back the lightness, freedom, and fun in your creative life. Hit play now and rediscover how to create from joy—not pressure.   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.

    13 min

  6. 12/22/2025

    #325 | The Secret Tool for Stress Relief Hidden in Sensitivity Itself — for Highly Sensitive People

    Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ Are You Using Your Sensitivity Against Yourself—or for Deep Healing? If you're a highly sensitive person who feels like stress builds up faster for you than others, you're not imagining it—and you're not broken. In fact, your sensitivity might be your greatest asset when it comes to finding lasting relief. In this episode, you'll learn why HSPs reach overwhelm more quickly and how your heightened awareness and emotional depth are actually the keys to your healing. You'll shift from blaming your sensitivity to harnessing it for inner calm and balance. Here's what you'll take away from today's episode: Why sensitivity causes stress to build—but only when it's turned outward. The built-in healing intelligence most HSPs never tap into. Simple ways to redirect your sensitivity inward for real-time stress prevention. Discover how to transform overwhelm into inner freedom—press play and start healing stress at its root.   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

  7. 12/19/2025

    #324 | How to Actually Let Go (Instead of Getting Stuck Trying) as a Highly Sensitive Person Under Stress

    Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/program/ Why Is Letting Go So Hard—Even When You Know It's Time? If you're a highly sensitive person who keeps replaying painful moments in your mind, no matter how much you try to let go, this episode is for you. Discover the hidden reason your mind won't stop looping old conversations, why holding things in quietly drains your energy and clarity, and how emotional residue may be keeping you stuck in stress and tension. In this episode, you'll learn: The surprising role emotional residue plays in your inability to "just move on" How your body stores stress—even from years ago—and how to recognize the signs A powerful shift that helps dissolve emotional weight without force or willpower Press play to finally understand what's really keeping you stuck—and how to feel lighter, clearer, and free inside your own skin.   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.

    11 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    #323 | The 4 Core Traits of Highly Sensitive People & Why Life Gets Easier When You Work With Them

    Are you a Highly Sensitive Person under stress? Find out—take the free test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ Are you wired differently—and could that be your hidden superpower? If you've ever felt overwhelmed by bright lights, intense emotions, or even your own thoughts, you might be one of the 20% of people with a highly sensitive nervous system. But what if your sensitivity isn't a flaw—but a map to inner freedom? In this episode, you'll uncover: The four defining traits of being a highly sensitive person and why they matter. What cutting-edge neuroscience reveals about the HSP brain and how it processes the world. Practical, real-life strategies to avoid overwhelm and thrive with sensitivity—not in spite of it. Press play now to discover how embracing your HSP traits can lead to greater balance, clarity, and connection in your life.   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.

    23 min
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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​."

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