Do you ever feel yourself being the one that people turn to all the time? Are you the kind of person who thoroughly enjoys helping others and being their support system? But do you also sometimes feel at times you get dragged down with their struggles? Do you tend to pick up on other peoples’ energy easily – whether it sadness, joy, excitement, do you just feel it with them? Well I do! Want to know what we call these people? You may have heard it before – empaths. The concept of being an empath originates from the concept of empathy. What is empathy? Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of someone else. Empaths are those that do this more frequently, or more easily, perhaps even to a fault.
Imagine someone sitting at the bottom of a hole. Instead of telling them ways to get out, encouraging words or even criticism for getting down there in the first place, you slide down and join them in the hole. That is empathy – you meet them on their level. You work to understand what they’re going through. You connect with their emotions.
Are you nodding you’re head saying ‘this is totally me?’ We hear you! But what does this mean? Is this good or bad? What do you need to know about it? It is important to note that having empathy is such an amazing strength and gift, but as with anything it is important to know how to manage it! Being empathetic means you can connect to others, but it also means that sometimes, you might deplete your own resources while trying to help others. So now what…
Top Three Tips for Empaths:
1. Check in on you! Ensure you are checking in with yourself to see that you have enough energy and resources for yourself first. Then once you know you are taken care of, you can provide the remainder to your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, fellow man, etc. What’s that cheesy saying – you can’t pour from an empty cup? Yeah, that one.
2. Set Boundaries for yourself. Empaths have a tendency to do it all to have a very busy day and still push themselves to go out, socialize or help others, despite the exhaustion it causes. Notice the times where your mental energy is dwindling and set some boundaries. “I’ve had a very busy day today, so I can’t go out this evening,” or “I’m going to need to wait until we’re both calm to talk this out.”
3. Check your environment. Empaths are not just impacted by people and interactions, but our environments as well! Lights, noises, clutter – it can all deplete us. Don’ be shy about setting environmental limits for yourself. Spend less time on your phone, turn the tv down, close your eyes for a few minutes or declutter!
With these tips and tricks for empaths, our hope is that you can harness the potential of your empathetic nature in a more effective, healthy way. Want more help navigating your empathic traits? Reach out– we can help!