signs that you are an empath

If you are an introvert who is highly sensitive, you might also be an empath.

Empaths are highly sensitive individuals who deeply feel the emotions of those around them.

Both introverts and empaths are likely to feel overwhelmed by crowds and loud noises. They are also prone to feeling drained and completely exhausted to the point of fatigue. For introverts, feeling drained is usually due to overstimulation. For empaths, it is related to the stress of constantly feeling other people’s emotions.

Although highly sensitive introverts and empaths share many traits, there are several characteristics that distinguish empaths. Read on to discover 10 signs that you are an empath.

1. Creative Expression

Most empaths express themselves creatively in a variety of ways. From singing, to painting, to dancing, empaths have a strong creative streak that can’t be denied. They are also highly adept at expressing their emotions through body movement. For this reason, empaths can make exceptional dancers, actors, and musicians.

2. Reading People’s Emotions

Empaths have a deep sense of knowing when it comes to understanding other people’s emotions and motives. They can usually tell if a person is lying or being inauthentic. They are very observant of the subtle messages other people send through body language and facial expressions, and thus, can easily read people like a book.

3. Peacemaker

Most empaths abhor conflict and disharmony. In the face of conflict, an empath will either completely avoid the situation or seek to resolve the issue immediately.

Empaths are also very sensitive to violence and aggression in the media. They are deeply affected by the news, movies, television and movies. They may be moved to tears or even feel ill from watching violence on television.

4. Love of Animals and Nature

Empaths are drawn to animals and nature. They may feel the need to be outdoors often in order to neutralize negative emotions they take on from others. It is common for empaths to feel a great deal of love and compassion for animals. They often have more than one pet at home.

5. Moody Recluse

Many empaths who are unaware of their empathy will resort to disconnecting from society in order to avoid being overwhelmed by other people’s emotions. They are also susceptible to extreme mood swings because they are so deeply affected by the emotions of others.

6. Can’t Do Things You Don’t Like

Empaths have great difficulty doing things that they don’t enjoy. If an activity or conversation is not mentally stimulating, they will quickly switch off and daydream. Likewise, if a lecturer is speaking with little emotion, an empath is likely to drift off into imaginary worlds.

7. Free Spirit

Emapths are, at heart, free spirits who find rules, and routines debilitating. They like to feel free to express themselves in the world in their own unique way. They are often drawn to adventure, travel and freedom.

8. Problem Solver

Empaths will search relentlessly for answers to a problem. Their motto is β€œthere is always a way”. And thanks to their persistence, they usually find it.

9. Magnetic

Empaths often attract people into their lives like magnets because of their gentle compassionate nature. They might, however, choose to switch off this innate gift because they find other people’s emotions too overwhelming.

10. Eclectic Taste in Music

Empaths tend to listen to a broad range of music genres. Their music preferences are influenced by their varying emotional states. They can be deeply affected by the lyrics in a song. For this reason, they should be especially mindful of the messages in the music they listen to. Sometimes no lyric music is preferable for empaths.

Advice ForΒ Empaths

Many empaths struggle with their ability to feel other people’s emotions. If they are unaware of their empathy, and how to manage it, they may resort to addictive substances in order to cope. But there are better ways of dealing with empathy. I have listed a few tips below:

Spend time in nature everyday – a place where there are no other people around is preferable

Explore chakra and energy healing – many empaths are drawn to the metaphysical, so this might be something you were already interested in

Learn to say β€˜no’ – empaths tend to place the needs of others above their own. Turn some of your love and compassion inward by saying β€˜no’ to commitments that don’t feel good to you.

Get in the water – many present-day and ancient healers believe that water has powerful healing and neutralizing properties. Submerge yourself in water at least once a week in order to cleanse the negative energy and emotions you have picked up from other people. Natural water is best, but pools, and even the bathtub, will do.

michalea chung

 

 

michaela chung