How to be less empathetic?

How to be less empathetic: If you are empathic, you probably effortlessly recognize the feelings of others. You might also soak the moods and emotions of people around you. Being with a lot of people could make you feel emotionally exhausted and emotionally drained. It is challenging to watch violent movies or even the news for you. If you feel what other people are feeling or soak the energy around you, then you might be an empath. Being empathetic can take a toll on your emotional well-being. If being an empath is negatively affecting your mental health, there are a few things you can try that might help.

How to be less empathetic:

Give a name to the feeling

When you are keen on other people’s energy, it is hard to know if what you are feeling is your personal feeling, or someone else. Naming the feeling you are undergoing can help with this. If you were having a great day and when someone joined you and a sad feeling came up, this feeling might not belong to you. Being able to define and name your feelings, can help you find what feelings belong to you and which one belongs to someone else.

Also Read: How to Combat Self-Hatred?

Be self-aware

Self-awareness is crucial when you are sensitive to other people’s feelings. Recognize your need for alone time. Spend time with your emotions. Avoid judging your feelings. Understand what triggers you negatively. Also, become aware of what brings you joy feel.

When you are aware of your triggers, feelings, and moods, it is more effortless to tell when you are absorbing someone else’s energy. Being more self-aware will enable you to cultivate various ways to acknowledge emotions that do not belong to you.

When it is easier to absorb others’ feelings, you might also believe that you understand how this affects them. Even if your beliefs are accurate, sometimes people just want to listen. Being curious about the other person’s feeling and how it is affecting them can help you isolate what they are feeling from what you are feeling. Rather than taking on someone else’s bad mood, you can ask them questions about what and how they are feeling. Gaining a more in-depth understanding of what the other person is undergoing and how can you keep your feelings separate, no matter how empathic you are.

Create strong boundaries

If you are empathetic, it is very necessary to have strong boundaries. Since it is natural for you to empathize with others, you might readily become a dumping ground for their adverse emotions. It is crucial that you know yourself and know what you are not able to handle. You might require additional alone time than others to feel full of energy. Certain people and situations might be extremely draining for you and you may have to limit your vulnerability to them. Adequate boundaries can help you set limits based on your needs, energy levels, and feelings. This way you can limit your exposure to such negative people that always drain your energy.