Our world can be loud, chaotic, and crazy...
...For a lot of highly sensitive and empathic people, it can feel like too much to deal with, energetically and emotionally. But if we develop mindful boundaries and effective coping skills, we can do a lot better than just deal with it. We can thrive.
Crowds, noise, chaos, and emotional intensity can be overwhelming for anyone. But for those of us who are highly empathic and sensitive it sometimes feels like the volume is turned way up on life! We can be distracted and distressed by even very subtle undercurrents of negative emotions, stress, energy, and opinions. Most people aren’t even aware of what we’re sensing.
But You've got tools!
As an Empath or highly sensitive person (HSP), you likely started filling your energetic survival toolkit early in life, adding to it anytime you were faced with situations that involved a lot of chaos, stress, distractions, or other people.
Some Empath tools are healthier than others. When socializing is overwhelming it's tempting to become too reclusive and avoid people altogether. When energy and emotion become too intense, it's easy to get into the habit of numbing with food or alcohol.
But there are plenty of healthy and sustainable ways for Empaths and HSPs to thrive without all that anxiety and overwhelm.
Life for us can be richer and more rewarding than other people can even imagine.
It just takes self-awareness and a little practice...
(Also, if you’ve found any tools that work great for you, please let the rest of us know in the comments!)
Here are Three Tools Every Empath Needs:
Grounding
Some Empaths seem to embody the phrase “head in the clouds.” They can be out of touch with their own bodies, which can almost start to feel like something separate. Many describe having a perception of floating just above themselves--as opposed to feeling rooted within their physical forms. This is especially true for Mystic Empaths and Creator Empaths.
It is true that that in the deepest sense, we are souls who have only temporarily taken on a physical form. But our bodies are important to us. They enable us to directly interact with the physical world and explore this beautiful planet.
So while we are here, feeling comfortable in our bodies can bring us invaluable freedom, fun, pleasure, and adventure.
In addition to this, anything that can strengthen your perception of the connection between you and your physical reality will make you feel more grounded.
Try guided body scan meditations, mindful eating, massage therapy, and walking barefoot in the grass. Lying on the floor for your any meditation can boost its grounding power.
Even better, find a place outside where you can lie on your back on the ground. Feel its firm and solid support beneath you, letting it connect with you and absorb and balance your excess charged energy.
Anything that focuses your attention on your physical existence can help bring you back to Earth if you’re feeling spacey.
Rest and Play
Getting rest is important for everyone. Physically, it can help with heart health, weight control, blood sugar balance, and immunity--among many other benefits. It also improves brain function, reduces stress, and creates better moods. While getting enough sleep is a requirement, there are other important ways to rest.
Make time to do the things that bring you joy.
These are the hobbies, pastimes, and activities that put you in a state of flow. You feel totally focused and immersed in the moment. Time flies, along with your worries, stress, and any thoughts of tomorrow.
For me, activities like photography, travel, and Tarot focus my mind and banish my worries. Learning a new language, song, or dance step can make time disappear. Walking in the woods or on the beach brings me into the present moment.
(What activities bring you joy or flow? What clears your mind of worry and thoughts of other times and places? Try spending more time doing those things!)
"Rest until you feel like playing, then play until you feel like resting, period. Never do anything else."
Martha Beck
Do your best to get a good night’s sleep. But also consider taking a nap or bubble bath on a rainy afternoon. Get a massage. Skip work and go on a road trip. Watch a funny movie or go on a walk with a friend. Learn a new dance, game, or song. Rest and play.
Get Selfish!
Being thoughtful, caring, and conscientious is important. The world would be a better place if more people did more of all three, way more often. So, it makes sense that the word “selfish” is used in a negative way.
But in my intuitive coaching sessions with Empaths, I often encourage my clients to explore the idea of being selfish in a positive sense. I encourage them to focus on their own feelings and opinions above anyone else's. I urge them to consider their own wants and needs in a more serious way.
This is because most Empaths are so thoughtful, caring, and conscientious that they get caught up in other peoples’ experiences, wants, and needs, losing track of their own. This is especially true for Healer Empaths and Warrior Empaths.
Most importantly, Empaths need to remember to put themselves first on their own list!
Don't get me wrong, it’s great that you want to be there for the people you love. But you won’t be much help for long if you let yourself get exhausted and burned out.
Besides, if they love you back the way they should, they’ll want you to feel happy and fulfilled too.
You make the world a better place just by being who you are, Empath. Your caring and compassionate presence gives you the ability to bring comfort, healing, and joy.
But you need to take good care of yourself the way you take care of everyone else.
It’s important to set boundaries. It’s ok to say “no." Focus on what you’re feeling and what you want. It’s part of how you stay healthy and happy in the long-term.
Take time to do what brings you joy. Connect to the Earth. Rest, play, and check in with yourself on a regular basis. Put yourself at the top of your priority list. Paying attention to your own needs is necessary for you to thrive.✪
P.S. More on related topics: The Best Meditation for You, Stop Empathic Emotional Overload
Are You an Empath? Take the quiz now to find out!
My mission is to help each highly sensitive and empathic person wake up to their power, brilliance, and authentic path. Learn more about Intuitive coaching. Send me an email or schedule a free consultation if you have question. Or book your one-on-one session to get started now. Subscribe for the next blog post.
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