Empowered Empath: Essential Self-Care Tips You Need to Know
- Published:
- Updated: April 12, 2024
As a business owners and leaders, we care about our clients and customers. However, that care and concern can deplete our reserves, erase our self-care routine and potentially harm our bottom line. As a life coach for entrepreneurs, I want to help you have clarity so that you make the right decisions for yourself.
In this article, we talk how we can take care of our emotional and spiritual needs as an empath. First, let’s define the meaning of an empath.
What is an Empath?
Empaths are highly sensitive people who are able to pick up on the emotions and energies of those around them. While this ability can be a great asset, it can also lead to burnout and exhaustion.
It’s important for empaths to practice self-care to maintain their emotional and physical wellbeing. We will first start with taking care of your emotional health and then explore ways to improve your physical and spiritual heath.
Empaths are not here to fix others; they are here to hold space and provide support for healing and growth.
Clarity for yourself and others
If you want to manage your emotional energy as an empath, you must create boundaries. Boundaries will help you manage your energy, reduce stress, and help you identify your priorities.
How to be clear with yourself
1. Prioritize the important
You may have been raised in a home where everything was an emergency. Times have changed. You get to decide what matters most not.
Also, you don’t have to keep multiple balls in the air all at once or try to be constantly “on top” of things. Don’t let anyone put that level of pressure on to you.
Example of shame-based projection
— Denise Lee (@DeniseGLee) August 8, 2023
Today, I was at a volunteer event.
A woman asked me, "When is your son going back to school?"
I honestly didn't remember.
I said, "Well, I don't know! I'll have to check my calendar."
Her response, "A mother should know all his son's…
Some of us have been trained to work constantly. There was no limit. You may work hard on specific goals, then reward yourself with limited fun time. Often, that can result into binging or compulsive tendencies.
Let’s change this approach. Take the time to identify to focus on the most important things by level of urgency. This article will help you organize which tasks are urgent from important.
2. Know your preferences
Too many empaths shape-shift their preferences. For example, if your coworkers enjoy soccer, then you are all about the world cup. And if your clients love talking about politics, you were sure to watch news all morning to stay up-to-date.
Now is different.
You get to decide your own identity.
Identify the topics, issues and causes that matter to you. Next, write down positive ideas, theories or causes which matter to you. This exercise will help you to explore parts of your life that will help improve your self-esteem and self-worth.
Now comes the exciting part. Share your ideas with people who enjoy these ideas. Part of the reason why you feel drained as an empath is because you aren’t sharing your passions with anyone else. Go to places where your ideas are freely discussed.
How to be clear with others
Having clarity requires creating boundaries with others. Here are some steps to help you establish and communicate your boundaries effectively:
1. Communicate your boundaries clearly
Clearly and assertively communicate your boundaries to others. Use “I” statements to express your needs and expectations. For example, say “I need some alone time in the evenings to recharge, so I won’t be available for socializing after 8 p.m.”
Be direct and specific about what is acceptable and what is not for you. Don’t train people to mistreat because of muddled or conflicting words.
2. Be firm and consistent
Once you have communicated your boundaries, be firm in maintaining them.
Consistently reinforce your boundaries by saying “no” when necessary and honoring your own limits. This sends a clear message to others that your boundaries are important to you.
3. Be prepared for resistance
Some people may not immediately respect or understand your boundaries. They may push back or try to challenge them. Be prepared for these situations and stand your ground.
It is your right to set and maintain your boundaries, even if it may cause temporary discomfort or disagreement.
Setting boundaries is an ongoing process. It may take time and practice to establish and enforce them effectively. Be patient with yourself and understand that it is a necessary part of creating healthier relationships and preserving your well-being.
In the next section, we will discuss ways for you to ground your mind, body and soul. This will help you improve your energy levels and improve your creativity.
Seven simple mindfulness steps
Practicing mindfulness involves intentionally focusing your attention on the present moment without judgment. It can help you cultivate a greater sense of awareness, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
Here are some steps to help you practice mindfulness:
1. Set aside dedicated time
Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can practice mindfulness without distractions. Start with a few minutes each day and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
2. Adopt a comfortable posture
Sit in a posture that is relaxed and alert. You can sit on a cushion, chair, or cross-legged on the floor. Keep your spine straight, shoulders relaxed, and hands resting comfortably.
3. Focus on your breath
Bring your attention to your breath as it naturally flows in and out. Notice the sensation of the breath entering and leaving your body. You can choose to focus on the rise and fall of your abdomen or the sensation of air passing through your nostrils.
4. Notice when your mind wanders
As you focus on your breath, you’ll likely find that your mind wanders to thoughts, sensations, or emotions. This is normal. When you notice your mind drifting, gently and non-judgmentally bring your attention back to your breath.
5. Expand your awareness
Once you feel comfortable with focusing on your breath, you can expand your awareness to include other sensations in your body, such as the feeling of your feet on the ground or the touch of your clothes against your skin.
Notice any bodily sensations, sounds, or smells without getting caught up in evaluating or analyzing them.
6. Embrace non-judgment
Practice observing your experiences without judgment or attachment.
Allow thoughts, emotions, and sensations to arise and pass without trying to change or suppress them. Simply notice them and let them be, returning your attention to the present moment.
7. Cultivate acceptance and compassion
Be kind and gentle with yourself as you practice mindfulness. If you find your mind wandering or getting caught up in thoughts, gently bring your focus back to the present moment.
Approach yourself and your experiences with acceptance and self-compassion.
Next, let’s talk about how you can connect with nature. Nature is a wonderful way to center the mind, body and soul.
Five ways to connect with nature
Connecting with nature is a wonderful way to enhance your spiritual journey and deepen your sense of well-being as an empath.
Here are some suggestions for connecting with nature:
1. Spend time outdoors
Make a conscious effort to spend time in natural environments. Take walks in parks, forests, or along beaches.
Explore hiking trails or find a nearby garden or botanical park to visit. Spending time in nature allows you to immerse yourself in its beauty and experience its calming and rejuvenating effects.
2. Practice mindfulness in nature
When you’re in nature, practice being fully present in the moment.
Engage your senses and observe the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around you. Notice the details of the plants, animals, and landscape. By immersing yourself in the present moment, you can cultivate a deeper connection with the natural world.
3. Engage in nature-based activities
Participate in activities that allow you to engage with nature actively. This can include gardening, birdwatching, stargazing, or photography. These activities can help you develop a greater appreciation for the intricate beauty and cycles of nature.
4. Meditate outdoors
Find a quiet spot in nature where you can sit or lie down comfortably.
Close your eyes and focus on your breath, allowing yourself to relax and let go of any stress or worries. Feel the connection between your body and the earth beneath you. Allow yourself to be fully present and absorb the energy of the natural surroundings.
5. Environmental stewardship
Engage in activities that promote the well-being of the environment. Participate in conservation efforts, clean-up initiatives, or support local environmental organizations. By actively contributing to the preservation and protection of nature, you develop a deeper sense of connection and responsibility.
Next, let’s talk about how you can improve your overall spiritual health.
Five ways to Explore Your Spirituality
Exploring spirituality is a deeply personal journey that can take many different forms.
Here are some general steps you can consider to embark on your exploration of spirituality:
1. Reflect on your beliefs and values
Start by examining your current beliefs and values. What do you believe about the meaning and purpose of life? What values are important to you?
Understanding your existing beliefs will help you identify areas of spirituality you may want to explore further.
2. Read and study
Expand your knowledge by reading books, articles, and teachings about different spiritual traditions and practices. This can include religious texts, philosophical works, or books on meditation and mindfulness.
Engage in critical thinking and explore different perspectives to gain a broader understanding.
3. Engage in self-reflection
Set aside regular time for self-reflection. This can involve journaling, contemplating meaningful questions, or engaging in introspective practices. Explore your emotions, thoughts, and experiences to gain deeper insights into yourself and your spiritual journey.
4. Cultivate gratitude and compassion
Practice gratitude for the blessings in your life and develop compassion for others. These qualities are often emphasized in spiritual teachings and can help you cultivate a more positive and open-hearted approach to life.
5. Explore different practices
Investigate various spiritual practices and rituals, such as prayer, chanting, yoga, or energy healing. Experiment with different techniques and see what resonates with you personally. Remember that spirituality is not a one-size-fits-all approach, so it’s essential to find what works for you.
Remember, spirituality is a personal journey, and there is no right or wrong way to explore it. Trust your intuition and follow the path that feels authentic and meaningful to you. Next, I will share my final thoughts.
Final Thoughts
By following these self-care tips, empaths can continue to harness their strengths and live fulfilling lives without being burdened by the emotions of others.
Need more tips on self-care? Consider working with me today. We will co-create a lifestyle that empowers.
Dig deeper: In this episode, learn how you can add ease and pleasure into your day. Listen to it here or click the play button below.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH ADVICE
The information in this article is for informational purposes only. No material in this article or website is to be a substitute for professional medical and/or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read from me or anyone else online.
Also, this article is not designed to diagnose or treat you or anyone with a suspected mental health illness. Please, if you need help, seek appropriate help from a lawyer, health care provider or law enforcement officer.
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