Empaths are commonly known as the hypersensitive people of the world. They are so in tune with the feelings and emotions of those around them that they often take on these feelings as their own, leading to emotional and physical fatigue. This guide is designed to help empaths recognize empath shutdown and fatigue, prioritize their own needs, learn how to protect themselves from energy drain, and find ways to heal.
The term empath means different things to different people. To some, it may mean someone who is highly intuitive and can read people’s emotions easily (think psychic abilities). To others, it may simply refer to someone who is highly sensitive and tends to feel the emotions of those around them more intensely.
No matter how you define it, empaths are known for their intense compassionate nature and their ability to feel the emotions of others. This often leads to what is known as empath shutdown and fatigue.
Taking on the emotions of others is a natural ability for empaths, but it can often lead to emotional and physical fatigue. Empathic individuals often have a hard time trying to manage people’s emotions and their own emotions. And if exposed to the feelings of others for too much time, these sensitive people often require alone time or time to just do nothing in order to recharge their emotional batteries.
Related: Empath Definition: What is an Empath and 28 Signs That You Are One
Empath shutdown is when an empath becomes overwhelmed by the emotions of those around them and shuts down completely. This can manifest as physical pain like chronic fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, or stomach problems, or as emotional symptoms like depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and other negative emotions.
There are many things that can lead to an empath shutdown and fatigue. Some of the most common include:
- Being in large crowds (like a shopping mall)
- Being in close contact with energy vampires or toxic people
- Living with a toxic family member
- Working in a high-stress job
- Repeated emotional abuse
- Having few or no boundaries
Emotional overwhelm is common for the average person as we all have our individual differences but for empaths, it hits different. Empaths are not only sensitive to people’s emotions, but they can also physically feel the energy in:
- facial expressions
- body language
- people’s thoughts
- people’s feelings
An important thing for empaths to remember is that they are not responsible for the emotions of others. It is important for them to set healthy boundaries, learn how to say no, and learn how to protect themselves from the negative impact of holding on to the energy of others.
How Empath Shutdown Happens
Empathetic people have a specific personality type. They are highly in tune with the feelings and emotions of those around them and often take on these feelings as their own. Think of empathic abilities as an emotional sponge that can easily soak in another person’s emotions.
Mirror neurons are responsible for this empathic ability. When we see, hear, smell, taste, or feel something that triggers an emotion within us, our mirror neurons fire off, causing us to experience the same emotion as the person we are observing.1
This is why empathic people often feel other people’s emotions so intensely. They are not only feeling the emotion that the other person is experiencing, but they are also mirroring the emotional response. This can lead to empath overload and empath shutdown.
This natural ability can be a good thing, as this type of person is usually a natural giver who seeks to help rid the pain of others. As they take on others’ emotions and negative energy it can become a bad thing as they often forget the effects that can cause on their own body. When empaths don’t take care of themselves, fail to set healthy boundaries, and give too much of themselves, they can easily fall into an empath shutdown.2
Signs of Empath Shutdown
Fatigue
When exposed to the feelings of others for a long time a sensitive person will feel a sudden drop in their energy levels. The emotional overload will have taken a toll on their physical body and they will need time to rest and recharge. Emotional contagion is also a factor, so if an empath is around negative people or energy vampires, their fatigue levels will increase.3
Physical pain
Physical symptoms such as chronic fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, or stomach problems are common in empaths who have experienced an overload. These physical symptoms are the body’s way of telling the individual that they need to take a break and rest.4
Depression
Depression is a common symptom in empaths who have had an emotional overload. This is often a result of feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. The empath has taken on too much pain and negative energy and feels like they can’t escape it. Mental health professionals should be consulted if the empath is feeling this way for an extended period of time.5
Anxiety
Social anxiety is another common symptom of empath shutdown. This is a result of constantly feeling the energy of those around them and not having any time to yourself. This can lead to avoiding any or all social situations to avoid coming in contact with the emotions of people. This can also manifest physically in the nervous system with an increased heart rate and sweating.6
Panic Attacks
A panic attack is a sudden, intense feeling of fear that can often lead to a number of frightening symptoms like chest pain, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath. This is often a result of the empath being in an overwhelming situation and not being able to cope.7
Increased Sensitivity
While these sensitive individuals can have a difficult time with the energies of others, during an empath shutdown they also become sensitive to their outside environment. Bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells can be overwhelming and cause physical discomfort.8
20 Ways To Heal From Empath Shutdown
While it may seem like a dark empath path. The good news is that there are plenty of life strategies that can help improve an empath’s emotional state and own bodies. The key is to find what works best for you and stick with it.
1. Become Present
The first step is to become present and mindful. Paying close attention to the here and now, rather than getting lost in others’ feelings. In the present moment, you can connect to healing energy and start to soothe yourself.
Mindfulness meditations are a great way to start becoming present. In these practices, you focus on your breath and the sensations in your body. This can help you to become more aware of when you are feeling overwhelmed and help to soothe the senses.
Related: Meditation 101: The Beginners Guide
2. Connect to Your Own Emotions
Start to connect with your own feelings. This can be done by journaling, talking with a best friend, or therapist. It is important that you have an outlet to express what you are feeling. Often, empaths will push their own emotions away in order to focus on others. This can lead to a lot of emotional buildup and eventual empath shutdown.
When you are connected to your own emotions, you can start to understand them better. This will help you to manage them in a healthy way. You will also be less likely to absorb the emotions of others. You also become less reactive to them.
3. Set Healthy Boundaries
Start setting healthy boundaries. This means learning to say no, setting time limits, and creating space for yourself. It is essential that you learn to protect your energy and establish healthy boundaries. It can be difficult to do this as an empath, but it is crucial.
When you set boundaries, you are teaching others how to treat you. You are also teaching them how to respect your time and energy. Boundaries can be tricky, but they are worth learning for both you and the people in your life.
4. Developing Coping Techniques
There are a number of coping techniques that can help an empath through an emotional overload. Some of these include visualization, taking a deep breath, aromatherapy, and exercise. Find what works best for you and make sure to use it during times of stress.
Coping techniques can help you to manage your emotions in a healthy way. They can also help you to soothe yourself and calm down. When you are in control of your emotions, you are less likely to shut down.
5. Connect with Nature
The natural world can be a great healer for empaths. Spend a little bit of time outdoors in nature, and allow the fresh air to cleanse your energy on a daily basis. Listen to the sounds of the birds, the wind in the trees, and the water flowing. This can help to soothe and calm the senses.
Grounding is a technique that can help you to connect with nature. In this practice, you imagine that you are connecting your energy to the earth. This can help to soothe and calm the senses. It can be as simple as walking outdoors barefoot or sitting under a tree.
6. Take a Break From Technology
Social media, email, and the internet, even a phone call can be a major contributors to empath overload. Start taking breaks from technology to help reduce stress levels. Disconnecting for even just a short period of time can help to rejuvenate and refresh the senses.
Social can be a major contributor to empath overload. When you consider sites like Instagram and Twitter where people air out their feelings and thoughts, it’s easy to see how they can be a drain on empaths. Taking breaks from social media can help to reduce stress levels. It can also help you to connect with the present moment.
7. Journaling
Focusing on the positive aspects of your day can help to counteract the negative energy of empath overload. Journaling can be a great way to document your thoughts and feelings. It can also be helpful to reflect on the positive moments from your day.
A few recommended journal prompts for empaths include:
- What were three things that made you feel good today?
- What was your favorite moment from today?
- What were five things that you were grateful for today?
Journaling can help you to document your thoughts and feelings. It can also be helpful to reflect on the positive moments from your day. It can be a helpful way to counteract the negative energy of empath overload.
8. Eat Healthily
What you put into your body has a direct impact on your energy levels. Eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables to help boost your energy. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks, as they can have a negative effect on your energy levels. The nervous system of an empath is already taxed, so it’s important to give it the best fuel possible.
9. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. When you are run down and exhausted, it is difficult to cope with the energy of others. Aim for eight hours of sleep per night to help your body rejuvenate and recharge.
During sleep, our bodies begin the process of healing and regenerating. This is especially important for empaths who often take on too much energy from others. Getting enough sleep can help to restore balance and replenish energy levels.
10. Connect with Human Touch
By withdrawing into an apathetic cocoon, you may be sparing yourself pain and emotional overload, but you’re also preventing yourself from receiving the healing power of human touch. Hugging, cuddling, and hand-holding are all forms of touch that can offer comfort and support. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out for the human touch to help soothe and heal your energy. Seek out human touch in your life through hugs, hand holding, or massage. Touch can provide a sense of calm and soothe the senses.
11. Spend Time With Animals
The energy of animals is often very calming and soothing for empaths. Spend time with animals, such as your pets, or at a pet shelter. This can help to soothe and calm the senses. Animals also offer unconditional love and support, which can be healing for empaths.
12. Connect with Your Spirituality
When you are feeling overwhelmed and shut down, connect with your spirituality. This can be through prayer, meditation, or writing in a journal. Connecting with your spirituality can help to provide a sense of calm and peace.
Source energy is often very healing and supportive for empaths. When connected to the divine source of all life, you can receive guidance and support. This can help to restore balance and replenish energy levels.
13. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils can be a great way to soothe and calm the senses. Choose oils that are calming and soothing, such as lavender, chamomile, and geranium. diffusing these oils can help to calm and soothe the senses.
Aromatherapy has been known to offer a host of healing benefits, including reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. When feeling overwhelmed, reach for an essential oil to help calm the senses.
14. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can have a negative effect on your energy levels. When you are feeling overwhelmed, limit your intake of these substances. They can further drain your energy and contribute to feelings of fatigue.
15. Connect with Friends and Family
Friends and family can be great support systems during times of stress. Reach out to them when you are feeling overwhelmed and need some support. While it may seem counterproductive here choose those who you have a close relationship with and who pour positivity into you. Choose people who also fill your cup. They can offer a listening ear and provide comfort and reassurance.
16. Exercise
Exercise is a great way to release energy and tension. When you are feeling overwhelmed, go for a walk, run, or bike ride. This can help to clear your mind and help you to feel more grounded.
Movement also releases endorphins, which can help to improve your mood. When you are feeling overwhelmed, exercise can be a great way to boost your mood and energy levels.
17. Take a Relaxing Bath
Soaking in a bath can be a great way to relax the body and mind. Add some calming herbs and essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile, to the bathtub to help soothe and calm the senses.
When submerged in water, the body is weightless and relaxed. This can help to reduce empath shutdown, stress levels and promote relaxation. Taking a bath can be a great way to unwind and de-stress.
18. Practice Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is a great way to calm and soothe the senses. When you are feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to practice deep breathing exercises. This can help to ground and center you.
19. Seek Professional Help
If you are feeling overwhelmed, empath shutdown, and unable to cope, seek professional help. There is no shame in asking for help when you need it. A therapist can provide guidance and support through this time.
There is only so much that friends and family can do. If you are feeling overwhelmed and need more support, seek professional help.
20. Seek Out Energy Healing
Energy healing can be a great way to soothe and calm the senses. When you are feeling overwhelmed, seek out an energy healer to help you restore balance and harmony. This can help to clear your mind and restore your energy.
Practices like reiki, acupuncture, and qi gong can be beneficial for restoring balance and harmony. When feeling overwhelmed, seek out an energy healer to help you restore your energy levels.
In conclusion, there are many ways to heal from empath shut down. The best thing you can do in the long run is to find what works best for you and stick to it. The only way to know what works for you is to try each one. The next time you feel overwhelmed, try out one of these methods and see how it goes. If it doesn’t work for you, don’t be afraid to try something else. The most important thing is that you find what works for you and stick with it.
There are a few ways to determine if you are an empath. One way is to take the empath quiz. This quiz will help you to identify your strongest empath traits. Another way to determine if you are an empath is to ask people close to you if they have ever noticed that you have a tendency to absorb the emotions of those around you. If most of your loved ones say that you are very sensitive and often take on other people’s emotions, then there is a good chance that you are an empath.
Related: Importance and Benefits of Practicing Empathy in Everyday Life
Empaths are amazing people. They are kind, considerate, and compassionate individuals who feel the pain of others as if it were their own. They are able to put themselves in other people’s shoes and understand their feelings and experiences. This makes them incredible friends and partners because they are always there for those who need them. Empaths also tend to be very creative and intuitive people. They often have a strong connection to the spiritual realm and can communicate with the dead, angels, and other beings from this realm. While this seems like the dark side of being an empath there are some benefits to this personality.
Empath Benefits
- You are a great friend and partner. Empaths are always there for their loved ones when they need them. They are kind, compassionate, and considerate individuals who understand what it is like to be in someone else’s shoes.
- You have a strong intuition. Empaths often have a strong intuition which helps them make better decisions.
- You are very creative. Empaths are often very creative people who can come up with innovative solutions to problems.
- You have a strong connection to the spiritual realm. Empaths often have a strong connection to the spiritual realm and can communicate with the dead, angels, and other beings from this realm.
- You are sensitive to the needs of others. Empaths are very sensitive to the needs of others and often take on their emotions.
- You are able to raise awareness about social issues. Empaths often have a strong desire to help others and raise awareness about social issues that matter to them.
- You are able to connect with people on a deep level. Empaths have the ability to connect with people on a deep level and understand their feelings and experiences.
- You are more compassionate than most people. Empaths are often very compassionate people who feel the pain of others as if it were their own.
- You are more intelligent than most people. Empaths often have a high IQ and are able to think outside the box.
- You make the world a better place. By being an empath, you are able to make the world a better place by raising awareness about social issues, helping others in need, and connecting with people on a deep level.
There are a few ways to use your empathic abilities for good. One way is to use your intuition to help you make better decisions. If you are an empath, your intuition is likely to be very strong. Another way to use your empathic abilities for good is to use them to help others in need. If you see someone who is struggling, you can put yourself in their shoes and try to understand what they are going through. You can then offer them your support and compassion. Finally, you can also use your empathic abilities to raise awareness about social issues that matter to you. By sharing your stories and experiences, you can help others understand the plight of those who are suffering.
Self-love is so important for empaths because if we don’t love and care for ourselves, we’ll quickly become overwhelmed with the emotions and energy of others. We’ll also be much more likely to take on other people’s problems as our own.
Learning to love and care for ourselves is one of the most important things we can do for our own well-being. It helps us to stay grounded and centered, even when we’re dealing with a lot of emotional stress. It also allows us to better manage our empath abilities, which in turn makes us more effective empaths.
When we learn to love and accept ourselves for who we are, it becomes much easier to love and accept others as well. We no longer need to put up walls or shields to protect ourselves from the emotions and energy of others. We can simply let it all in, knowing that we can handle it. This makes us more compassionate and understanding people, and it also makes us better listeners.
Being an empath is both a blessing and a curse. But when we learn to love and care for ourselves, the blessings far outweigh the curses. So the next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, take a moment to relax and recharge in your own special way. The world will be there waiting for you when you’re ready to return.