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.

Why we Should Live in the Here and Now

How often have you travelled somewhere and when you arrived, you have little or no recollection of the journey? Or how many times has someone been speaking to you, and although you’ve shown signs that you’re listening, such as a head nod, you actually have no idea what they’ve just said to you? It’s not uncommon for wandering thoughts to take over our mind but when they do, we miss out on so much good stuff.

When we’re preoccupied with our internal chatter, it’s difficult to live in the present moment and focus on the here and now. Continually listening to your inner voice, when you should be focusing on something else can be a cause for concern when it starts to affect your mental wellbeing. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress and in some cases, symptoms of depression.

How we can be more present

When we learn how to hush our inner voice and be in the present moment, there are so many benefits that we can enjoy. Not only can it increase your energy levels and motivation, but it can also make you feel happier as you’re more open to enjoyable moments and experiences. A study published by the American Psychological Association showed that “both dispositional and state mindfulness predict self-regulated behavior and positive emotional states. Finally, a clinical intervention study with cancer patients demonstrates that increases in mindfulness over time relate to declines in mood disturbance and stress.”

What can we do to become more mindful and live in the present moment?

1. Practise breathing exercises

By paying more attention to your breathing, you’re allowing yourself to balance both your mind and body as you become more focused on the present moment. This is a great way to calm your body and quieten your intrusive thoughts that cause you to become distracted.

2. Meditate

Meditation is an excellent way to relax and reduce stress and anxiety as it encourages you to be more patient and mindful of your surroundings and yourself. Although you might find it difficult to focus and relax at first, with practice you’ll soon start to let go and reap the benefits on your mental wellbeing.

3. Look after your physical health

You might be wondering how this can help you to live in the here and now. By looking after your physical health, by eating healthy, exercising and spending time outdoors, you are paying more attention to how you feel. Physical activity can also improve your mental health as you begin to sleep better, feel happier and manage stress better.

4. Show gratitude

When we take the time to identify all the positive things that happen in our daily lives, we spend less time focusing on the future and any underlying worries and we focus more on the present. It also makes us appreciate the smaller joys in life that bring so much happiness. They’re often neglected. A great way to practice gratitude is by keeping a diary and finding at least three things each day that have brought you some kind of joy.

Further information

For more about Mindfulness, check out our free booklet 'Your Guide To Mindfulness'>