How Can Empaths & Healers Recharge?

Am I the only one that’s noticed that Wellness, Mental Health and various psychological topics have seemingly been receiving a lot of recognition and feedback this year?

The term empath has been thrown around A LOT and suddenly everyone believes that they are an empath or highly sensitive person (HSP).

However, there’s definitely a difference between being an empath, being empathetic, and being a highly sensitive person.

Being an empath simply means that you are attuned to the feelings, moods and emotions of those around you. Typically, empaths begin to feel what another person is feeling on a deeper level, to the point where the empath feels exactly the same way! From personal experience, the closer you are to someone, the more you feel what that person feels (ex- romantic partner).

On the other hand, being empathetic is simply a characteristic trait that allows you to be in tune with others, but you are still able to separate your experience from theirs. Being empathetic allows you to feel for a person, but not take their emotions as your own (such as an empath does). Be

ing empathetic allows you to be understanding of someone else’s situation.

Lastly, being a highly sensitive person means that you have increased central nervous system sensitivity to physical, emotional or social stimuli. It’s important to note that being HSP is not a mental illness, rather, an undiagnosable personality trait. Some personality traits for HSP include:

• Having deep thoughts and strong feelings that go with them

• Feeling an absolute need for quiet days

• Being overwhelmed by sensory stimuli (bright lights or loud noise)

• Being deeply moved by art and beauty

Now that we’ve gotten these confusing, similar terms out of the way, let’s get to the milk and honey of this article. If you’re an empath (or someone who religiously practices empathy), how can you recharge?

For me, the answer is simple: Solitude

Empaths are also typically HSP, meaning your nervous systems are very reactive and need to be regulated consistently. Creating space and sitting in solitude allows you to establish healthy processing and self regulation.

Other Ways Empaths can Recharge

• Empaths can recharge through deep, meaningful, sustainable conversation. Consistently engaging in small talk without discussing your experiences with things that are important to you can lead to loneliness, emptiness and sadness.

• Creating boundaries is also essential for empaths to protect your own energy and limit time with draining people.

• Mindfulness practices such as journaling to prevent thought and emotional overload

• The opportunity to receive, rather than always being the one to give. This doesn’t necessarily mean physical gifts. Rather, it could mean receiving love, support, care, empathy, kindness and all-around reciprocity. Not receiving doesn’t necessarily mean you will stop being an empath, but it’ll definitely make it a lot harder.

• Healing from past trauma; because how can you help others if you’re unsure how to help yourself?

• Fun hobbies, projects and skills are a great way for empaths to distract themselves and recharge. Even if these things serve no purpose in your life, it’s important to use them as forms of self care

• Practicing self compassion, because you are deserving of everything you feel like other people deserve! Recognize and validate your own feelings, experiences and needs.

Though solitude is the best way for me to recharge as an empath, any one of these may help YOU recharge!

Do you feel like you’re an empath or HSP? Let me know in the comments!