An empath is someone who is able to feel the emotions and health of other people. Empaths often find it difficult in crowded situations such as shopping centres, parties, sporting events or concerts. If they haven’t learnt how to protect themselves, they end up feeling the aches and pains and moods and emotions of those around them.  

An example of empathy is when we understand the experiences and feelings of others. If our friend has lost their beloved pet, empathy means we understand the level of pain they are going through, even if we have never lost a pet.

As empaths we feel the emotions, as if they’re part of our own experience. In other words, someone else’s pain becomes our pain.

Outside stimuli can have an adverse effect for empaths – bright lights, loud sounds and smell can impact us in the same way as it can cause stress in children, and hyper sensitive souls.

As empaths we can learn skills to protect ourselves, remembering that caring for ourselves should be our number one priority.

• Know that the pain and emotion belongs to someone else, it is easier to let it go
• Work on our own needs first
• Visualise a protective cloak around us when we are out in crowds
• Meditation can include releasing pain, anger and unwanted emotions
• Spending time alone to unwind
• Spending time in nature
• Setting boundaries with others and ourselves

Simple steps can mean the difference between a life of constant stress, or living in peace and harmony with those around us.