08/06/2022
How to Manage Your Empathy Without Getting Drained
Set Healthy Boundaries
Being naturally caring and concerned for others, empaths have a hard time saying âno.â This can lead to problems as you overcommit and drain yourself emotionally. Dr. Orloff suggests, âControl how much time you spend listening to stressful people, and learn to say âno.â Set clear limits and boundaries with people, nicely cutting them off at the pass if they get critical or mean. Remember, ânoâ is a complete sentence.â
Practice Mindfulness
Because empaths tend to get caught up in what is going on around them, it is particularly important for them to set aside time to tune in. Practicing mindfulness can help you reconnect to yourself. Focusing on your breath, for insistence, quiets the mind and centers you in your body. It can be helpful in meditation to practice ânon-identificationâ with others, try to see yourself and your emotions as separate from anyone elseâs.
Ignore Your Inner Critic
The Critical Inner Voice is like a nasty coach that lives inside our heads, waiting for any opportunity to criticize us. Empaths, being sensitive, are vulnerable to these self-critical thoughts. They may think things like, âWhy do you feel so much all the time? Whatâs wrong with you?â or âYouâre just too sensitive.â However, it is important not to believe these self-attacks or act on your inner criticâs bad advice. You can read about how to overcome your inner critic here.
Practice Self-Compassion
While it is easy for empaths to feel compassion for others, it is often difficult for them to feel compassion for themselves. Self-compassion is the simple (yet challenging) practice of treating yourself like a friend. It is called a practice because it is something that you get better at over time. According to Dr. Kristen Neff, there are three components to practicing self-compassion:
1) Acknowledge and notice your suffering.
2) Be kind and caring in response to suffering.
3) Remember that imperfection is part of the human experience and something we all share.
You can find self-compassion exercises on Dr. Kristen Neffâs website.
Spend Time in Nature
Nature has wonderful healing effects for all humans, but particularly for empaths. Essayist John Burroughs said, âI go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.â Because empaths are highly sensitive to the people (as well as noises and environments) around them, time in nature is the optimal way for them to relax and recharge. Whether you live somewhere that allows you to walk on the beach, hike through the woods or sit in a park, it is important to make time to rejuvenate in a beautiful, natural setting, especially when you are feeling overwhelmed or emotionally depleted.
At the end of the day, it is important to recognize both the blessings and challenges of being an empath. In a world where so many people struggle to identify and express emotions, empathy can seem like a superpower. Embrace yours!