“I GET so overwhelmed by other people’s emotions. It’s like I take them on for them and I can’t let them go. How can I be sensitive and supportive without feeling overloaded by the negative energy?”

If you experience emotions intensely; are easily overstimulated by sights, sounds, and other sensory input; or feel like a sponge for people’s anger, stress, sadness and fear …… you may be an ‘empath’ and you are not alone! 

Research suggests 20% of the population have this heightened sensitivity to energy, moods and the emotions of others (people, animals and the environment!). Not only do you likely sense your friend’s suffering (possibly even before she speaks of it) but you feel it as though it’s yours. A common cry of the empath is a need to retreat from others to find calm and inner balance. 

Empaths have a lower filter, which means you sense, feel, absorb and potentially hold – intensely – the sensory input from the world around you. This can lead to physical, emotional, mental and spiritual overwhelm and fatigue. Like introverts, empaths require extra time to download, release and let go. 

To thrive as an empath, try these simple acts of self-care to protect and enjoy your sensitive nature:

•    Breathe. Deep calming breaths allow you to exhale the negative or heavy energies you naturally collect throughout the day. 

•    Alone time. Make time each day to be alone to down-regulate and let go. 

•    Healthy boundaries. Practice healthy boundaries in relationships at home and at work. Empaths often struggle to say no, but it is important to recognise your limits and assert them. This relates to physical space too. Stand back from people when interacting with them (not so difficult in a covid world!). Physical closeness enhances empathic connection, so you might find a little extra space is an instant release.

•    Yoga. Exercise to physically release all that excess energy. I recommend yoga for empaths as it provides the deep relaxation and breath work the empathic body needs. It’s also a reliable survival tool for managing challenging emotions and sensory overload – for anyone. 

•    Get barefoot. 'Earthing' allows you to tune into nature's healing power. Feel the ground beneath you, look up, breathe it all in deeply. 

Finally, cherish your sensitive nature. Empaths are warm, intuitive, compassionate and perceptive individuals and we all benefit from having you among us.

Sharlene Townes is a Holistic Counsellor in Wahroonga. 

For more information go to www.thebarefoottherapist.com.au