The 1, 2, 3's of Self-Care for the Empath

If you are an empath, not only is self-care important it is necessary. As empaths know, being highly sensitive to other's emotional energies can leave you feeling like Atlas holding the world on your shoulders. Overtime this takes both an mental and physical toll.

While it is nearly impossible for the empath to simply stop caring, there are ways to help minimize the negative effects of caring too much. Here are 3 ways you can reduce the stress and find a healthy balance between caring for yourself and caring for others.

1. Give yourself space.

While some people are energized when they spend time with others, the empath is typically drained. If you are an empath, you'll need to both recognize and honor the need for more space. Sometimes this may mean physically distancing yourself. Let's take for example a crowded dinner party commonly teaming with a whole host of different energies. It can be helpful to take note of a quiet spot (even if it's a bathroom)  for occasional breaks. Slip away for a few minutes for some long deep breaths, consciously releasing any emotional energy that doesn't belong to you.

In addition to these smaller pockets of space it is also in your best interest to block off larger spaces as well. Build time into each day for things like mediation and connecting with nature as well as a rest day within your busy week and regular vacations throughout the year. If you are spending your downtime with someone else, be sure to communicate your need for quiet and space in order to recharge and center yourself.
 
2. Cleanse your energy field.

Empaths pick up the energies of those around them. This is sticky business! These energies and emotions tend to latch on and accumulate.  This can result in chronic moodiness, stress, and even physical problems such as headaches, ulcers, and fatigue. To prevent this plaque from building up it is essential that the empath find methods for cleaning up their personal energy on a regular basis. Practices and techniques such as reiki, yoga, massage, and meditation are key to releasing what does not belong in your energy field.  Make sure to add these or any others methods you find detoxifying to your calendar as a priority rather than an afterthought.


3. Fortify yourself.
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Sometimes it just isn't possible to avoid all situations that may impact your energy in negative ways and that is why #3 is particularly important. A good analogy here is to think of your empathy as if it were hayfever. It is nearly impossible to eliminate your exposure to pollen entirely because pollen is blowing in the air all around you (unless you choose to live in a bubble). There are ways however to make your body stronger and less susceptible to an allergy attack. There are supplements you can take and nutritional changes you can make to lessen the severity of the exposure. 

Then same is true with fortifying our personal energy field. A piece of this is explained in #2 where we discussed regular energy cleansing, but there are also things you can do in a moments notice to strengthen your field so that the energies around you don't attach or accumulate. Much of this can be done through bringing your attention to the present moment. When you remain present it is easier to identify energies that is not yours attempting to make their way in. Stand tall, take a deep breath, and imagine yourself as a screen door that allows everything to flow through rather than attach. This type of fortification does not require you to become inflexible or "fight" but will aid you in knowing you have control and the ability to avoid taking on emotions that are not your own. In addition to this technique create a peaceful visualization or an affirmation you can use on the fly to keep you centered and calm.

With these tips for self-care you should be able to manage your personal energy and continue doing good work in this world without feeling the prolonged and often chronic effects associated with being an empath.