Six Survival Tips For Empaths

The Soul Sanctuary Blog

I remember from a young age that I was able to feel the emotions of others. Whether it was a family member, friend, or even a stranger, I could feel what they were feeling. Being so young however, I had no idea what was going on. I just knew I felt so deeply, and at times this "sensitivity," caused me anxiety and confusion. It also make me introverted and needing to spend a lot of time alone.

It wasn't until I started working with energy through my Reiki Practice, that I began to understand what was happening and why I was feeling what I was feeling. I also came to the realization that some people are a little more sensitive to energy than others. This is what one would call an Empath. An Empath is a person who can consciously and unconsciously tune into the emotional state of another.

After understanding that Empaths are highly sensitive to energies, things started to make more sense for me. Like the fact that I couldn't watch the news, and any kind of violence or cruelty would leave me feeling completely "depressed" for the entire day. I was holding onto experiences and emotions that were not my own, it's no wonder why my anxiety at times was through the roof. I also noticed that I felt overly uncomfortable engaging in "small talk," and inauthentic connections would make my skin crawl. I could just sense when something, or someone, didn't feel right. 

Empathetic people typically only express their emotions with someone they feel 'safe' with. On the other hand, people seem to be very drawn to empathetic people; they feel an instant sense of safety and trust, and will openly share their deep emotional traumas. You will find complete strangers being drawn to the energy of an Empath, and I personally believe it's an inner knowing that they will understand and listen without judgment.

​I have now learned how to better manage my own energy and emotions, and I'm much more aware when I'm experiencing something that isn't mine. I'm sharing with you some things that helped me throughout my journey and they may help you as well.

SIX SURVIVAL TIPS FOR EMPATHS

☽ Check in with your body

A clear indication that you’re carrying someone else's energy is when you notice a sudden change in your own emotions, energy levels, mood, or if your physical state suddenly switches. If you find you are feeling anxious, stressed, irritated, or even sick, you may have absorbed the energy/emotions of someone around you. When this happens, take a few moments to check in with your body and ask yourself, "is this mine?" and listen for your answer. If you hear "yes," don't be afraid to explore the feelings and self inquire, be curious about it. If you hear "no," then repeat the Mantra, "this isn't mine, this isn't mine," then envision the energy leaving your body and dissipating into the air. You'll be surprised how powerful this tool can be and how quickly it can change your state. Just remember to remain as an "observer" of your experiences and not an "absorber" of everything you encounter. 

"I clearly communicate my needs and take the time to appreciate my own energy, to know my true self, and to grow and evolve spiritually."

​☽ Find someone to talk to 

As an Empath, you will most likely be spending a lot of your time dealing with the emotions of others so it's important to connect with someone who you can relate with, someone who "gets you." People tend to be drawn to empaths as they have this natural and compassionate energy about them, they stand out like a beacon of beautiful light, however you need a place to openly discuss these emotions so you can release them in a healthy way. Find a friend who shares your empathetic nature with whom you can share with, in confidence, so you are not struggling alone. 

"I choose not to absorb the emotions of others, instead I will observe what is and stay in my own space of energy and light."

☽ Take a Spiritual bath

Empaths love the water and find it very healing and therapeutic. A healthy way to dissolve stress and anxiety, and to release unwanted energy is to immerse yourself in water. I like to have what I call a "Spiritual Bath" where I use Epsom salts and lavender essential oils in the water, then I safely place candles around the room and burn incense. Nag Champa is my absolute favourite incense as it has a peaceful and soulful scent to it. The magnesium salts will calm your energy and relax your muscles and the candles and incense will create an almost instant feeling of safety and grounding. When you drain the water after your bath, envision the water taking away all the stress and negative emotions you have been holding. See yourself as being cleansed and filled with the healing powers and pure energy the water naturally carries. 

​"I will continually practice self-care in order to respect and protect my sensitivities. I commit to taking the time to recharge and replenish my mind, body, and soul."

​☽ Set healthy boundaries
​
This is a must for Empaths. To survive and thrive as an Empath, it's important to set healthy boundaries for the sake of your own emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. If you feel drained and depleted after spending time with certain people, then give yourself permission to limit your time with them. This doesn't necessarily mean you "get rid of people," it simply means, you are permitted to do what feels right and good for our own soul, and if that means spending less time with someone, that's perfectly okay. With that being said, if you need to completely remove yourself from people who are abusive or harmful to you, please trust what your intuition is guiding you to do. When you set healthy boundaries, you are choosing to respect your own needs and this is a true form of self love and self care.

"I have the power to clear all negativity and stress from my body. I embrace my physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness."

​☽ Spend some time alone 

Empaths need time alone to regroup and reconnect with themselves and often times it's one of the only ways they can replenish their energy. Detaching yourself from external stimulation is a great way to clear negativity and release unwanted energy that you may have picked up throughout the day. When taking time to centre your soul, try avoiding phone calls, text messages, bright lights, nosey environments, the internet, and television, or anything else that could distract you. Perhaps spend some time in nature, journalling your feelings, or simply, just being still. This is your time for you, so don't feel guilty or ashamed, remember, you need to give your best to yourself first in order to give your best to others. 

"I consciously let go of all things that no longer serve me purpose."

☽ The Magic of Meditation

Meditation will help ground you, balance your energy, and create internal harmony within, it will also help you connect to your mind, body, soul, and spirit. Find some time when you can be alone without distractions and choose a Meditation that you feel drawn too. There is an abundance of Meditations on YouTube for clearing energy which you may find helpful. I have also created one specifically for Empaths to clear unwanted energy and to bring in new positive energy. During your time of Meditation, focus on releasing and receiving, and allow yourself to absorb the gentle healing. Place your thoughts in a space of love, positivity, and compassion and give yourself permission to just BE for as long as you need to. This practice will help you let go of what isn't yours. Being an Empath is difficult at times, but it's a true gift, and if you take care of your own energy, you will better manage the energy of others.

"I vow to honor my sensitivities and treat myself lovingly. I appreciate myself and my beautiful gifts and abilities." 

Article written by Vanessa Marie Dewsbury

☽ I hope you enjoyed this article! If you feel inclined to share, please do! Love and gratitude.♡

Hey! I'm Vanessa Marie Dewsbury, the owner and creator of The Soul Sanctuary. I'm an Intuitive Energy Healer, Spiritual Life Guide, and Certified Law of Attraction Coach. I'm also the Author of 3x Bestselling book, Heart Is Where The Home Is. My purpose in life is to help bring healing to people who have experienced great stress, loss, and trauma. I help my clients connect to their inner truth and gain healthy perceptions of themselves so they can feel empowered, seen, and understood. I want to help people live a more meaningful life full of abundance, love, peace, and prosperity. 

Things that bring me joy.
​My family, our dogs, Mother Nature, lattes, photography, writing, and anything related to spirituality.

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