The Benefits of Being an Empath

The greatest difference between a person who is sympathetic and empathetic is that an empath is much more sensitive to their surroundings and the people around them, often placing themselves in another person’s shoes to understand how they are feeling.

According to the National Library of Medicine, “Important research on empathy and altruism has demonstrated that enhancing perspective taking, the capacity to see a person’s situation from his or her point of view, coupled with enhanced value being placed on the welfare of those who are unfamiliar can override bias.”

While empaths often suffer from being highly emotional, oversensitive to crowded environments and can feel overwhelmed by intensely close relationships, there are, however, many benefits.

1. Intuitive

Owing to their enhanced sensitivity, empaths tend to be extremely intuitive. This is a great skill to have as they’re able to read situations and people and avoid any negative environments. By noticing subtle signs such as body language, tone of voice and facial expressions, they are often aware when someone is being deceitful. By reading the room, they’re also able to negotiate the mood and steer conversations or events to a more positive outcome.

2. Creative

More often than not, empaths are highly creative and may turn to activities such as music, art or performance to release their inner thoughts and emotions. This is a great way to focus the mind and reduce any feelings of anxiety or stress.

3. Compassionate

Because empaths are able to put themselves in another person’s shoes and understand why and how they are feeling, they’re able to offer sincere kindness to anyone in need of emotional comfort. This makes them great friends to be around as they’re less likely to judge you and will always be there to listen and help you. They will know how to support you best and recognise when you need comfort and to talk, and when you need space. They also tend to have an affinity with animals and nature.

4. Mindful

Being mindful is a wonderful way of paying attention to the present moment and because empaths are so aware of their surroundings, they tend to soak up all of the positive experiences in life too. Whether they’re enjoying a walk among nature or a dinner with friends, they’ll treasure every moment. This kind of attention to detail and observation can be a good way to reduce anxiety and stress and improve symptoms of depression.

5. Enjoy being alone

Many people are afraid to spend too much time on their own but not empaths. Because empaths experience intense emotions and feelings, it can often become overwhelming when they spend too much time around other people. This makes them yearn for space where they can recompose themselves, relax and indulge in their creative talents. It’s a good way for them to release their emotions and recharge their batteries.