I often say that us Empaths are a very misunderstood bunch. So much so, we often get misconstrued or just plain attacked for discussing the way we experience the world. Which can certainly be frustrating.
As many of you know, I have been writing articles for Empaths for over ten years now. I started back in 2011. In fact, it was on 30th June 2011, that I published my first article, Being an Empath.
Over the years I have seen many derogatory comments and misinterpretations of our Empath traits. And, since starting to publish video posts on YouTube, I am seeing it all the more.
So, in light of that, today I present you with some of the myths and misrepresentations of an Empath I have come across whilst posting articles online… Continue reading →
Today I’m revisiting a past post from 2022, on yoga and the incredible benefits a regular practise can have for everyone, but especially anyone of a Sensitive nature.
Many Empaths come to find huge benefits in practising yoga on their journey through life. It is something that reaps huge benefits when practised regularly within the mind, body and spirit.
Any of you who has been reading my blog for a while, may know that I’m a yoga geek. I believe in it so much that back in 2011 I jetted off to India to do my yoga teacher training, because I wanted to learn as much as I could about it.
Yoga is a lifelong practice that is continuously revealing. And what I mean by this is, by consistent practice not only does it work to heal ailments of the body and mind, it really does work to expand consciousness.
One of the many things yoga has taught me over the years is we all have to practice it in our own way. What works for one won’t work for another.
Not only do we have to adapt poses for body shapes and limb lengths, we have to find a way of practising that suits our personality and energy levels. This is the case for all levels of yoga from beginner to advanced.
That said, for the Empaths of the world, we all tend to hold certain stress emotions in similar places, especially around the solar plexus, the lower back and within the hips and thighs. This often leads to problems in those areas.
And this is where yoga can help.
There are certain poses that work brilliantly for the releasing stored tension held within the body. They can also work as an excellent tool for grounding. And one thing all Empaths need is to get grounded.
I have found the following yoga poses both soothing and releasing, and also work as mind distractions.
I am not saying that being distracted is always a good thing but, at certain times, Empaths need to have their mind taken off what they feel, especially external energy and emotions, and this is where some yoga poses can help.
The following poses are attainable by most people and fitness levels and don’t require super-strength or flexibility. But they work well for Empath traits.
When new to yoga, start with holding the poses for 3 to 5 breaths or 5 to 10 seconds. At no point should you feel pain in any of these poses (apart from slight discomfort in the belly of the muscles as they stretch or strengthen). If you feel any pain back out of the pose.
1. Tree Pose:
This is such a special pose. The Tree is both balancing and soothing. Most importantly, it is ncredible for grounding. It is also know to help balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
Instructions:Simply bring the weight into your left leg, raise the right foot and place it on the shin, lower thigh or upper thigh, just never on the knee joint. Hold the pose for 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
Stand next to a wall if you are new to yoga or if you have balance issues.
2. Warrior Pose:
This is another grounding pose, that is great for releasing fear and pent-up emotions that are often held within the thighs. It is called warrior for a reason, because it builds strength and helps eradicate fear. It is one of those poses where you feel stored emotions rise up and leave when you are holding the pose.
Instructions:Step your feet apart. Turn the right foot out, left foot in. Raise the arms to shoulder height and slowly lower the right knee, so your thigh is parralel to the floor, making sure the knee does not go over the ankle, as picture shows. Gaze is out over the right arm. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable. Repeat on the left side.
3. Triangle Pose:
I find there is something magical about this pose, and I’m not quite sure if I’ve truly figured out what it is.
Something we all know is that the triangle shape itself holds a powerful connection with the metaphysical. It unites the mind, body and spirit. The triangle is also known to be good for directing energy.
When practising the Triangle pose, the body goes into positions that it would not generally get into (resembling the triangle). Therefore, it helps release stress from the body parts that generally don’t get touched in regular exercise. The pose itself, when practised, also helps you feel more grounded and peaceful.
Instructions:Step your feet apart, turn your right foot out your left foot in. Raise both arms out to shoulder height and slowly reach out and over to your right side, placing your right hand on your right thigh, shin or ankle, as the picture shows above. Look straight ahead or up to your left arm. Hold the pose and breathe for 5 to 10 seconds. Do the same on the opposite side.
4. Half-Bridge Pose:
We can all be guilty of carrying the ‘world on our shoulders’, and this pose helps in its release. Half-Bridge works as a massage for the thyroid, and helps release the stress held in the front of the body.
When performed in a slow rhythmic manner, it works as a massage for the back. It also helps stretch out the quads where a lot of stressed emotions can be held.
Instructions:Lay on your back and bring your heels in towards the buttocks, slowly raise the buttocks off the floor and push up towards the ceiling, as the picture above shows. Hold the pose and breathe for 5 to 10 seconds. Gently lower. Never turn your head in bridge pose.
5. Beginners Standing or Lying Half-Bow Pose:
The Bow Pose has several levels and variations, some of which look almost acrobatic. However, the beginners pose is super-easy to do and works great for releasing stress held in the psoas and quadricep muscles.
Although the picture above is done in prone position, the pose can also be done stood on one leg. This stretch is often used in gym classes and is also known as the quad stretch.
The quads are a muscle group that like to hold onto fear and anger. By regularly stretching them, it helps in releasing those emotions. It is particularly good to perform after the warrior pose. It can be perfomed by standing on one leg or lying on the tummy.
Instructions:Stand on one leg, and collect the left set of toes in your left hand and pull back your foot towards your buttocks. Feel the strtch down the front of your thigh. Repeat on the other side. Or lay on your tummy, and collect the left set of toes in left hand and bring your foot in towards the buttocks. Hold the pose and breathe. Repeat on right leg. As a beginner, stand close to a wall to prevent the wobbles.
6. Gentle Forward Bend:
This is another lovely releasing pose. Where you are folding your body over your legs. This helps release the lower back and hamstrings.
My recommendation is to do it with slightly bent legs, especially if you have had any lower back issues (something many Empaths suffer with). This is a pose that can be done standing or seated, but you feel more of a gentle back stretch when performed standing.
Instructions: From standing, bend your knees and gently fold forward over your legs to where it feels like there’s a slight stretch, but no strain. Place yoga bricks on the floor, if needed, to ‘bring the floor closer to your hands’. Hold the pose for 5 to 10 seconds and breathe..
7. Child/Prayer Pose:
This pose is so simple, and it’s easy to perform, yet comes with so many incredible benefits. Not only does it work as a great stretch for the whole back, it also gives your stomach a massage as you inhale and exhale with the knees being tucked under the abdomen.
I find this pose works as a good emotional release, especially if you are holding stressed emotions within the abdomen. Being that you are basically wrapped up in your own little world, it also helps you to feel safe.
Instructions: To perform, kneel on the floor, fold your chest over your thighs and bring your forehead to the floor (or a cushion or bloster). Arms at your side or overhead. Knees can be together or apart, whichever is most comfortable.
8. Camel Pose:
This is a powerful pose both for stretching and strengthening. It is a back bend that helps to release stress held in the quads and the psoas. Many Empaths struggle with tight psoas muscles.
The psoas muscles are the deepest muscles in your core. They are the only muscles that connect your spine to your legs. During prolonged periods of stress, your psoas is constantly contracted. An overly contracted psoas muscle can be a major cause of lower-back pain. It can also trigger fear and anger.
The camel pose is one of those poses that if you don’t like performing it, you really need it.
Instructions: When first practicing you shouldn’t go into the full expression of the pose, as above. Instead, from kneeling, place your hands on your lower back and gently push your hips forward as you slightly arc your back and look up to the ceiling. Hold for 50 to 10 seconds or as long as feels comfortable.
9. High or Low Lunge:
This is another fantastic pose that helps release both your muscles and emotions. And because it releases stored stress and tension, it works as a soothing pose. It can be performed in different ways, either from standing or kneeling.
It is a great one to practice if your day involves a lot of sitting, as the stretch gets deep into the psoas muscle, which, as mentioned, is often overly contracted in an Empath. The kneeling version of the pose is also great for releasing the quads and any stress held in them.
The lunge is another one of those poses where you can really feel the power of the pose and its benefits. It is a great hip opener, and with regular practice helps build determination.
As a beginner, you are best performing the high lunge, from standing, until your hips open up enough to do the low lunge.
Instructions: From standing step your left foot back. Both feet are facing forward. Bend your right knee so the thigh is parralel to the floor, making sure the knee doesn’t extend over the foot. Lift the torso so that you can feel the strech in the front of the left leg. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat on the opposite side.
10. Plank Pose:
I have mentioned the plank pose before in posts, and how good it is for transmuting both stored negative and pained emotions. It also works as a great mental distraction, especially when your thoughts are in a destructive overdrive.
Plank pose helps strengthen the entire body, and is great for building power in the stomach area. As any Empath knows, the stomach area is a major area for over-feeling the emotional energy of others, and it is a place that can quickly become weakened. This in itself is the perfect reason to include Plank Pose in your exercise routines.
Instructions: From a kneeling table top position, step your left leg back and then your right leg back, as the picture shows. Make sure your hands are under your shoulders. If this is too much, bring your knees to the floor, and hold from there.
11. Yoga Breathing and Meditation:
I know this is supposed to be just 10 poses, but as the most beneficial part of yoga are the breathing and meditation practices, that are normally performed after, I thought I’d throw them in.
Although yoga itself works as a moving meditation, when performed rhythmically with the breath, a separate meditation and breathwork practice, performed after the yoga exercises can take your practice to another level. Read more on the benefits of breathing and meditation here and here
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There are many other yoga poses from which you will benefit, but the above are particularly good for where an Empath tends to store and feel emotional imbalances.
If you have never tried yoga before, you are best to either work with a teacher, in a class or privately, or watch a beginners’ instructional video.
I have linked to a beginner’s video below which covers all the bases. It does not include all the above poses, but it is a great one to start with.
Chances are, the first time you try it, you may detest yoga. This is completely normal. In the yoga world, it is known that if you particularly dislike it, when first practicing, the more you need yoga.
I recently came across the term otrovert, and it immediately caught my attention.
The more I learned about it, the more I started wondering whether this could be a word that describes many Empaths who have never quite felt comfortable being labelled as either an introvert or an extrovert.
Now, I do realise that we don’t need a label to understand our nature, but sometimes it helps us determine the reasons why we are the way we are.
The term otrovert isn’t a recognised psychological diagnosis, and it certainly won’t describe every Empath. But I found it fascinating because it seems to offer another way of looking at those people who don’t quite fit neatly into either box.
And I wonder how many Empaths there are who have spent years thinking, “I’m not really an introvert… but I’m definitely not an extrovert either.”
And that’s why the description of an otrovert could work for you.
So, what does an otrovert Empath look like?
You can be sociable. You can enjoy being around people, have a good conversation, laugh, join in and genuinely connect with others. But after a while, you need to step away. You need your own space, your own thoughts and some time to recharge before you feel ready to be around people again.
Being an otrovert doesn’t mean you don’t like people. In fact, you may actually feel things very deeply when it comes to other people. You can crave human connection and genuinely enjoy spending time with others, but you also need plenty of time alone to reset.
And being an Empath can also make this even more intense.
Because you pick up on other people’s moods without them saying a word. You notice changes in their voice, their facial expressions, their body language and even the atmosphere around them. And then, sometimes you can walk into a room and immediately sense that something isn’t right, even when everyone is pretending everything is fine.
Basically, you have an internal radar for people, where you can tell when someone is being authentic and when something doesn’t quite add up. You might not always be able to explain how you know, but you feel it. You notice the little things that other people overlook.
This can be another reason why social situations leave you feeling drained.
It isn’t always that people themselves exhaust you. It can be everything you’re picking up from them: their emotions, energy, and the things they aren’t saying.
AI also found it interesting, that an otrovert is also said to detest small talk.
So, if you identify as an otrovert, talking just for the sake of filling silence doesn’t interest you. You’d much rather have a meaningful conversation than spend hours talking about nothing. And if there’s silence, you don’t always feel the need to fill it.
You can be perfectly happy in your own company. However, some days, you’ll crave people. You’ll want conversation, laughter, affection and connection. Other days, you’ll want to disappear into your own little world and have nobody asking anything of you.
So, you can love people and still need distance from them. You can be incredibly sociable and still need hours, or even days, to recharge afterwards.
You can deeply care about other people while also knowing that too much of their energy can become overwhelming.
So, now we have to ask where did the term ‘Otrovert’ actually come from?
The word otrovert is a very new one.
It was coined by New York psychiatrist Dr Rami Kaminski, who had spent years noticing something in both himself and some of the people he worked with that didn’t quite fit the usual introvert, extrovert or even ambivert labels.
Kaminski described people who could be sociable, friendly and perfectly capable of mixing with others, yet still have this underlying feeling of being somehow different or slightly outside the group.
They weren’t necessarily lonely. They weren’t shy. And they certainly weren’t unable to make friends.
They were simply people who didn’t have that same natural need to belong.
Kaminski eventually used the word ‘otro’, meaning other, combined with ‘vert’, referring to turning or directing oneself. In simple terms, it was his way of describing someone who is naturally inclined to stand slightly apart rather than automatically becoming part of the crowd.
The idea became particularly well known through Kaminski’s 2025 book, The Gift of Not Belonging: How Outsiders Thrive in a World of Joiners. He describes otroverts as people who can be welcomed into a group and treated as though they belong, while internally still feeling like they are standing just outside of it.
And this is what makes the idea so interesting.
An otrovert isn’t necessarily the person standing alone in the corner of the room because they’re too nervous to join in. They may actually be right in the middle of the conversation, laughing, chatting and getting involved. But part of them is still observing. Which, I feel, could describe many Empaths.
Kaminski himself has said that he recognised this feeling from a very young age. He could be popular and surrounded by people, yet still feel strangely separate from them. Over time, he began noticing similar experiences in some of his patients, which led him to develop the idea of otroversion.
I should probably point out, that the term otrovert isn’t currently a medically recognised personality type.
For now, it’s more of a new way of describing a particular experience of personality, belonging and connection. Much in the way the term Empath won’t be used in a medical diagnosis or by health care professionals, yet it is a term that helps many Sensitive people better understand their traits.
So, perhaps you could also describe yourself as an otrovert Empath, someone who can connect deeply with people but doesn’t need constant company, someone who feels more than they let on, notices more than they say and needs solitude to come back to yourself. You don’t necessarily avoid people. You simply need to choose when you have the energy for them. And when you spend alone it isn’t just you withdrawing from the world, it’s how you reset after feeling so much of it.
Ok, well that’s my musings for today.
I hope everything is keeping fabulous in your world.
You may know that I post a lot on Facebook, and one subject that often gets more attention than anything else is Empath Fatigue. It is something that most Empaths come to suffer with at some point. Not many are lucky enough to avoid it.
So, today I want to share with you a chapter extract from one of my books, The Empath Unveiled, that has a whole chapter discussing the subject:
Empath fatigue (E.F.) is a common yet often misunderstood challenge faced by many Empaths. It arises from the overwhelming exposure to emotional energy, whether positive or negative, and the constant social stimulation that Empaths absorb from their surroundings. This type of fatigue is more than just feeling tired; it’s a profound, all-encompassing exhaustion that affects the body, mind, and spirit, often leaving the Empath debilitated and out of action for days or even weeks.
When struck by Empath fatigue, the simplest tasks feel monumental. Even moving can feel like climbing a mountain. Exercise, work, or engaging in activities that normally energize us become daunting. Our mental clarity suffers, and we experience brain fog so dense it’s hard to think straight or make decisions.
Social interactions, which usually bring joy to most, can suddenly feel taxing. The emotions of others cling to us like a heavy cloak, sapping our vitality. Even positive emotional stimuli, such as celebrations, joyous events, or loud social settings, can trigger fatigue. This is because our nervous system is on high alert, processing a barrage of energetic signals.
Empaths are constantly processing emotional information from others, often subconsciously. When in social environments, we navigate a complex web of emotional highs and lows. One friend might recount a painful experience that triggers trauma within us; another might be masking anger or depression beneath a cheerful facade. Even a stranger nearby can emit emotional vibrations we absorb. This invisible emotional intake adds up quickly.
Events such as family gatherings, group outings, or work meetings can be silent battlegrounds of emotional energy. Each interaction is a stimulus, and without proper boundaries and self-care, these accumulate into a heavy energetic load.
The Impact of Empath Fatigue on Mental Health
Empath fatigue is not just a physical state; it also affects mood and mental health. When overwhelmed, Empaths often experience dips into anxiety, depression, or feelings of overwhelm. The constant barrage of emotional stimuli can create an internal chaos that feels impossible to calm.
This can lead to a vicious cycle: fatigue lowers resilience, making us more vulnerable to emotional stress, which in turn deepens fatigue. Breaking this cycle requires awareness, self-compassion, and consistent self-care.
Prevention and Self-Care for Empath Fatigue
The good news is that Empath fatigue can often be managed and prevented with mindful practices and awareness. Here are some of the most effective strategies:
Know Your Limits: Understanding how much social stimulation you can handle is crucial. Pay attention to early signs of fatigue and respect your time limits. If you know three hours at a shopping mall exhausts you, plan shorter trips or schedule breaks.
Avoid Energy Vampires: Some people drain energy more than others. Identifying these “energy vampires”, people who continually offload negativity or drama, and limiting contact with them helps protect your energy reserves.
Grounding and Cantering Practices: Regular grounding techniques like walking barefoot in nature, meditation, or breathing exercises can stabilize your energy. These practices help you stay rooted and prevent emotional overload.
Create Energy Boundaries: Visualizing protective shields or imagining emotional boundaries can help keep other people’s energy from penetrating your own space. Setting firm emotional limits means not taking on others’ problems as your own.
Prioritize Rest and Nutrition: Since Empath fatigue affects the immune system, supporting your body with healthy nutrition, adequate hydration, and plenty of rest is essential.
Schedule Quiet Time: After social events or emotionally taxing days, plan downtime to recharge. This might include journaling, creative pursuits, or simply sitting in silence.
Embracing Your Needs as an Empath
Empath fatigue is a natural consequence of being highly sensitive and deeply connected to the emotions of others. Rather than viewing it as a weakness, it is helpful to see it as a signal, a message from your body and soul that you need rest and replenishment.
By embracing our unique needs and establishing healthy boundaries, Empaths can live more balanced lives. Learning to honour your limits and nurture your energy allows you to continue offering your incredible gifts of compassion and empathy without burning out.
Remember, the journey of an Empath is one of balance. We must care for ourselves with the same kindness and attention that we give to others. This balance is the key to thriving as an Empath in a busy, often overwhelming world.
Have you ever met someone and felt them take an instant dislike to you? Or perhaps you’ve had a friend, colleague or even a family member suddenly become cold, resentful or strangely hostile, despite you never having done anything to warrant it.
As Empaths, we feel these things deeply. Even when someone tries to hide their feelings, we can often sense the discomfort, resentment or dislike radiating from them. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent far too much time asking yourself, “What did I do wrong?” The answer may be… absolutely nothing.
Of course, not everyone is meant to like everyone else. We are all different and naturally gravitate towards certain personalities more than others. But over the years, I have come to realise that there are some very specific reasons why people can become uncomfortable around an Empath.
In fact, some people aren’t reacting to who you are at all; they’re reacting to what your energy stirs within them.
The Empath Holds Up a Mirror
This, I believe, is the biggest reason of all. Empaths have a way of seeing beneath the surface. We often sense what people are feeling, even when they are trying their hardest to hide it. We pick up on insecurities, sadness, anger, fears and the parts of themselves they may not even wish to acknowledge. And that can be deeply uncomfortable.
Most people wear masks from time to time. Even Empaths. (In fact, if you identify as both an Empath and autistic, you will certainly be a masker.) Some do it to fit in, some do it to protect themselves, and some because they fear rejection or judgment. There are even those who have worn their masks for so long that they no longer know who they truly are. Then along comes an Empath. Without saying a word, our energy can shine a light on everything they have buried: their insecurities, their fears, their unresolved pain, their hidden anger and their unspoken truths. This is what I call The Mirror of the Empath.
The person may have no idea why they suddenly feel uncomfortable around you. They simply know that being in your presence stirs something within them. The truth is, they aren’t always reacting to you; they’re reacting to what you unknowingly reflected back to them. The dislike they feel can actually be a dislike of something within themselves.
Your Energy Has Changed
Have you ever noticed that some people seem happier when you’re struggling? Yet the moment you begin healing, growing or stepping into your confidence, they become distant, critical or irritated. This is something many Empaths experience.
As we heal, we change. As we become more authentic, more grounded and more aligned with ourselves, our energy changes too. Some people celebrate this growth, but others find it unsettling. Not everyone is ready for change, not everyone is ready to heal, and not everyone feels comfortable around someone who is evolving when they themselves feel stuck.
Sometimes your growth reminds others of where they are not growing. Sometimes your peace highlights their inner chaos. Sometimes your light illuminates the parts of themselves they are avoiding. And sometimes your energy simply no longer matches theirs. This doesn’t make either person right or wrong; it simply means you are no longer walking the same path.
I often say that when you begin to respect yourself and raise your vibration, your relationships naturally begin to change too. Some people grow with you, others quietly drift away, and some resist your growth altogether because, consciously or unconsciously, your light reminds them of what is possible for them too.
Your Stillness Is Misunderstood
Empaths need time alone. In fact, I would go as far as saying that solitude is not a luxury for an Empath, it’s a necessity. After taking on too much emotional stimulation, our minds and bodies need time to reset. Sometimes we become quiet, sometimes we withdraw, and sometimes we need complete stillness.
The problem is that not everyone understands this. Our need for space can easily be misinterpreted. People may think we’ve become distant, that we’ve lost interest in them or even that we think we’re somehow above them. The truth couldn’t be further from reality.
Most of the time, an Empath isn’t withdrawing from people, they’re simply trying to find their way back to themselves. When we’re emotionally overloaded, even small interactions can feel exhausting. A simple conversation can feel like hard work, and being around noise or emotional intensity can become unbearable. At times, we want nothing more than to retreat into our own quiet world and recharge.
Unfortunately, those who are insecure may interpret our silence as rejection or our need for solitude as a personal insult. They may even become resentful because they cannot understand why we need to retreat in the way we do. Because others don’t feel what we feel, it can be difficult for them to comprehend that our stillness is not a rejection of them, it is simply an act of self-preservation.
A Fourth Reason We Rarely Speak About
Sometimes people dislike an Empath simply because they cannot understand them. Empaths often walk through life differently. We question things, we feel deeply, we need meaningful connections and we notice things that others miss. We value authenticity over appearances and depth over superficiality. In a world that often rewards noise and image, this can make us appear different.
People don’t always know what to do with those who are different. Sometimes they are intrigued, sometimes they are inspired and sometimes they are uncomfortable. Not everyone will understand your sensitivity, and not everyone is supposed to.
So, if someone suddenly cools towards you or seems to dislike you for no obvious reason, try not to take it personally. I know that’s easier said than done because Empaths naturally want to understand and make things right. But not everything is ours to fix. Not everyone who walks away from us is meant to stay, not everyone who misunderstands us is meant to understand us, and not every negative reaction is a reflection of who we are.
Sometimes it is simply the Mirror of the Empath at work.
Keep being kind. Keep being authentic. Keep honouring your need for stillness. And never dim your light simply because it makes someone else uncomfortable. The right people won’t be threatened by your energy, they’ll feel at home in it.
Being an Empath is a beautiful gift, but it can also be exhausting.
Because we feel so deeply, we often absorb more than we realise, not just emotions, but environments, stress, and the energy of the world around us.
This isn’t a doom-and-gloom post. Quite the opposite.
The things that challenge us are often the very experiences that shape us, strengthen our intuition, and awaken us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.
Here are ten things that can weaken an Empath and why it’s important to become aware of them.
1. Constant Exposure to Negativity
Science has shown that our moods, stress levels and even our physical health can be affected by the people we spend time with. Emotions are contagious. Spending long periods around people who are chronically negative, critical, angry or pessimistic can impact our nervous system, increase stress hormones and leave us feeling emotionally depleted.
For an Empath, this effect is often magnified.
Empaths don’t simply observe emotions, they often absorb and process them as if they were their own. This can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, overwhelm and even physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues or poor sleep.
One of the greatest lessons an Empath learns is that protecting their energy isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.
2. Living in a State of Conflict
Most Empaths dislike confrontation. They naturally seek peace and harmony and often become distressed when there is tension around them.
Conflict doesn’t simply end when the conversation is over. An Empath may replay it repeatedly in their mind, analysing every word and carrying the emotional weight long after everyone else has moved on.
Living in prolonged conflict keeps the body in a state of stress, activating the fight-or-flight response and flooding the body with stress hormones.
This is why learning healthy boundaries and understanding that not every battle needs to be fought is such an important lesson for Empaths.
3. Consuming Fear and Distressing Media
We now live in a world of constant information.
News alerts, social media feeds and a never-ending stream of upsetting stories mean we are exposed to more suffering than any previous generation.
For Empaths, this can feel overwhelming.
Witnessing cruelty, violence or injustice, even through a screen, can create genuine emotional distress. The body often responds as though it is experiencing the event firsthand.
While staying informed is important, constantly feeding ourselves fear and negativity can leave us anxious, disconnected and emotionally exhausted.
Sometimes the most healing thing we can do is step away from the noise and return to our own inner stillness.
4. Narcissistic and Manipulative Relationships
Empaths often possess qualities such as kindness, patience and understanding. Unfortunately, these beautiful traits can sometimes attract people who seek to control, manipulate or take more than they give.
Narcissistic relationships can be particularly damaging because Empaths tend to see the wounded person beneath the behaviour and may stay far longer than is healthy.
These relationships can leave an Empath questioning themselves, doubting their intuition and becoming physically and emotionally drained.
One of the greatest lessons for an Empath is understanding that compassion does not require self-sacrifice.
5. Not Living Authentically
Empaths are deeply sensitive to truth and authenticity.
When they ignore their intuition, remain in relationships that no longer align, stay in jobs that drain them or continually put others before themselves, something inside begins to feel “off.”
Many Empaths describe this as feeling stuck, disconnected or even physically unwell.
Living out of alignment with who we truly are creates an internal conflict that the body often expresses through stress, anxiety and fatigue.
Our souls always have a way of guiding us back to ourselves.
6. Rejection and Feeling Unseen
Rejection can cut deeply for an Empath.
Because they tend to love wholeheartedly and invest deeply in their relationships, being misunderstood, abandoned or excluded can create wounds that linger for many years.
Many Empaths carry an unconscious fear of not belonging, which can lead them to overgive, overexplain or lose themselves trying to earn acceptance.
But one of the most beautiful lessons rejection teaches us is this:
Not everyone is meant to walk the same path as us, and sometimes being redirected is actually protection.
7. Low-Vibrational Foods and Lifestyle Choices
Everything we consume affects our energy.
Highly processed foods, excessive sugar, artificial additives and nutrient-poor diets can impact mood, inflammation, hormone balance and emotional wellbeing.
Empaths often seem particularly sensitive to what they put into their bodies and may notice that certain foods leave them feeling heavy, anxious or energetically depleted.
Likewise, lack of sleep, constant overstimulation and never taking time to rest can quickly lead to burnout.
The body and spirit are deeply connected, and caring for one always supports the other.
8. Unbalanced Chakras and Energy Depletion
From an energetic perspective, the chakras are centres through which life force energy flows.
When we experience trauma, prolonged stress, grief, anxiety or emotional overwhelm, our energy centres can become imbalanced.
What many people don’t realise is that each chakra is also closely associated with one of the body’s endocrine glands, the glands responsible for producing hormones that influence everything from mood and sleep to metabolism, immunity and stress responses.
For example:
Root Chakra – Adrenal glands (our stress response and sense of safety)
Sacral Chakra – Reproductive glands (creativity, emotions and relationships)
Solar Plexus Chakra – Pancreas (confidence, self-worth and personal power)
Heart Chakra – Thymus gland (immune function and emotional healing)
Throat Chakra – Thyroid gland (communication and self-expression)
Third Eye Chakra – Pituitary gland (intuition and inner wisdom)
Crown Chakra – Pineal gland (spiritual connection and circadian rhythms)
From a holistic perspective, prolonged emotional stress may affect both our energetic wellbeing and our physical health.
Many Empaths find that when they feel energetically out of balance, they also experience fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, hormonal issues or a weakened sense of self.
Whether you view chakras spiritually, symbolically or energetically, they offer us another way of understanding the profound connection between our emotions, our bodies and our wellbeing.
9. Electromagnetic Overload and Overstimulation
Modern life keeps us constantly connected.
Phones, laptops, notifications and endless information streams mean our nervous systems rarely get a chance to rest.
Many Empaths find they are highly sensitive to overstimulation and often feel calmer after spending time in nature or stepping away from technology.
Whether it is the technology itself or simply the mental overstimulation of modern life, creating moments of stillness and disconnection has become more important than ever.
10. Carrying Other People’s Pain
Empaths naturally want to help and heal.
But one of the quickest ways to become depleted is by carrying burdens that were never ours to carry.
Feeling compassion for someone is beautiful.
Taking responsibility for everyone else’s emotions is exhausting.
Learning to support others while still honouring our own energy may be one of the greatest lessons of the empath journey.
And Now for the Good News…
The experiences that challenge us often become our greatest teachers.
Like the lotus flower that grows from the mud, Empaths often discover their strength through the very things that once threatened to break them.
The difficult relationships, the losses, the rejection, the periods of darkness and uncertainty, all of it shapes us.
It deepens our compassion.
It strengthens our intuition.
It expands our understanding of life.
We often have to walk through the dark to truly appreciate the light.
The experiences that weaken us can also awaken us.
And perhaps that is the gift hidden within the struggle.
Life has a funny way of making us revisit the same lessons over and over again. Sometimes we need reminding that when we’re a sensitive person, the world doesn’t always react to us in the way we expect. And sometimes, if we’re being honest, it’s not just about how the world reacts to us, it’s also about how we react to it.
Today’s topic is one I first explored back in 2021 (I think), and it probably doesn’t get anywhere near the attention it deserves. Because this conversation dives into the reasons why Empaths walk away, I’ve written it for both Empaths and Non‑Empaths alike, so everyone can understand what’s actually happening in certain scenarios.
6 Red Flags That Make Empaths Walk Away
Most Empaths are naturally understanding people. They like to see the good in others. They’re often the first to offer compassion, the first to give someone the benefit of the doubt, and the last to openly admit they don’t like someone.
Yet they’re human too.
Just like anyone else, Empaths can develop strong feelings about certain people. The difference is that those feelings are rarely based on surface-level impressions. More often than not, they’re based on what lies beneath.
An Empath doesn’t just hear what you’re saying; they notice what you’re not saying.
They feel the tension behind the smile.
They sense the sadness hidden behind the confidence.
They pick up on inconsistencies between words, behaviour, and energy.
Your energy speaks long before your mouth ever does.
And unfortunately, because Empaths absorb so much information on an emotional level, some people can trigger an immediate response within them without saying or doing anything wrong at all.
Sometimes it’s because they’re sensing pain.
Sometimes it’s because they’re sensing deception.
And sometimes it’s because they’re sensing something within themselves that they haven’t healed yet.
So, let’s look at some of the most common reasons an Empath may avoid you like the plague.
1. A Clash of Personality
There are many different types of sensitive people.
Some are gentle and quiet.
Some are fiery and reactive.
Some are deeply compassionate.
Some are highly emotional.
And yes, some can be surprisingly self-focused despite being sensitive.
Just because two people are empathic or spiritually aware doesn’t automatically mean they’ll connect. In fact, sometimes the exact opposite happens. Strong personalities can clash. Different values can collide.
One person’s sensitivity may complement another’s, while another person’s sensitivity may irritate them beyond belief.
It’s important to remember that empathy doesn’t erase individuality. An Empath isn’t obligated to like everyone simply because they understand them. Sometimes two energies simply don’t harmonise, and that’s perfectly normal.
2. You Display Narcissistic Traits
Now before anyone gets defensive, having narcissistic traits doesn’t automatically make someone a narcissist. We all display self-centred behaviours from time to time. However, Empaths tend to be extremely sensitive to certain patterns.
Things like:
Manipulation
Excessive need for control
Lack of empathy
Constant self-focus
Emotional one-sidedness
Unrealistic expectations of others
Playing the victim while avoiding accountability
These behaviours tend to set off alarm bells within an Empath.
Many Empaths have experienced narcissistic abuse at some stage of their lives. As a result, they become highly attuned to similar characteristics.
Even subtle signs can trigger caution. It’s not always that they dislike the person immediately. It’s often that their nervous system quietly whispers:
“Be careful.”
And when an Empath feels the need to protect their peace, distance usually follows.
3. Your Vibe Doesn’t Match Your Words
This is one of the biggest red flags for most Empaths.
When someone’s words and energy tell two completely different stories, it creates a strange internal conflict.
You might be saying all the right things. You might appear kind. You might be smiling. But if your energy feels hostile, insincere, resentful, or deceptive, the Empath notices. Often before anyone else does. It’s almost like their brain receives two different signals at the same time.
One says:
“Everything is fine.”
The other says:
“Something isn’t right here.”
This can leave an Empath feeling unsettled, confused, or mentally foggy.
Many describe it as feeling drained or disconnected during the interaction. When people consistently hide behind masks, Empaths tend to withdraw. Not because they’re judging. Because they cannot relax around what doesn’t feel authentic.
4. You Constantly Wallow in Negativity
Life is difficult. Everyone struggles. Everyone has dark days. Empaths understand this better than most. What they struggle with is chronic negativity with no desire for growth.
The person who complains endlessly but refuses solutions. The person who thrives on drama. The person who seems committed to staying stuck.
Because Empaths absorb emotional energy, spending time around these individuals can leave them feeling exhausted.
Many describe it as carrying someone else’s emotional baggage long after they’ve left the room:
Their mood changes.
Their energy drops.
Their motivation disappears.
This is why some Empaths become fiercely protective of who they allow into their inner circle. It’s not because they’re cold-hearted. It’s because they know how costly prolonged exposure to negativity can be.
5. You Constantly Criticise Others
Few things make an Empath uncomfortable faster than watching someone tear another person down. Whether it’s gossip, judgement, mockery, or constant fault-finding, Empaths tend to find it deeply unpleasant.
Why?
Because they instinctively place themselves in the other person’s shoes. They imagine how it would feel to be criticised. They feel the sting of the judgement, even when it’s directed elsewhere.
Empaths are natural defenders of the underdog. They tend to gravitate toward those who are struggling, excluded, or misunderstood. So when they encounter someone who builds themselves up by tearing others down, it rarely sits well.
Confidence is attractive. Cruelty disguised as confidence isn’t. And over time, repeated criticism can cause an Empath to completely lose respect for someone.
6. You Trigger Unhealed Wounds Within Them
This one surprises people.
Sometimes an Empath dislikes someone who has done absolutely nothing wrong.
The reason?
That person unknowingly activates an old wound.
A trauma trigger isn’t always dramatic.
It can be:
A tone of voice.
A personality type.
A behaviour.
A facial expression.
Or even an energy that reminds them of someone from their past.
Because Empaths are often highly sensitive to emotional cues, their brains can react before they’ve consciously processed what’s happening. Their nervous system recognises something familiar. Their body tenses. Anxiety appears. Their instincts tell them to pull away.
The person standing in front of them may be perfectly kind and genuine. But the emotional memory attached to what they represent creates discomfort.
This doesn’t mean the Empath is right. Nor does it mean the other person is wrong. It simply means healing is still taking place.
Sometimes the people we avoid are mirrors reflecting parts of ourselves we haven’t fully dealt with yet.
And that’s an uncomfortable truth for all of us.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an Empath reading this in an attempt to understand why certain people instantly drain or repel you, hopefully this has provided some clarity.
And if you’ve ever felt rejected or avoided by an Empath and couldn’t understand why, perhaps it offers some insight there too.
The truth is, not everyone is meant to resonate with everyone else. Some people will feel like home. Others will feel like a lesson. And a few will simply feel like a closed door.
That doesn’t make anyone good or bad.
It just means we’re all navigating life through the lens of our own experiences, wounds, perceptions, and energies. At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to be liked by everyone.
The goal is to remain authentic enough that the right people recognise your energy when they encounter it. And that’s more than enough.
Saturday 20th June 2026 marks one of the most energetically significant days of the year, the Summer Solstice, a sacred turning point that has been honoured by cultures across the world for thousands of years.
The solstice is the longest day and shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolising abundance, illumination, growth, and the full expression of life’s energy. Ancient civilisations gathered at stone circles, temples, and sacred sites to celebrate the sun’s power and the promise of renewal, recognising this celestial event as a profound spiritual milestone.
For Empaths and highly sensitive people, the Summer Solstice often feels like far more than an astronomical occurrence. It can bring heightened intuition, emotional clarity, vivid dreams, and an increased awareness of both personal and collective energies. Many describe experiencing a sense of expansion, inspiration, or a powerful inner calling during this period.
A Time of Reflection and Transformation
As the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, the Summer Solstice invites us to pause and acknowledge how far we have come since the beginning of the year. It is an opportunity to celebrate growth while gently releasing anything that no longer aligns with our highest path.
For empaths, this is especially important. Because sensitive individuals naturally absorb the emotions and energies around them, the solstice offers a perfect moment to cleanse energetic burdens that do not belong to them.
Ask yourself:
What beliefs or fears am I ready to let go of?
What brings genuine joy and peace into my life?
Where am I being called to step into my authentic power?
How can I honour my own needs while continuing to care for others?
The answers may arrive quietly through meditation, journaling, or simply spending time in nature.
Aerial view of a prehistoric stone circle surrounded by green fields
As you may already know, I love to bring my readers meaningful discoveries, tools, ideas that support the Empath’s path. When something proves valuable in my own life, I like to share it, hoping it may help others walking a similar journey.
And today, I want to talk about rebounding.
If you have never heard of rebounding before, it is simply the practice of exercising on a small trampoline, often called a rebounder. It may sound almost childlike, and that is part of its magic. Unlike punishing workouts that leave the body depleted and stressed, rebounding feels playful, uplifting, and surprisingly therapeutic.
As I write this, I have only been rebounding for around six months, yet it has quickly become one of my favourite forms of movement, not just physically, but emotionally and energetically too.
Rebounding has become one of my absolute favourite things. It’s joyful, energising, and downright addictive. With the music blasting and my feet bouncing, I can’t help but smile the whole way through.
There’s something freeing about it; it wakes up your whole body and brings out that inner child we so often forget about.
What makes rebounding extra special is that it does not feel harsh on the nervous system. Some Sensitive people struggle with intense exercise because high-impact workouts can increase cortisol, and adrenaline. Instead of feeling energised afterwards, they can feel wired, anxious, inflamed, or emotionally overwhelmed.
I hope everything is keeping wonderful in your world.
Today, I want to talk again about a hormone that many Sensitive souls desperately need more of in their lives. Because when you deeply feel the emotions, moods, and energy of others, emotional overwhelm can quickly become exhausting.
Thankfully, this powerful hormone plays an incredible role in soothing the nervous system and helping us regain emotional balance.
It is one of my many theories that an Empath’s emotional reactions to other people’s energy can work very much like an allergy.
Today I want to revisit something I first discussed back in 2015: that strange, overwhelming chaos an Empath can feel, emotionally and even physically, when faced with inauthentic energy.
Let me start with a question.
Have you ever spent time with someone who, on the surface, seems perfectly pleasant, kind, polite, even charming, but something in you tightens? You feel off, uneasy, maybe even a bit scrambled, like your thoughts won’t line up properly?
If that rings a bell, there’s a reason.
For an Empath, it’s rarely about what’s being said. It’s about what’s being felt underneath. You’re picking up on a mismatch, the subtle but unmistakable gap between who someone is presenting themselves to be and what’s actually going on beneath the surface. It’s like your internal radar is quietly sounding the alarm: something here isn’t real.
Now, if you’re not only empathic but also have autistic traits, that experience can feel even more intense and disorienting. Why? Because there’s often a deep reliance on consistency and clarity. When someone’s words, tone, body language, and underlying emotional state don’t line up, it creates a kind of internal static. You’re not just sensing the inauthenticity, you’re trying to process it, make sense of it, and your system can’t quite reconcile the contradiction.
In recent years, the world has experienced noticeable shifts in collective energy, mood, and emotional tone. Whenever the emotional climate of the population changes, Empaths tend to feel it in unusual and intense ways. The real challenge, however, is how these shifts influence the behaviour of others and disrupt daily life.
When there is any kind of collective shift, buried emotions often rise to the surface. This can trigger conflict, anger, blame, and general unrest. As an Empath, if you suddenly feel overwhelmed, anxious, angry, or as though you’re under attack, without any clear personal cause, it may simply be the result of these energetic and psychological changes happening within the masses.
During these times, you may feel detached, almost as if you’re observing life from outside your body. Conversations around you might seem predictable or trivial, and you may wonder why people continue repeating the same patterns or clinging to the same “hamster wheels.” It can feel like watching from the sidelines as others avoid facing their own truths, while anger and distraction seem to dominate everywhere.
Many people are now confronting their long-buried issues, yet resisting the process. Instead of acknowledging their emotions, they may project them outward, onto politics, onto loved ones, or onto whatever target feels safest. This creates a destructive energy that builds and becomes overwhelming for those who are Sensitive.
Observing this chaos from a place of detachment does no harm. But it’s easy to get pulled in and absorb emotional energy that isn’t yours. Because this disruptive energy is so strong, the mind tries to make sense of it. Even when the emotions don’t originate from your own experiences, the mind searches its memory bank for something that matches the feeling.
For example, if you once had a painful disagreement with someone, you may suddenly find yourself revisiting those memories, even if you’ve long since forgiven them. If the mind can’t find a matching memory, it may latch onto something else: a friend’s injustice, a political issue you normally wouldn’t care about, or a minor irritation that suddenly feels enormous.
As Empaths, when we absorb strong emotional energy from others, it can easily trick us into believing it is our own. No matter how self-aware we are, these energies can still catch us off guard.
How You Might Experience Collective Energy Shifts
1. Waking Up Vexed
A common experience is waking up, either in the morning or in the middle of the night, feeling angry or fixated on a past injustice that wasn’t even on your mind before. These thoughts trigger emotional responses, and starting the day in a low mood often attracts more low-energy experiences.
2. Skin Outbreaks
Sudden sores, spots, or itchy patches may appear without explanation. Intense emotional energy can disrupt the body’s natural balance and manifest through the skin.
3. Stomach Troubles
Emotional turbulence often affects digestion, leading to discomfort, bloating, acidity, or changes in bowel movements. You may also crave heavier or sugary foods.
4. Disruptive Thought Patterns
Strong collective energy can trigger repetitive or intrusive thoughts, even in those who usually have calm, steady minds.
5. Feeling Under Attack
People who have avoided self-reflection may now be facing their unresolved issues. Instead of dealing with them, they may lash out, blame others, or project their inner turmoil. If you’re on the receiving end of this, it can feel dark, heavy, and destabilising.
What to Do
If the emotional energy isn’t yours, you don’t need to “fix” it, unless it triggers something unresolved within you. But you do need to clear it from your energy field and redirect your mind. Whether the emotion belongs to you or not, it can still affect your body if you allow it to ignite anger or distress. (And of course, not all physical symptoms are energetic, consult a health professional if issues persist.)
Here are some gentle ways to release overwhelming energy:
1. Calm the Senses
Take a salt bath with essential oils while listening to soft, soothing music. Salt is a powerful energetic cleanser and a wonderful way to end an emotionally heavy day.
2. Distraction
If your mind becomes stuck in destructive thoughts or you feel unfairly attacked, find a healthy distraction. Redirecting your focus withdraws your energy from the emotional trigger.
3. Acceptance
Acknowledge that the energy may not belong to you. Don’t fight it or try to analyse it, simply allow it to pass through.
4. Nurture Yourself
Eat nourishing foods, stay hydrated, exercise, ground yourself, and spend time in nature. Walking outdoors is one of the best ways to reset your energy. Lying on the grass under a star-filled sky is another powerful cleanser. If you can’t get outside, visualise nature in meditation, it can be just as effective.
5. Forgiveness
It may sound cliché, but holding onto negative emotions harms you more than anyone else. Whether the trigger came from another person or from absorbed collective energy, offering forgiveness, internally and quietly, helps release the emotional charge.
Ultimately, learning to navigate the shifting energy of the people around you is part of “the path.” It requires awareness, discernment, and a steady return to your own centre.
Not everything you feel is yours to carry, and not everything you witness is yours to fix. But nurturing your body and mind will help these transitions run a lot more smoothly, which ultimately can keep you happier and healthier.
Until next time,
Diane.
By Diane Kathrine
Have you ever felt like the world is just too much? Like you’re constantly absorbing other people’s emotions, feeling drained for no reason, or overwhelmed by energy you can’t explain?
You’re not broken. You’re an Empath. And you’re not alone.
7 Secrets of the Sensitive is the ultimate guide for Empaths who are ready to stop struggling and start thriving. This isn’t just another self-help book, it’s a transformational toolkit designed to help you understand your sensitivity, protect your energy, and unlock the incredible power that’s been within you all along.
If you are an Empath, there is a good chance you have experienced what I like to call “Empath morphing.” Some of you may have noticed it only once or twice in your life, while others experience it so often that it almost feels like second nature.
For the purpose of explaining this unusual Empath trait, I’m going to borrow a comparison from the world of Harry Potter, that I’ve used before.
If you’re familiar with the books, you may remember the creature known as a boggart. A boggart is a shape-shifting being that takes on the form of whatever the viewer fears the most. It doesn’t have a fixed identity of its own, instead, it becomes a reflection of the person standing in front of it.
Now, before anyone panics, I’m not suggesting that Empaths are secretly magical creatures hiding in broom cupboards. But in some ways, certain Empaths behave in a surprisingly similar way, not by changing their physical form, but by subtly shifting their behaviour, tone, or personality to match the expectations of the person they are interacting with.
In other words, they morph.
Many Empaths are frequently misunderstood or misinterpreted. That alone isn’t unusual, plenty of people are. The difference is that Empaths have a heightened sensitivity to the thoughts, emotions, and assumptions of those around them. Because of this, they can unconsciously pick up on how another person expects them to behave.
You may already know, especially if you are a regular reader of my blog, that certain people in our lives, those who bring stress, tension, or emotional heaviness, can quietly wear us down over time. They can even add years to our life in the way of premature aging.
I remember having a sense of relief when I finally understood that creating a little distance from certain relationships isn’t cold or unkind; it can actually be a deeply healing act towards ourselves.
But it took me time, quite a lot of time, to arrive at that understanding.
For the longest while, I questioned myself instead. I wondered if I was just being overly sensitive, if I was reading too much into things, or expecting too much from people. There was also that lingering belief that stepping back from someone, especially someone who had been in my life for a long time, somehow made me unkind… or worse, disloyal. I think many of us Empaths feel like we should endure and make space for others even when it is damaging.
This is a subject I explored last year in my post “Empaths Are Not Emotional Punchbags”, where I discussed the importance of recognising when we’re being drained or overextended. But what I feel drawn to talk about now are those long-term friendships that don’t necessarily feel obviously harmful, but over time have shifted or quietly soured in ways we may not immediately recognise.
If you are someone who feels deeply, who notices the subtle shifts in energy in a room, who carries other people’s emotions as if they were your own, then your breath matters more than you may realise.
As Empaths, we often live in a world that feels loud, fast, and overwhelming. Our minds can be busy. Our nervous systems can feel constantly “on.” You may already know I have written before about breathing exercises to calm the busy Empath mind. But recently, after reading Breath by James Nestor, I felt called to go deeper.
In his book, Nestor explains that many modern humans have forgotten how to breathe properly. He connects poor breathing to anxiety, sleep problems, dental issues, inflammation, and more. What struck me most is how something so simple, something we do every moment of our lives, can either gently support our wellbeing or quietly undermine it. Yet it is a subject that is not being discussed enough.
For Sensitive people, especially Empaths, having expectations of others often feels like part of the package. We believe people should treat one another with fairness and respect. We imagine how someone should respond, how they should care, how they should show up, and how they should treat others, because this is how we naturally behave ourselves.
But not everyone experiences the world with the same depth of feeling.
And that’s where the pain begins.
When you feel deeply, things that might roll off someone else’s back can cut you at your core. A careless comment. A missed call. A lack of acknowledgment. These moments can linger for days or even weeks. What feels small to someone else can feel profoundly personal to you.
Empaths Empowered 