Empaths have a natural talent for connecting with others and relating to their feelings and viewpoints.
However, their heightened sensitivity to the emotions and energies of those around them can often lead to exhaustion—a sensation non-empaths might not experience when exposed to the same situations.
If this resonates with you, here are 7 psychologically backed things you need to avoid to help you preserve your battery.
1) Energy vampires
Energy vampires are those negative thinkers, perpetual victims, drama queens, and narcissists who just love hogging the spotlight with their complaints or bragging.
And then there are empaths, the folks who bend over backward to listen and understand others.
So, when an energy vampire crosses paths with an empath, it’s like they’ve hit the jackpot.
They’ve found someone who’ll absorb all their drama without asking for anything in return.
According to Dr. Debi Silber, a holistic psychologist, regardless of the type of energy vampire someone is, they drain an empath of their energy because they only focus on themselves.
The result?
Empaths find themselves stuck in a toxic cycle, constantly giving their care and attention to individuals who won’t reciprocate when they need support.
These one-sided relationships leave empaths feeling drained and taken advantage of.
So, if you’re dealing with an energy vampire, whether it’s in your workplace or personal life, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations, establish healthy boundaries, or simply limit your time with them to recharge.
2) Violent media
So, if you’re anything like me—an empathetic soul—you’ve probably been in situations where your pals or your significant other were all hyped up about watching a horror flick, and you were like, “Nope, I’m out!”
Or maybe you’ve been scrolling through the news and stumbled upon some seriously distressing stuff, and you just had to click away.
As an empath, it’s key to be mindful of what kind of news and media you’re soaking up. I mean, let’s face it, the news these days can be a total downer, right?
Constantly bombarded with stories of injustice and violence, it’s easy for us empathetic folks to get sucked into a vortex of negativity.
Because, you know, empaths are wired to feel the pain of others, whether it’s in a movie plot or in real life.
And let me tell you, being exposed to all that injustice and brutality can seriously mess with our heads—leaving us feeling anxious or down in the dumps.
That’s why it’s super important for empaths to be mindful of the type of news and media they choose to consume.
3) Big crowds
According to Judith Orloff, a psychiatrist and UCLA faculty member, empaths tend to be introverted and prefer one-on-one interactions to crowds because being in crowds amplifies their empathy.
Empaths can’t process the large number of stimuli present in crowded spaces, from loud noises to the energies of people surrounding them.
Attending a wedding or a concert usually overwhelms a highly empathetic person and quickly drains their energy.
So, you’ll often find them leaving early or yearning for some downtime to unwind and process.
4) Lack of alone time
Empaths, being like emotion and energy sponges, really need some alone time to recharge and reset their vibes.
It could be a peaceful walk in the park after a busy workday or just lying down in a quiet, dark room after a bustling family get-together.
Without this time to themselves, empaths often feel on edge and stressed out.
So, if you’re an empath and you’re constantly feeling drained after your daily dose of social interactions, whether it’s with family or colleagues at work, it might be a good idea to carve out more alone time for yourself.
5) Conflicts
Whenever there’s an argument, whether it’s with family or coworkers, if you’re an empath, it will feel like it’s zapping your energy for days.
As empaths, we can’t help but soak up all the tension in the room and feel guilty about it, even if we’re not directly involved.
And here’s the kicker: as empaths, we’re like detectives trying to solve a mystery. We analyze every angle of the problem, trying to make sense of it all.
But sometimes, that just leaves us feeling even more confused about who we are and what we stand for.
I remember when I finally ended things with my last partner—it took me a whole year to take that step!
I was always trying to see things from his perspective, giving him endless chances while ignoring all the warning signs.
I guess I just didn’t want to rock the boat, you know? But in the end, I realized I was neglecting myself in the process.
So, if you’re an empath like me, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself, too, even if it means going through uncomfortable disagreements with those around you.
Vocalizing your own needs doesn’t make you selfish—it’s necessary for your own long-term well-being.
6) Being rushed
Empaths naturally take more time to process the waves of stimuli they receive from their environment and social settings.
This knack for detail can lean them towards perfectionism.
So, when they’re suddenly rushed to finish a task or juggle multiple things at once, it throws them off big time.
But hey, it’s not like they’re slackers. Actually, they’re super responsible and hate letting people down.
It’s just that they’re wired to really mull things over, considering every angle to make the “right” call or do things “perfectly”.
So, when they’re pushed to hurry, their anxiety levels skyrocket. They stress about not nailing the perfect decision or completing a task flawlessly.
And let me tell you, stress can send them into freeze mode.
They’re stuck, unable to act on the spot for fear of not measuring up. It’s like their brains hit a glitch, leaving them feeling seriously frazzled.
7) Insensitive people
Insensitive people can really drain an empath’s energy, you know?
Ever been cut off by a reckless driver and felt your blood boil? Or had someone barge past you in line without a word? Or maybe you’ve felt totally alone in caring about the new intern who’s getting picked on by your coworkers?
It’s tough to feel things so deeply only to realize that not everyone around you gets it.
You want to share your feelings, but it’s like they’re speaking a different language.
Getting let down when you expect people to be more considerate can leave you feeling totally wiped out and bummed out.
It’s like your energy tank hits empty, and all you’re left with is a sense of sadness.
Final thoughts:
In today’s fast-paced world, being highly empathetic can feel draining.
However, for those who are highly sensitive and attuned to the energies around them, there’s a unique ability to forge deeper connections and savor positive experiences more intensely.
To maintain this gift while conserving energy, it’s important to cultivate habits like setting boundaries, tuning into your body’s needs, and building emotional resilience.
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