The challenges of being an empath

When I was younger I used to be a highly sensitive child. As I got older that turned into being able to feel the energy from other people and taking their energy on-board myself.

Most of us are aware of a time when we walked into a roomful of people and instantly knew what the vibe was. Maybe you felt the vibe where everyone was a bit down - an instant happy mood killer. Or felt uncomfortable in a café when someone is sitting across the room staring at you. That person is probably not looking at you directly, but sometimes we end up feeling their negative mood or thoughts. I didn't know what this was when I was younger, but now, in my profession as a life coach, I see this as being an 'empath'.

There are many of us out there, and you may relate to a heightened sense of empathy for others. Empathy is a remarkable human trait that allows individuals to understand and share the emotions and experiences of others. Being an empath means having an intense sensitivity to the emotional and energetic states of those around you.

The human brain is equipped with mirror neurons; a class of cells that are active both when we perform an action and when we witness someone else performing the same action. Mirror neurons play a vital role in our ability to empathise with others. They enable us to understand and interpret the actions, emotions, and intentions of those around us - forming the basis of our responses.

For empaths, the mirror neuron system appears to be exceptionally sensitive in scientific tests. Empaths can effortlessly pick up on subtle cues, both verbal and non-verbal, and are highly attuned to the emotions of others. 

We have what scientists call a heightened activation in the brain region associated with emotional processing

Whilst it can be seen as a gift, it also presents its own unique set of challenges that you may have faced. It can affect our mood or day, depending on the energy of others that we come into contact with. Sometimes it can feel draining to be an empath. Taking on negative issues from others can lead to overwhelming feelings that make you exhausted. Empaths want to help people so usually agree to everything, taking on too much work themselves and leaving them drained. On the opposite side to this is 'too much' excitement, huge crowds, and noise that can leave a sensitive empath worn out or with physical/mental exhaustion.

On the positive side of being an empath, we can accurately read a person’s energy and intuitively understand what emotion they are feeling with accuracy. It was a huge 'ah-ha' moment when I was able to recognise that I was an empath. It has served me a huge advantage in my career as a life coach, being able to understand people better and read my clients' energy, thoughts, and emotions more accurately.

If you are an empath, think about how to take advantage of this amazing skill in your own career. Maybe you're already involved in a career that helps people. If not, think about how you can use your empath power in your current role. How can this be used to help your interactions with others? Or instead think about using this skill in a creatively artistic outlet, or channelling your empathetic qualities into writing.

Just remember a few things to help you as you move forward, you wonderful being:

1. Set your boundaries and take time for yourself, managing your own feelings before helping others. Saying "no" when you feel overwhelmed rather than taking on extra work ‘just to help someone else out’.
2. The negative energy taken on board from other people can be managed by clearing your own energy through yoga or meditation, or even going for a walk in nature. Whatever relaxes you and gets you back to being you.
3. Having positive people around you and avoiding spending time with negative friends or family will help too if you’re an empath; otherwise, you will feel drained.

Overall, try to embrace and celebrate your empathic abilities; we need more of us to make a positive impact in the world!