Sensing other people’s feelings can be both a blessing and a curse. If you’ve ever been told that you are too sensitive or too emotional, then this could be you.
It is important to know that highly sensitive persons and empaths are not the same. However, they are often used interchangeably. This article throws more light on what it means to be an empath.
Some common traits and characteristics of empaths include feeling drained around people, being able to tell when something is wrong, and when you aren’t being told the truth. Being an empath comes with its own share of anxiety.
Do you feel the emotions of other people around you? When they get sad or happy, do you feel the same emotions with them as well? These are also characteristics of an empath. Let’s find out more on who an empath is.
Who Is an Empath?
An empath is an individual who is predisposed to high emotions and the ability to feel the emotions of those around them. They are able to mimic emotions and generally have a tremendous sense of empathy.
Although this can be seen as a superpower, being an empath can be draining and confusing. Some people refer to empaths as being special with certain powers and abilities. Empaths such as the heyeoka empath is one of the strongest in the world.
Although it can be draining and confusing to be one, empaths come with numerous benefits as well. Due to their abilities, they make great listeners and friends. It is hard finding a good friend but you can find that mostly with an empath.
They can be great at problem solving due to their emotional intelligence. This helps them and people around them. The powers of an empath are more pronounced and beneficial to people around them more than themselves. This enunciates their selfless existence.
However, empaths also struggle with their ability. It can be quite challenging having to feel the emotions of others such that if affects your overall mood.
Emotions are complex and empaths feel every single one of them. When a friend is confused about what they feel, it rubs off on an empath as well.
Other downsides of being an empath is the inability to say no or hurt other people’s feelings. This makes it difficult for them to set boundaries, eventually leading to a burn out or emotional flooding.
You can clearly see why empaths can have high traits of anxiety and depression. They are also known to be heavily introverted due to their high sensitivity. This helps to drain out the triggers such as noises and prevents emotional flooding.
How To Know You Are an Empath
If you identify with any of the aforementioned characteristics, then you might be an empath. Are your feelings easily hurt? Do you feel the emotions of the people around you? Do crowds and people drain you?
Other signs of being an empath is being triggered by things such as noises, incessant chatter, and smells. This is another shared characteristic with a HSP. Empaths are usually scared of having intimate relationships because of fear of getting lost in them.
Sometimes they can overindulge in food and drinks as a coping mechanism. If about 2-4 of these apply to you, then there is a high chance you might be an empath.
There is no need to panic. Empathy is not a curse and although it can be draining, it comes with high emotional intelligence and lie detecting skills. But let’s look at how you can manage yourself as an empath.
Managing Yourself as An Empath
Managing yourself as an empath is crucial to your health. The very last thing you need is being physically, mentally, and emotionally drained all the time.
If you aren’t intentional about your mental health as an empath, it could hit rock bottom. So here are 5 things that can help you when sensing other people’s feelings.
1. Set Healthy Boundaries
You must always remember that it is okay to say “no” to people. Saying “no” can be one of the most challenging things for an empath. But this is always at their own detriment.
Learn to say “no” and manage how much time you spend with people who drain you in all possible ways. This helps you set healthy boundaries. “No” is a complete and coherent sentence. Never forget that.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness is very important for any empath because they are very aware of things that happen around them. Mindfulness and meditation helps you to focus, breathe, and stay in tune with your environment.
Empaths can get so lost in their world that it can be difficult for them to identify their emotions. Mindfulness helps them tell the difference.
3. Get A Journal
It is important to journal your feelings when necessary. That way, you can always reflect on how you felt later on. Journals serve as an outlet and you do not want to underrate it.
As an empath, a journal can help you with your progress and let you know where you are slacking off on. It acts as an accountability tool and also a means to let your express your emotions.
4. Give Yourself A Break
Take some time off to surround yourself with nature and consider forest baths or similar options. Nature has a way of healing things and bringing peace and this is necessary for an empath.
Take a walk to the beach or the park. Bask in the fresh air and let it flow through you. Failure to do this can leave you prone to a breakdown at any time. Take a break from sensing other people’s feelings and even from yourself.
5. Love Yourself More
The only thing that can help you achieve all these goals perfectly is simply forgetting to love yourself. It is important for empaths to feel for themselves just as much as they feel for others.
It is important to acknowledge your weaknesses and your strengths. Do not see yourself as just a passenger but the driver of your own faith. Being an empath might be draining but it can be a blessing to not just people but yourself
Conclusion
Being an empath can be a struggle but it is always important to see the upsides as well as the challenges. Sensing other people’s feelings is not something everyone can do. So, do not take this for granted.
Practicing self care as an empath can be difficult but it can be very rewarding as well.
