What is an Empath?

<sub>My name is Elaine and I am an Energy Healer, Holistic Kinesiologist & Writer. I also happen to be an empath. My passion is working with empaths and guiding them on their journey to self-empowerment.

You may be wondering ‘what is an empath?’ An empath is a person who can feel everything around them, particularly the emotions of others. According to Dr Judith Orloff author of The Empath’s Survival Guide

“Empaths are creators, inventors, visionaries, artists, and people who feel first.”

Empaths often process information from their sensory body. For example, an empath may enter a room after a conflict and sense that an emotionally heightened situation has occurred.</sub>

<sub>The vast majority of people can separate themselves from that stress. However, for the empath they ‘taken on’ the emotions and this can cause stress and anxiety in their mind and body.

Can you relate to this? If so, it is important to know that you have many gifts and hidden talents as an empath. You can thrive and feel safe in this busy world.

Read on to identify the top five traits of an empath and learn some simple ways that you can support yourself.</sub>

The Top Five Signs That You Are An Empath

1. You Can Sense Other People’s Emotions

_{People may confide in you and feel safe to share their stories or deepest concerns. Empaths can sense or ‘pick up’ on how people may be feeling. This can be exhausting for an empath. Therefore, an empath must learn clear boundaries (physical and energetic) to avoid feeling emotionally exhausted or burnt out.}

2. You Possess Intuitive Gifts

_{Empaths have a natural intuition and an ability to connect to spirit guides and higher realms. They work as artists, healers, writers, nurses, social workers, and counsellors. They are drawn to helping people and being of service. This heightened intuition can be a powerful compass for an empath.
When an empath calms their nervous system and grounds their body, clear guidance can come through. This can assist the empath in living an aligned and inspired life.}

3. You Feel Connected To Animals & Nature

<sub>Empaths feel a deep connection to nature and animals. When an empath has experienced stress or overwhelm, seeking support from a pet or animal can lift their spirits and bring them back to their energy. Animals are also drawn to empathetic people, they naturally gravitate toward their presence.

Another powerful tool to alleviate stress for highly sensitive people is connecting with nature. Studies have shown that a practice called ‘Earthing’ has a profound effect on the nervous system. Earthing reduces stress levels and improves sleep quality and enhances emotional well-being. Give this easy practice a go, just pop your bare feet in some grass and relax in nature.</sub>

4. You Need Alone Time To Recharge

_{Alone time is important for an empath. Without time away from this busy world, empaths can feel burnt out and depleted. Listening to music, crafting, or simply just resting away can help an empath ‘reset’ and feel re-charged.}

5. You Can Experience Sensory Overload

<sub>Crowds and busy environments can be overwhelming or tiring for a sensitive person. Smaller groups in a calm environment may feel more soothing for an empath. Signs that you may feel overwhelmed by your environment are feeling breathless, or anxious in chaotic environments.

For example, I find shopping centers a place where my nerves kick in and I can physically ‘spaced out’. The best practice for an empath is to listen to your body, and limit or remove yourself from overwhelming environments.</sub>

Tips For Empaths

_{It’s important empaths embrace their uniqueness. Although there can be challenges for an empath, the more an empath can learn about self-love, boundaries and protecting their energy, the more likely they are to thrive and feel at ease in the world.}

Tools That Can Support An Empath

_{Energy and Kinesiology can be a powerful support tool for highly sensitive people.}

_{If you would like to know about how I can support you, feel free to reach out here}