Empaths are people who are hyper-sensitive to the emotions of the people around them. Our world would feel cold without them. Many empaths study and use their intuition to help others as healers.
Empaths are so tuned in to the energy around them that they internalize the emotions and feelings of others; they often get sick or overwhelmed by people who are negative or stressed. They may have trouble being in crowds or in environments where there is tension such as work or even their own home.
It’s important for empaths to practice self-care as often as possible in order to avoid emotional trauma that doesn’t belong to them, resulting in energetic blockages. Today, we’re going to walk you through some simple aura-protection practices that work for empaths around the globe. There are ways to manage emotional, energetic overloads that are straightforward and effective.
If you suspect (or know) you’re an empath, read on to learn more about what types of energy affect you and why, and how to manage your unique sensitivity.
What Types of Energy Does an Empath Feel?
When we talk about ‘energy,’ it can seem a bit vague and confusing if you’re new to the study of it.
The first most common energy an empath is affected by is the emotional energy of those around them. If someone is in emotional crisis, an empath will often feel the very same emotions because they are easily influenced by the strength of emotional energy. It’s similar to hearing music and beginning to dance to it without even realizing you’re tapping your foot.
Believe it or not, empaths are often highly psychic and can also pick up on the spirits of the deceased and not be aware of it. The energy in a room, even the energy in a city, that comes from the group consciousness affect them. They often energetically pick up on the emotions of those they care about from a distance.
It’s safe to say, it’s a lot.
How Do I Know if I’m an Empath?
If you’re still wondering if you’re an empath, let’s just say that everyone is empathic to a certain degree and at certain times in our lives we may be even more sensitive than other times. If you feel called to read this article, chances are, you need the information. If you feel drained after being around groups or often find yourself wanting to leave a gathering early, you’re probably an empath.
If you often know what someone is feeling without them saying anything or even get the physical symptoms of others, you’re certainly picking up intuitively and are an empath. If you often find yourself unable to shake a bad feeling after being around someone, that too can be the sign of being empathic. Finally, if you feel an overwhelming sense of needing to help the pain in the world and that heaviness wears you down, you’re also an empath.
Simple Ways for Empaths to Protect Their Aura
In the most basic sense, avoiding negative environments will do an empath good. Having a positive work environment where people practice non-violent communication is almost always a must for empaths. Some find it more peaceful to work with nature or solo so they don’t constantly have to be filtering other people’s energy. But life is largely about interacting, so we do need the tools to handle human interaction. (But it’s totally okay to cancel plans when you feel like you need a break or to simplify your life by taking more time to meditate!)
Here are some ways to start protecting your aura:
Daily Yoga and Breath Work
Doing some daily breathing exercises can greatly alter your inner strength and help strengthen your aura. As a Cancerian empath who has experienced chronic pain and empath symptoms, I now do 30 minutes of the breath of fire daily and feel significantly better.
You can practice yoga at home if being in a class is over-stimulating. There are great YouTube videos or online subscription services for the same low cost as Netflix or less!
Take Care of Your Body
Daily movement, Sun, 8 hours of sleep, and very healthy food are necessary, or your own energy will suffer and attract other low-vibe (or downright toxic) energy. As an empath, you’re also susceptible to your own energy in a stronger way. If you work to keep your emotional state strong by feeling good from the inside you’ll be better equipped energetically to not be overcome by the psychic pressure of the environment.
Don’t be hard on yourself if you need a break at any time because you often need that break to clear the energy that’s making you drained.
Take Breaks from People who Drain You
If you notice you feel really bad after being around certain people, limit your exposure to them. Empaths tend to attract narcissists and that can be detrimental to you. Consider if you need to break ties with someone completely or communicate more infrequently if you feel the person is a psychic vampire and not good for your health. A narcissist will make you feel like they need you but also try to control you. It’s a dangerous relationship for any empath.
Check out a book called Freeing Yourself From The Narcissist In Your Life by Linda Martinez-Lewi if you’re struggling with this in particular.
Use Crystals
Crystals have a high vibration that helps raise your own frequency so you don’t attract as many ‘bottom feeders.’ Certain crystals are really great aura protectors and can really help you in your daily life. Check out black tourmaline, blue kyanite, labradorite, and Apache tears. If you feel visited by spirits, use spirit quartz.
Smoke Cleansing/Smudging
Use sage, incense, or palo santo regularly to keep the vibes in the room clear. As you move the smoke around you and your space, set the intention to clear the space. You can also set bowls of sea salt around to help protect your aura and your bed.
Finally, keep some essential oils on hand to rub on yourself if you ever need a quick-fix on the go. Nature is very potent when it comes to raising your vibration.
Take a Salt Bath or Shower
If you feel wiped out or work with people who have emotional or physical trauma, take a shower or Epsom salt bath. Let the water even cover your head to cleanse your energy field. Be aware that salt is dehydrating so you need to drink a ton of extra water after the salt bath so you don’t get a headache or lightheaded.
Use a Powerful Affirmation
If you haven’t introduced affirmations into your life, now’s the time. This was given to me by an empath when I went to her for help with energetic boundaries. She told me to state out loud if possible, “only positive energy is allowed around me.”
You’ll notice a shift in energy right away. I also like to use, “I give back anything that is not mine in the past, present, and future,” as well as, “I call back my own energy in the past, present, and future.”
Pre-plan Not to Engage
You know the saying ‘misery loves company?’ Well, if you know you struggle to feel good around certain people or in certain situations, decide to use positive words ahead of time or shift the focus in your mind to a positive loving intention before you show up and when you feel yourself starting to interlock with their negativity. Smile and say something positive or show them the bright side of things by focusing on gratitude or positive solutions.
The more you practice keeping your mind positive through meditation, the easier it will be to feel strong inside.
Set Healthy Boundaries
It’s important to just say what you’re feeling up to and what you’re comfortable with without feeling bad about it. If someone is taking over your life, it’s up to you to establish boundaries and even block their number if you need to (I’ve done it more than once).
When it comes to setting healthy boundaries for yourself, if you don’t have a good feeling about something before you decide to do it, whether its a dinner or a job, don’t do it. The more you trust those intuitive insights, the more you’ll see they are there to help you.
Concluding Thoughts
If you’re an empath, there are ways to help give yourself a break from feeling everything everyone else feels. There are ways to protect your aura and your energy against energetic toxicity. Check out a great book by Judy Orloff, The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies For Sensitive People for more help.
As an empath, your sensitivity is your power; don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. (See what we did there?)
Related Article: 5 Simple Ways To Clear Energy In Your Home
