November 7, 2023 • 23 mins
Ever feel overwhelmed by your emotions or find yourself feeling others' emotions as though they were your own?
This is your sign. You might be an empath. Join me, Kristin Schwartz, as we dive deep into the realm of empaths, answering your top 25 queries about being an empath.
Whether you're unsure if you're an empath or seeking to understand a loved one who is, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and embracing this unique emotional ability.
But that's not all. We also get real about the highs and lows of life as an empath. From dealing with emotional overload to mastering the art of setting boundaries, we dig into the nitty-gritty of empath survival.
This episode is the empath's guide to flourishing in a world that might not always understand you, with tried-and-tested strategies for maintaining emotional balance, protecting your energy, and even transforming your empathic abilities into a professional asset.
Tune in for an episode packed with empath insights and advice!
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Thanks for tuning in to the Realized Empath Podcast! 🎙️
If you're vibing with us, there's so much more to explore. Head over to RealizedEmpath.com for free resources, blog posts, and a community of like-minded souls. 🌱
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @RealizedEmpath for daily inspiration and empath hacks. Until next time, stay sensitive and strong! ✌️💕"
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
You're listening to the Realized Empath Podcast,
where we get real about lovingand stumbling through our
sensitive lives With your hostand holistic counselor, Kristin
Schwartz, who helps redefinewhat's possible for an empath
who embraces a path ofself-healing.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hello and welcome back to the Realized Empath
Podcast, your go-to space forunderstanding and embracing the
depth of your emotions.
I'm your host, kristin Schwartz, and today we got a special
episode that's sure to resonatewith your empathic soul.
We're going to dive into thetop 25 questions you've been
(00:44):
asking, with some deep answersto navigate this journey.
So get cozy, take a deep breathand let's explore the empath
experience together.
All right, so we're just goingto dive right in.
We got 25 questions to cover,so I'm going to start up with
number one what is an empath?
(01:05):
So an empath is someone who hasthe innate ability to perceive
and internalize the emotions ofothers as if they're their own.
So this heightened form ofempathy goes beyond the average
person's experience of simplyunderstanding someone else's
(01:25):
feelings.
Here's something I want toclear up.
I get a lot of people incomments over the years that are
confused, who seem to thinkthat empaths have the corner of
the market on empathy.
The act of empathy, which isour ability to show someone that
we understand what they'regoing through, is not what we're
(01:47):
talking about when it comes tobeing an empath.
We all have that ability toshow someone empathy.
We get to choose.
It's an action.
Empathy is an action.
Empath is describing.
It's a label that describes ourability to perceive and
internalize the emotions ofothers.
Here's the thing you can be anempath and perceive and
(02:11):
internalize the emotions ofothers and, let's say, those
emotions of others overwhelm you.
You can actually show thatperson lack of empathy because
you're overwhelmed.
So I just wanted to clear thatup.
The label empath has nothing todo with us showing people more
(02:32):
empathy than another person.
Okay, so number two how do Iknow if I'm an empath?
I want to start out by sayingthis I can't answer that for you
and no one else can either.
This is all about a journey ofself-discovery, and what I tell
people is if you're unsure, ifyou have the trait of high
(02:52):
sensitivity or if you have thetrait of being an empath, the
best way to find out is to carefor yourself like you are.
Start taking care of yourselflike you do have the trait of
high sensitivity.
If you start to feel better andyour life feels more spacious
and open, then I would say thatthe answer is probably on the
(03:15):
side of yes.
Just to give a more standardanswer.
So you might be an empath ifyou find yourself deeply
affected by the emotions andenergies of those around you,
just into the point where it canimpact your own well-being.
If you often feel emotionallydrained after social
interactions or have a keenintuition about others' unspoken
(03:37):
feelings, these can be strongindicators.
Now again, a journey inself-discovery and
self-awareness.
When I said if you findyourself deeply affected by the
emotions and energies of thosearound you, there are other
instances in our lives where wecan be deeply affected by the
emotions and energies of thosearound us.
Maybe we have a little bit ofsocial anxiety, maybe we're
(04:00):
overwhelmed, maybe our mood islow, maybe we have some
depression, maybe we have someunhealed trauma.
So there's other reasons andexplanations for why we can be
deeply affected by the emotionsof energies of those around you.
So that's why I say no one cantell you what traits or how you
experience the world or whattraits you have.
(04:22):
So that is an answer that onlyyou can provide yourself.
Next question can being anempath affect my relationships?
Definitely, empaths can formdeep and intense relationships
due to their nature.
However, they might alsostruggle with becoming overly
(04:42):
enmeshed or taking on theirpartner's emotional baggage,
which can lead to burnout,resentment, emotional exhaustion
if not managed properly.
Next question what's thedifference between being
empathic and being sympathetic?
Great question.
So, while sympathy involvesunderstanding and feeling pity
(05:07):
for another's hardships, empathyparticularly for an empath
involves a shared emotionalexperience, so often feeling
those hardships as if they weretheir own.
Now, remember, we can feelsomeone's hardships as if they
were our own, but that stilldoesn't lead to the act of
(05:29):
empathy, the action that we haveto choose to give to another
person.
Next question why do empathsfeel so much?
So empaths are thought to havea hyper responsive mirror neuron
system, so it's the part of thebrain responsible for
(05:49):
compassion.
So this heightenedresponsiveness can make empaths
more sensitive to the emotionalclimate around them.
If you're unsure of you'venever heard of the mirror neuron
system, I suggest you give itan internet search.
It is worth the read.
(06:10):
Next question Are empaths bornor made?
This is a great question andone I get all the time.
I believe it's a blend, sothere appears to be a genetic
component to empathy, suggestingthat some people are naturally
more empathic.
However, environmental factorsand personal experiences can
(06:33):
certainly enhance empathicabilities over time, and this is
a good point to be made.
In terms of my own experience,what I had to decipher, and what
I had to sort through early onin my journey was what was
hypervigilance in terms of pasttrauma and being overly aware of
(06:56):
everything around me, becausemy brain was trying to keep me
safe, and what was actualempathic abilities and
heightened empathic abilities.
So that may be the same journeyyou're on.
It's like learning to decipherwhat's a trauma response and
what's actual a heightenedempathic ability.
(07:18):
Next question how can I protectmy energy as an empath?
So I've talked a lot about thison this season's podcast, but
techniques such as visualization, such as picturing a white
light shield around you, settingemotional boundaries, grounding
exercises like walking barefooton the earth, and cleansing
(07:40):
rituals such as baths with epsomsalts they can all help to
protect your energy.
Next question can empaths usetheir ability for a career?
When I do posts on this topic,social media gets a lot of
traction.
So, yes, empaths can, and oftendo, excel in careers that
(08:02):
require a high degree ofemotional intelligence, such as
therapy, social work, teaching,healthcare and even in artistic
fields, where we can express andprocess emotions through our
work.
Are we limited?
Absolutely not.
You can be an empath and be anattorney who is in the stressful
(08:24):
environment of court.
It just is a matter of knowinghow to care for yourself and
having those boundaries in placethat you need to thrive.
Next, what are the physicalsymptoms of being an empath?
So empaths can and mayexperience unexplained bouts of
(08:45):
tiredness, digestive issues,headaches or even sudden changes
in mood that correlate with thepeople around them.
So we can also have heightenedsenses and physical sensations
tied to emotional changes.
We are highly sensitive beings,and that also means that our
(09:07):
bodies are highly sensitive, soit's imperative that we're
caring for mind, body and spiritto feel the best that we
possibly can.
Next, how do I stop absorbingother people's emotions?
Mindfulness and self-awarenessare crucial.
So recognizing anddifferentiating between your
(09:28):
emotions and those of others isthe first step, and how you do
that is staying in your body,recognizing when something comes
up and then taking necessaryaction to care for yourself, so
you can use grounding techniques.
The key is really to staypresent in our bodies.
That's the only way that we'regoing to notice when something
(09:48):
is off and take the necessarymeasures to care for ourselves,
so we don't continue to take inemotions and energies that we
don't want.
But a lot of times, becausewe're not present, we end up
focusing on the energy that wedon't want to feel, only making
it more intense and addingthings like the energy of blame
(10:13):
or stress.
So we're adding heavy energy ontop of what we're already
perceiving, because we'refocusing on the things that we
don't want.
Next, can animals be empaths?
So many animal lovers believethat empaths, particularly pets
like dogs and cats, can senseand even take on the emotions of
(10:36):
their human companions and whenthis happens, they may exhibit
behaviors that suggest empathicunderstanding.
And I know that there arestudies out there that do
suggest that animals can and arehighly sensitive.
Next, how can I develop myempathic abilities?
Fantastic question.
(10:57):
So regular practices likemeditation, reflective
journaling, engaging in empathfocused support groups and
possibly working with a mentorcan guide you through
understanding and channelingyour abilities can be helpful.
Next question Is it common forempaths to experience anxiety or
(11:18):
depression?
So I believe that empathshighly sensitive people can be
more susceptible to anxiety oranxiety or depression due to our
intense emotional experiences.
Remember, we're feelingeverything to its extreme, so
that means any mood shifts wehave, we're going to feel them
to a much deeper level.
(11:40):
So this makes it crucial forimpasse to prioritize their
mental health and practicecoping strategies regularly.
I've talked about this a lotover the years, but we need to
have a proactive and a reactiveself-care plan.
Proactive is things that you'regoing to do every single day to
take care of yourself andrelease any energy that comes up
(12:03):
on the day to day.
And reactive are the things inthe coping strategies you can
turn to when you're out in thereal world and something comes
up in real time.
So, proactive every single day.
And then your reactive toolboxis things you can draw from when
you are in something that'sstressful in the now.
(12:24):
Next, do impasse need more sleepthan others?
So, given that impasse oftenprocess a large amount of
emotional information, qualitysleep is essential for them to
rest and reset.
Lack of adequate sleep can makeanyone feel overwhelmed and
exhausted.
It is part of the proactiveself-care.
(12:47):
It's a non-negotiable.
You have to be getting sleepfor your body to recover and
your brain.
Next question how do I explainmy empathic nature to others?
I want to start by saying thisIf it is really important to you
, if you feel this pull to getothers to understand you, to get
(13:08):
you to accept you, then morethan likely you don't understand
you, accept you and get you.
If there is this strongfoundation in yourself and you
know yourself and you acceptyourself and you're not making
excuses for yourself, then it'sless likely that you're going to
need other people to get you.
But an easy way to explain yourempathic nature to others,
(13:32):
explaining that you have aheightened experience of empathy
, that you feel emotions deeplyand might need extra time to
process these feelings.
It can help others understandyour unique perspective and
needs.
Next, are empaths introvertedor extroverted?
Empaths can be either or evenambivert.
(13:53):
It's a mix of both.
Our needs for socialinteraction vary, and alone time
is based on how we processemotions and recharge.
How can empaths avoid burnout?
So empaths can avoid burnout bymaintaining healthy boundaries,
engaging in our self-carepractices and knowing our limits
(14:16):
when it comes to emotionallabor and seeking out quiet time
to decompress.
Next, can being an empath beseen as a gift?
Yes, being an empath allows fordeep connections with others
and a rich inner life.
Empaths often make excellentmediators, advisors and
(14:38):
confidants because of theirunique abilities.
Next question how shouldempaths handle negative people?
Well, by creating firmboundaries, communication,
limiting exposure when neededand practicing after-care.
So after-care would be thatreactive self-care.
(14:59):
Next question can empaths findsuccess in the business world?
Absolutely so.
Empaths bring a unique set ofskills to the business world,
and we talked about this a fewepisodes ago.
They're often intuitive, deeplyunderstanding of client's needs
and excellent at managingrelationships.
(15:21):
So empaths can thrive bychoosing roles that allow them
to use their emotionalintelligence, like customer
relations, human resources orleadership positions where they
can foster a supportive andunderstanding team environment.
Next question how do empathshandle grief or loss differently
(15:44):
?
So empaths may experience theemotions associated with grief
more intensely and for a longerduration than others, but I have
to say that grief and loss isdifficult for anyone.
We can also pick up on andabsorb the sorrow of others,
which can compound our feelings.
So for empaths, it's crucial tocreate space for their own
(16:07):
healing, perhaps throughcreative outlets or nature
retreats or therapy.
So self-compassion in patientsbecomes key when we navigate
through unique grievingprocesses.
Next question are there anyfamous empaths?
Well, we can't know for sureunless they self-identify.
(16:28):
Many public figures andcelebrities are thought to be
empaths based on theirexpressions of deep sensitivity
and compassion.
I know Alanis Morcette is veryoutspoken about being highly
sensitive.
So these individuals often usetheir platforms to advocate for
emotional wellness and empathicunderstanding, and may also
(16:49):
share their own experiences thathint at their empathic nature.
Next question how can empathsimprove their romantic
relationships?
Great question Communication isthe cornerstone, so empaths
should openly discuss theiremotional needs and boundaries
with their partners.
It's also beneficial forempaths to engage in
(17:11):
relationships with those whorespect their need for a long
time to recharge, and finding abalance between togetherness and
solitude can greatly enhance anempath's romantic relationship.
Next question how can an empathfind balance in their daily
life?
(17:31):
Some days are going to beeasier than others, but finding
balance as an empath involves amix of structure and flexibility
.
So structured time forself-care is essential, whether
that's through meditation, yogaor simply quiet reading time.
Flexibility comes inrecognizing when it's necessary
(17:54):
to step back and take a breakfrom stimuli that can be
overwhelming.
It's also about giving yourselfpermission to say no and to
prioritize your well-being.
And last question do you haveany final tips for living a
fulfilling life as an empath?
(18:14):
So, living a fulfilling life asan empath involves embracing
your unique capabilities whilealso taking steps to manage the
potential overwhelm that comeswith deep emotional connections.
So here are some expanded tipsfor you.
So, practicing mindful awareness, so you want to tune into your
(18:36):
feelings and sensations.
You want to acknowledge themwithout judgment, so this
mindfulness can help you discernwhich emotions are yours and
which you're absorbing fromothers.
You also want to establishrituals.
You want to develop personalrituals that help you cleanse
your emotional palate, so thismight include things like
(18:59):
journaling, nature, meditationand so much more.
Next, you want to set healthyboundaries.
It's okay to say no or to stepaway from situations that drain
you.
Setting boundaries is notselfish, it's self-care and it's
essential.
It's non-negotiable if you'rean empath.
(19:21):
Next, you want to create asupportive environment.
You want to surround yourselfwith people and settings that
uplift you, not those that leaveyou feeling depleted.
And next, you want toprioritize your physical health.
So physical exercise, adequaterest and a nutritious diet can
enhance your ability to processand release emotions.
(19:43):
Next, you want to cultivateemotional literacy, so the more
you understand about emotionsand their effects, the better
you can navigate them.
So consider reading books ortaking courses or joining groups
that focus on emotionaldevelopment.
Next, engaging in creativeexpressions so many empaths find
(20:07):
solace in expressing theirfeelings through art, music,
writing or dance, and theseactivities offer a non-verbal
outlet for the intense emotionsthat you can carry.
Next, learn to ground yourself.
So techniques such as deepbreathing, visualizing roots
coming from your feet into theearth, or even taking a shower
(20:30):
can help ground you when youfeel overwhelmed by emotional
overload.
Next, you want to seekprofessional guidance, so don't
hesitate to work with acounselor or therapist to
understand your empathic nature.
What they can do is they canoffer strategies tailored to you
(20:51):
for managing stress andemotional overload.
Thank you, and finally, embraceyour gift.
So view your empathic nature asa gift, like a tool for deeper
connection and understanding,and celebrate the fact that you
experience the world in a waythat is rich and full of depth.
(21:12):
Remember, a fulfilling life foran empath doesn't mean you
won't face challenges.
It means that you're equippedto navigate through them with
grace and understanding and asense of inner strength.
So, wow, that was a heartfeltjourney that we took.
Today.
I want to thank everyone forsharing the space and energy
(21:35):
with me and thank you for askingquestions over the years.
Remember, being an empath isnot just a trait.
It's a voyage of profounddiscovery.
And speaking of voyages, ifyou're craving a real life
adventure with fellow empaths,I've got just the thing Our
(21:55):
annual empath retreat therealized empath retreat is
happening soon, january 25ththrough the 30th in Costa Rica.
So imagine a week dedicated torejuvenation, connection and
tuning in to the power of yourempathy alongside others who
(22:15):
understand you.
It's going to be transformative.
For details, head over to mywebsite, realizedempathcom and
check out more details about theretreat.
Subscribe to my newsletters.
Spots are filling up and, trustme, you won't want to miss out.
Until next time, stay open,stay grounded, keep feeling the
(22:40):
world around you in yourbeautifully empathic way.
Bye, everybody.
Speaker 1 (22:45):
Thanks for listening to the Realized Empath Podcast.
Revisit past episodes orcontact Kristen at
realizedempathcom.
Did you love this episode?
Please share it with a friend.
Thanks for tuning in, Untilnext time.
Sensitive souls.
You're listening to the Realized Empath Podcast,
where we get real about lovingand stumbling through our
sensitive lives With your hostand holistic counselor, Kristin
Schwartz, who helps redefinewhat's possible for an empath
who embraces a path ofself-healing.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hello and welcome back to the Realized Empath
Podcast, your go-to space forunderstanding and embracing the
depth of your emotions.
I'm your host, kristin Schwartz, and today we got a special
episode that's sure to resonatewith your empathic soul.
We're going to dive into thetop 25 questions you've been
(00:44):
asking, with some deep answersto navigate this journey.
So get cozy, take a deep breathand let's explore the empath
experience together.
All right, so we're just goingto dive right in.
We got 25 questions to cover,so I'm going to start up with
number one what is an empath?
(01:05):
So an empath is someone who hasthe innate ability to perceive
and internalize the emotions ofothers as if they're their own.
So this heightened form ofempathy goes beyond the average
person's experience of simplyunderstanding someone else's
(01:25):
feelings.
Here's something I want toclear up.
I get a lot of people incomments over the years that are
confused, who seem to thinkthat empaths have the corner of
the market on empathy.
The act of empathy, which isour ability to show someone that
we understand what they'regoing through, is not what we're
(01:47):
talking about when it comes tobeing an empath.
We all have that ability toshow someone empathy.
We get to choose.
It's an action.
Empathy is an action.
Empath is describing.
It's a label that describes ourability to perceive and
internalize the emotions ofothers.
Here's the thing you can be anempath and perceive and
(02:11):
internalize the emotions ofothers and, let's say, those
emotions of others overwhelm you.
You can actually show thatperson lack of empathy because
you're overwhelmed.
So I just wanted to clear thatup.
The label empath has nothing todo with us showing people more
(02:32):
empathy than another person.
Okay, so number two how do Iknow if I'm an empath?
I want to start out by sayingthis I can't answer that for you
and no one else can either.
This is all about a journey ofself-discovery, and what I tell
people is if you're unsure, ifyou have the trait of high
(02:52):
sensitivity or if you have thetrait of being an empath, the
best way to find out is to carefor yourself like you are.
Start taking care of yourselflike you do have the trait of
high sensitivity.
If you start to feel better andyour life feels more spacious
and open, then I would say thatthe answer is probably on the
(03:15):
side of yes.
Just to give a more standardanswer.
So you might be an empath ifyou find yourself deeply
affected by the emotions andenergies of those around you,
just into the point where it canimpact your own well-being.
If you often feel emotionallydrained after social
interactions or have a keenintuition about others' unspoken
(03:37):
feelings, these can be strongindicators.
Now again, a journey inself-discovery and
self-awareness.
When I said if you findyourself deeply affected by the
emotions and energies of thosearound you, there are other
instances in our lives where wecan be deeply affected by the
emotions and energies of thosearound us.
Maybe we have a little bit ofsocial anxiety, maybe we're
(04:00):
overwhelmed, maybe our mood islow, maybe we have some
depression, maybe we have someunhealed trauma.
So there's other reasons andexplanations for why we can be
deeply affected by the emotionsof energies of those around you.
So that's why I say no one cantell you what traits or how you
experience the world or whattraits you have.
(04:22):
So that is an answer that onlyyou can provide yourself.
Next question can being anempath affect my relationships?
Definitely, empaths can formdeep and intense relationships
due to their nature.
However, they might alsostruggle with becoming overly
(04:42):
enmeshed or taking on theirpartner's emotional baggage,
which can lead to burnout,resentment, emotional exhaustion
if not managed properly.
Next question what's thedifference between being
empathic and being sympathetic?
Great question.
So, while sympathy involvesunderstanding and feeling pity
(05:07):
for another's hardships, empathyparticularly for an empath
involves a shared emotionalexperience, so often feeling
those hardships as if they weretheir own.
Now, remember, we can feelsomeone's hardships as if they
were our own, but that stilldoesn't lead to the act of
(05:29):
empathy, the action that we haveto choose to give to another
person.
Next question why do empathsfeel so much?
So empaths are thought to havea hyper responsive mirror neuron
system, so it's the part of thebrain responsible for
(05:49):
compassion.
So this heightenedresponsiveness can make empaths
more sensitive to the emotionalclimate around them.
If you're unsure of you'venever heard of the mirror neuron
system, I suggest you give itan internet search.
It is worth the read.
(06:10):
Next question Are empaths bornor made?
This is a great question andone I get all the time.
I believe it's a blend, sothere appears to be a genetic
component to empathy, suggestingthat some people are naturally
more empathic.
However, environmental factorsand personal experiences can
(06:33):
certainly enhance empathicabilities over time, and this is
a good point to be made.
In terms of my own experience,what I had to decipher, and what
I had to sort through early onin my journey was what was
hypervigilance in terms of pasttrauma and being overly aware of
(06:56):
everything around me, becausemy brain was trying to keep me
safe, and what was actualempathic abilities and
heightened empathic abilities.
So that may be the same journeyyou're on.
It's like learning to decipherwhat's a trauma response and
what's actual a heightenedempathic ability.
(07:18):
Next question how can I protectmy energy as an empath?
So I've talked a lot about thison this season's podcast, but
techniques such as visualization, such as picturing a white
light shield around you, settingemotional boundaries, grounding
exercises like walking barefooton the earth, and cleansing
(07:40):
rituals such as baths with epsomsalts they can all help to
protect your energy.
Next question can empaths usetheir ability for a career?
When I do posts on this topic,social media gets a lot of
traction.
So, yes, empaths can, and oftendo, excel in careers that
(08:02):
require a high degree ofemotional intelligence, such as
therapy, social work, teaching,healthcare and even in artistic
fields, where we can express andprocess emotions through our
work.
Are we limited?
Absolutely not.
You can be an empath and be anattorney who is in the stressful
(08:24):
environment of court.
It just is a matter of knowinghow to care for yourself and
having those boundaries in placethat you need to thrive.
Next, what are the physicalsymptoms of being an empath?
So empaths can and mayexperience unexplained bouts of
(08:45):
tiredness, digestive issues,headaches or even sudden changes
in mood that correlate with thepeople around them.
So we can also have heightenedsenses and physical sensations
tied to emotional changes.
We are highly sensitive beings,and that also means that our
(09:07):
bodies are highly sensitive, soit's imperative that we're
caring for mind, body and spiritto feel the best that we
possibly can.
Next, how do I stop absorbingother people's emotions?
Mindfulness and self-awarenessare crucial.
So recognizing anddifferentiating between your
(09:28):
emotions and those of others isthe first step, and how you do
that is staying in your body,recognizing when something comes
up and then taking necessaryaction to care for yourself, so
you can use grounding techniques.
The key is really to staypresent in our bodies.
That's the only way that we'regoing to notice when something
(09:48):
is off and take the necessarymeasures to care for ourselves,
so we don't continue to take inemotions and energies that we
don't want.
But a lot of times, becausewe're not present, we end up
focusing on the energy that wedon't want to feel, only making
it more intense and addingthings like the energy of blame
(10:13):
or stress.
So we're adding heavy energy ontop of what we're already
perceiving, because we'refocusing on the things that we
don't want.
Next, can animals be empaths?
So many animal lovers believethat empaths, particularly pets
like dogs and cats, can senseand even take on the emotions of
(10:36):
their human companions and whenthis happens, they may exhibit
behaviors that suggest empathicunderstanding.
And I know that there arestudies out there that do
suggest that animals can and arehighly sensitive.
Next, how can I develop myempathic abilities?
Fantastic question.
(10:57):
So regular practices likemeditation, reflective
journaling, engaging in empathfocused support groups and
possibly working with a mentorcan guide you through
understanding and channelingyour abilities can be helpful.
Next question Is it common forempaths to experience anxiety or
(11:18):
depression?
So I believe that empathshighly sensitive people can be
more susceptible to anxiety oranxiety or depression due to our
intense emotional experiences.
Remember, we're feelingeverything to its extreme, so
that means any mood shifts wehave, we're going to feel them
to a much deeper level.
(11:40):
So this makes it crucial forimpasse to prioritize their
mental health and practicecoping strategies regularly.
I've talked about this a lotover the years, but we need to
have a proactive and a reactiveself-care plan.
Proactive is things that you'regoing to do every single day to
take care of yourself andrelease any energy that comes up
(12:03):
on the day to day.
And reactive are the things inthe coping strategies you can
turn to when you're out in thereal world and something comes
up in real time.
So, proactive every single day.
And then your reactive toolboxis things you can draw from when
you are in something that'sstressful in the now.
(12:24):
Next, do impasse need more sleepthan others?
So, given that impasse oftenprocess a large amount of
emotional information, qualitysleep is essential for them to
rest and reset.
Lack of adequate sleep can makeanyone feel overwhelmed and
exhausted.
It is part of the proactiveself-care.
(12:47):
It's a non-negotiable.
You have to be getting sleepfor your body to recover and
your brain.
Next question how do I explainmy empathic nature to others?
I want to start by saying thisIf it is really important to you
, if you feel this pull to getothers to understand you, to get
(13:08):
you to accept you, then morethan likely you don't understand
you, accept you and get you.
If there is this strongfoundation in yourself and you
know yourself and you acceptyourself and you're not making
excuses for yourself, then it'sless likely that you're going to
need other people to get you.
But an easy way to explain yourempathic nature to others,
(13:32):
explaining that you have aheightened experience of empathy
, that you feel emotions deeplyand might need extra time to
process these feelings.
It can help others understandyour unique perspective and
needs.
Next, are empaths introvertedor extroverted?
Empaths can be either or evenambivert.
(13:53):
It's a mix of both.
Our needs for socialinteraction vary, and alone time
is based on how we processemotions and recharge.
How can empaths avoid burnout?
So empaths can avoid burnout bymaintaining healthy boundaries,
engaging in our self-carepractices and knowing our limits
(14:16):
when it comes to emotionallabor and seeking out quiet time
to decompress.
Next, can being an empath beseen as a gift?
Yes, being an empath allows fordeep connections with others
and a rich inner life.
Empaths often make excellentmediators, advisors and
(14:38):
confidants because of theirunique abilities.
Next question how shouldempaths handle negative people?
Well, by creating firmboundaries, communication,
limiting exposure when neededand practicing after-care.
So after-care would be thatreactive self-care.
(14:59):
Next question can empaths findsuccess in the business world?
Absolutely so.
Empaths bring a unique set ofskills to the business world,
and we talked about this a fewepisodes ago.
They're often intuitive, deeplyunderstanding of client's needs
and excellent at managingrelationships.
(15:21):
So empaths can thrive bychoosing roles that allow them
to use their emotionalintelligence, like customer
relations, human resources orleadership positions where they
can foster a supportive andunderstanding team environment.
Next question how do empathshandle grief or loss differently
(15:44):
?
So empaths may experience theemotions associated with grief
more intensely and for a longerduration than others, but I have
to say that grief and loss isdifficult for anyone.
We can also pick up on andabsorb the sorrow of others,
which can compound our feelings.
So for empaths, it's crucial tocreate space for their own
(16:07):
healing, perhaps throughcreative outlets or nature
retreats or therapy.
So self-compassion in patientsbecomes key when we navigate
through unique grievingprocesses.
Next question are there anyfamous empaths?
Well, we can't know for sureunless they self-identify.
(16:28):
Many public figures andcelebrities are thought to be
empaths based on theirexpressions of deep sensitivity
and compassion.
I know Alanis Morcette is veryoutspoken about being highly
sensitive.
So these individuals often usetheir platforms to advocate for
emotional wellness and empathicunderstanding, and may also
(16:49):
share their own experiences thathint at their empathic nature.
Next question how can empathsimprove their romantic
relationships?
Great question Communication isthe cornerstone, so empaths
should openly discuss theiremotional needs and boundaries
with their partners.
It's also beneficial forempaths to engage in
(17:11):
relationships with those whorespect their need for a long
time to recharge, and finding abalance between togetherness and
solitude can greatly enhance anempath's romantic relationship.
Next question how can an empathfind balance in their daily
life?
(17:31):
Some days are going to beeasier than others, but finding
balance as an empath involves amix of structure and flexibility
.
So structured time forself-care is essential, whether
that's through meditation, yogaor simply quiet reading time.
Flexibility comes inrecognizing when it's necessary
(17:54):
to step back and take a breakfrom stimuli that can be
overwhelming.
It's also about giving yourselfpermission to say no and to
prioritize your well-being.
And last question do you haveany final tips for living a
fulfilling life as an empath?
(18:14):
So, living a fulfilling life asan empath involves embracing
your unique capabilities whilealso taking steps to manage the
potential overwhelm that comeswith deep emotional connections.
So here are some expanded tipsfor you.
So, practicing mindful awareness, so you want to tune into your
(18:36):
feelings and sensations.
You want to acknowledge themwithout judgment, so this
mindfulness can help you discernwhich emotions are yours and
which you're absorbing fromothers.
You also want to establishrituals.
You want to develop personalrituals that help you cleanse
your emotional palate, so thismight include things like
(18:59):
journaling, nature, meditationand so much more.
Next, you want to set healthyboundaries.
It's okay to say no or to stepaway from situations that drain
you.
Setting boundaries is notselfish, it's self-care and it's
essential.
It's non-negotiable if you'rean empath.
(19:21):
Next, you want to create asupportive environment.
You want to surround yourselfwith people and settings that
uplift you, not those that leaveyou feeling depleted.
And next, you want toprioritize your physical health.
So physical exercise, adequaterest and a nutritious diet can
enhance your ability to processand release emotions.
(19:43):
Next, you want to cultivateemotional literacy, so the more
you understand about emotionsand their effects, the better
you can navigate them.
So consider reading books ortaking courses or joining groups
that focus on emotionaldevelopment.
Next, engaging in creativeexpressions so many empaths find
(20:07):
solace in expressing theirfeelings through art, music,
writing or dance, and theseactivities offer a non-verbal
outlet for the intense emotionsthat you can carry.
Next, learn to ground yourself.
So techniques such as deepbreathing, visualizing roots
coming from your feet into theearth, or even taking a shower
(20:30):
can help ground you when youfeel overwhelmed by emotional
overload.
Next, you want to seekprofessional guidance, so don't
hesitate to work with acounselor or therapist to
understand your empathic nature.
What they can do is they canoffer strategies tailored to you
(20:51):
for managing stress andemotional overload.
Thank you, and finally, embraceyour gift.
So view your empathic nature asa gift, like a tool for deeper
connection and understanding,and celebrate the fact that you
experience the world in a waythat is rich and full of depth.
(21:12):
Remember, a fulfilling life foran empath doesn't mean you
won't face challenges.
It means that you're equippedto navigate through them with
grace and understanding and asense of inner strength.
So, wow, that was a heartfeltjourney that we took.
Today.
I want to thank everyone forsharing the space and energy
(21:35):
with me and thank you for askingquestions over the years.
Remember, being an empath isnot just a trait.
It's a voyage of profounddiscovery.
And speaking of voyages, ifyou're craving a real life
adventure with fellow empaths,I've got just the thing Our
(21:55):
annual empath retreat therealized empath retreat is
happening soon, january 25ththrough the 30th in Costa Rica.
So imagine a week dedicated torejuvenation, connection and
tuning in to the power of yourempathy alongside others who
(22:15):
understand you.
It's going to be transformative.
For details, head over to mywebsite, realizedempathcom and
check out more details about theretreat.
Subscribe to my newsletters.
Spots are filling up and, trustme, you won't want to miss out.
Until next time, stay open,stay grounded, keep feeling the
(22:40):
world around you in yourbeautifully empathic way.
Bye, everybody.
Speaker 1 (22:45):
Thanks for listening to the Realized Empath Podcast.
Revisit past episodes orcontact Kristen at
realizedempathcom.
Did you love this episode?
Please share it with a friend.
Thanks for tuning in, Untilnext time.
Sensitive souls.
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