I try to live in a little bit of my own joy and not let people steal it or take it.
-Hoda Kotb
If you’re a highly empathetic person, protecting your energy from others may be one of the most important things that you do for yourself. Highly empathetic people often have a super power of being able to pick up on the subtle feelings, emotions and energy from the people they come into contact with in their lives. However, highly empathetic people can be sponges as well, in that without boundaries they are also absorbing the feelings, emotions and energy of those around them.
If you are a highly empathetic person, what can you do about this tendency to soak up the feelings, emotions and energy of others, so you’re better protected in the world? One way is to visualize and imagine the protection you need covering your body as you enter into any given situation. Is it armor? Is it a soft bubble covering you? Is it mirrors to deflect other people’s judgments, criticism, and issues back to them?
What do you think? Does any of these ideas resonate with you?
Read on for some short, quick information on: energy takers, energy healers, and self-care for when you’re feeling burnt out. I hope this blog is helpful to you!
Energy takers often include:
- No self-care (always giving to others without boundaries)
- Toxic people (the constant takers in the world)
- Dehydration (can leave you feeling drained and depleted)
- Cloudy days (for some of us)
- No downtime (always being on the go)
- Lack of exercise (or not a lot of movement in your life in general)
- Unhealthy food (can also leave you feeling drained and depleted)
- Heightened emotions (especially anger for many of us)
- Emotional disconnection (can leave you feeling lonely and so alone, even if people are around us)
- Not getting enough sleep (can lead to heightened anxiety and depression symptoms)
- Focusing only on yourself (helping others, with boundaries, can be energizing to us)
- Too much time on electronics (the ultimate energy drain!)
What else would you add here?
Energy givers often include:
- Sunny days
- Staying hydrated
- Emotionally healthy people
- Getting enough sleep
- Helping others (with boundaries!)
- Self-care
- Emotional regulation
- Exercise
- Time for rest and relaxation
- Emotionally connecting with loved ones
- Setting boundaries around electronics
What else would you add to this list?
Self-care for when you’re feeling burnt out:
- Rest your body
- Connect with loved ones
- Snuggle under a blanket
- Talk to a therapist
- Journal
- Watch your favorite show
- Drink a hot beverage
- Listen to a guided meditation
- Spend time with your pets
- Read a book
What else helps you when you’re feeling burnt out?
If you’re struggling right now, know that you’re not alone. Many of us have trouble setting and maintaining boundaries with others, even if we know they are very much needed. If you could use more help and support in your life today, please reach out to your doctor or a therapist in your area. Know that I’m thinking of you and sending lots of love and compassion you way!
