One of the problems with being an Empath, is some of our traits can cause an issue for our health and wellbeing.
For example, if we have spent a day in a certain place, where perhaps there are a lot of people around, and we feel tired, down or anxious, we may automatically assume that we have been peopled.
But not every ailment of the mind and body has been caused by our Empath traits.
There’s a chance it could be caused by something entirely different. Something you may not have given much thought to. Continue reading →
Before I get into today’s post, I just want to let you all know that I have set up a YouTube channel.
I realise a lot of people like to listen to posts, instead of reading them. Hence the channel. The video uploads are short and are different from the ones here are my blog.
So, if you would like to see what it’s all about, and perhaps subscribe, click here.
Now, on to today’s post:
Everyone experiences stress. Empaths in particular. But did you know that not only can this cause problems with your health, it can also be the reason behind weight gain, an inability to lose weight? Continue reading →
If you read my last article, you may have noticed I mentioned that many Empaths tend to be prone to suffering adrenal fatigue, caused by amygdala activation.
The term adrenal fatigue has been used to explain:a group of symptoms that are said to occur in people who are under long-term mental, emotional, or physical stress.
In case you’re wondering, the adrenals are small organs located above the kidneys that produce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
The theory is when someone suffers long-term stresses, the body prioritises the production of stress hormones, which then stops or hinders the production of other important hormones (such as progesterone) that are produced by the adrenals.
This then has a knock-on effect throughout the body and the hormones produced.
So, what are the symptoms of adrenal fatigue? Let’s take a look: Continue reading →
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 in mind, body and spirit.
Any of you who have been reading my blog for a while, or who have read my books, may know I’m a bit of a yoga nerd. I believe in it so much that back in 2011 I jetted off to India to do my yoga teacher training. And I am so glad that I did.
The thing is with yoga, it’s 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, such as stomach issues, back pain and excessive thigh-burn when exercising. Continue reading →
If you are feeling emotionally attacked in anyway, or if you keep experiencing a sense of dread or doom, know that you’re not alone. It is happening to many Sensitive people.
There is some strange energy around. Major solar activity and sun flares have been firing off, which has a massive impact on how we feel physically and emotionally (read more here how solar flares impact emotions).
There is also a dark wave of emotional energy coming from the fears of the masses. People are afraid and confused. ‘The powers that be’ are using behavioural psychology, again, to stir up fear, which is continuing to instil a sense of terror within the populace.
As well as that, people are catching on that something is very amiss in this world. They know things aren’t right and it is causing major agitation and worry.
As an Empath, you will likely be picking up on all these confused fearful emotions, as well as the impact of the flares. It can almost feel like psychic attack. This influx of energy might have taken you right out of your groove, without you knowing why.
What makes matters worse, when we become overwhelmed with dark feelings, for whatever reason, we often forget to do the things we should to stay on top of our game and in control as an Empath…
So, today, as well as letting you know what could be causing any weirdness you may be feeling, I also have some suggestions of what you could be doing to get through these strange and disturbing times, to not only keep you in a positive space but to bring back your joy. Here goes:
Stress Your Body
The first one is to take your body into a space of physical discomfort.
Yes, you did read that correctly.
As bonkers as this sounds, doing something that makes you uncomfortable can be so empowering to your body and mind. But more importantly, it can also nullify any emotional pain or dread you may be experiencing. We’re talking ‘fighting fire with fire’.
I’m not saying you should be sending your body into pain; I’m talking about doing something that puts a positive type of stress on the body.
For example, exercise that makes you break a sweat and breathless, or works your muscles to a point they burn.
If you don’t like the idea of exercise, why not try physical labour, preferably outdoors, that is taxing to your body, but is also something that you enjoy. Gardening, for example, is a work out in itself, and connects you to nature.
Cold-Water Treatment
Another fantastic way to put your body into positive stress is through cold-water treatment. Cold showers, ice baths and the like.
Last night I watched a programme on Netflix about people in the UK, who go swimming every day in outdoor ponds in Hampstead Heath. Even when it is freezing cold, they still brave the icy waters. Most of the swimmers all commented how it made them feel alive and nulled emotional and physical pain.
It reminded me of what is said by those who practice the Wim Hof Method. People transform their life by regularly taking a dip in ice water. Not only do they cure themselves of health issues, but they also master emotional trauma, and stress.
I will admit, I am not a massive fan of the cold-water treatment (I don’t like being cold), but I know it can give incredible results in banishing physical and emotional pain. It is one of those techniques that you have to try for yourself. If you haven’t heard of the Wim Hof Method, I urge you to look it up.
If you do try a cold shower, I would recommend adjusting to the cold water gradually. There are lots of YouTube videos on the subject.
Raise Your Spirits
As well as taking your body into physical discomfort, another fantastic way to stop the ‘weird energies’ taking you down is by doing anything that makes your spirits soar.
Read or watch inspirational or uplifting material. Listen to empowering music that makes your heart sing, and have a good old boogie whilst listening, get out in nature, or get creative.
Being creative in times of distress is so vital to our wellbeing. Not only does it work as a distraction, it also keeps our mind engaged with something positive. Rather than it being overwhelmed by the negative.
Crystal Vibes
Another great way to protect from the energy, that may be frying your circuits and dimming your light, is to get your crystals out. To take back control of your thoughts, use your grounding crystals, on your third eye, to soothe your heart use comforting stones like Rose Quartz, or use Citrine, on your Solar Plexus, to quash negative emotions. Here’s a couple of posts that may help, here and here.
A crystal healing bath, with magnesium salts, also works wonders for soothing any wired emotions. Recipe below:
Stay Away from Anything That Lowers Your Frequency
It is so important to avoid anything or anyone that brings you down. As an Empath, you are already carrying more than you should be, in the way of emotional energy.
If you come into contact with anyone who drags down your spirits, take a wide swerve. Likewise, if you go on any media site that makes you feel uncomfortable or drained, it is best to avoid.
Just watch how something shifts your mood to a lower vibration, bearing in mind this might be things that didn’t negatively affect you before, and try to avoid.
I hope this helps you get through any turbulence you may be experiencing. Don’t forget, we are all in this together. ♥
It is an interesting question, isn’t it? If It’s Not True for Me Does That Mean It’s Not True for You?
If I experience something as an Empath, but you don’t, does that mean that you’re not an Empath?
If you have strong intuition, but I don’t, does that mean I’m a weak Empath?
If I can see your aura, but you can’t see mine, does that make me a more powerful Empath?
If you know the meaning of the emotions you feel in another, but another Empath doesn’t, does that mean they are unskilled or inauthentic?
Or what if I get incredibly fatigued when around a certain person, but another Empath doesn’t, does that mean I’m just bored of paying attention to that person, and the other Empath has got a greater attention span? Or is it they’re vibrational frequency or negativity is ‘sucking out my sunshine?’
I have said it before and I will say it again, as Empaths we are all diverse. Just like everyone else, we have different personalities, we have had different upbringings, we have different DNA, we have differing physical ailments, we have different beliefs and different abilities.
What works for one Empath won’t necessarily work for another.
Some Empaths are introvert. Some Empaths are extrovert. Some Empaths will be highly vocal in their beliefs, others will keep their opinions to themselves (often from learning that when someone is not ready for the information, they cannot hear).
However, we are so pushed into herd thinking, that it becomes difficult for us to accept that, even as Empaths, someone can have different abilities, outlooks or issues to deal with.
I have even seen written, within the Empath community, that an Empath having to ground or protect, from the emotional energy of others, is a ridiculous idea. The writer stated we simply need to learn to navigate the various energetic frequencies instead of ‘protecting’ from them.
Which could be classed as a very valid concept. Learning to navigate the energetic frequencies that surround people and our environment is an excellent idea. But it really isn’t that cut and dry.
Just because one Empath doesn’t need to take measures of protection/grounding, before spending time in public, or within certain energetic frequencies, does not mean that another won’t need to. Their energy sensitivity may be higher.
Humans Are All Different
There are some who need to take extra vitamin C and zinc, in the winter months, to protect from winter viruses. Others take no supplements and are fine. Some people need to use extra high factors of sun cream, to protect from sunburn, others don’t. One person may need to use earplugs to protect from sound frequencies, or music, another might not. And yes, some Empaths need to take protective measures, before going in public places, and some don’t. It really is that simple!
I have said before on this blog that the more I learn about life, the less I know. But something I do know, is that the human experience is supposed to be unique for each of us, as is the Empath experience.
It is just society that tries to convince us that we should all be the same box-tickers, living like robots, with no acceptance for anyone who has opposite beliefs or indeed ‘unusual abilities.’
Lack of Acceptance
Now, although this post may sound like I’m having a good old rant, I really wanted to point out the importance of acceptance, and how it can really change our outlook on life.
We see it all around us. People expect others to accept them, for their beliefs, feelings or ways of living, but they refuse to accept anyone who chooses not to adopt their views…
It is human nature to want to be accepted, but if someone is not willing to understand or accept that others experience life from a different perspective than themselves, how can it happen?
Acceptance is Bad for Business
Why do you think we are encouraged to attack each other constantly, instead of accepting each other?
We cannot stop hate with hate, we cannot stop racism with racism, we cannot stop discrimination with discrimination, and we cannot stop unacceptance with unacceptance. But that is so often the narrative pushed.
One thing is for sure, if the world can simply learn to accept others, and all their differences, then there would be no reason to fight. But I doubt that would ever be encouraged by the ‘mainstream’, because, let’s face it, acceptance of self and each other is bad for business.
Make The Changes You Can, Accept What You Can’t
When I advocate for acceptance of others, I am not saying we get to live happily ever after with someone we have no right to be with, or that we should put up with bad behaviour. But if we accept the fact that we are all supposed to be unique, it goes a long way towards a happier life.
I am also not trying to encourage anyone not to make changes in life or just to accept their lot. More that we should ‘change what we can change, and accept what we can’t’.
When we truly accept that we are all meant to be different, in our appearance, health, thoughts, beliefs and abilities, it is incredibly liberating.
Even by accepting that some people can be completely disagreeable and we will never get along with them, it frees up so much of our time wasted in frustration by them or their ways.
If It’s Not True for Me does That Mean It’s Not True for You?
So, going back to the title of this post: As Empaths, if It’s Not True for Me Does That Mean It’s Not True for You?
We can say that my life and your life or my truth and your truth may be poles apart, but if we can come to accept that, then the world will be a much brighter place to live.
In many of my posts, I write about techniques that Empaths can used to protect themselves from the rigours of Empath life (here, here,here and here).
What I probably haven’t mentioned, in many of these posts, is that several of these protection techniques also act as powerful forms of distraction that work in so many empowering ways.
Distracting the mind from pain, whether physical, spiritual or mental, is an incredible tool which we often forget about using to our advantage…
Examples
There are many occasions when we use techniques to distract the mind without necessarily realising. When experiencing hunger pain, for example, if all you think about is food, you’ll remain hungry. If you engage your mind, with work or some tasks, your hunger quickly vanishes.
Another example can be seen in yoga: Whilst moving through the poses we might focus on ujjayi breath and holding bandhas (physical and energetic locks). By doing this, not only does it help direct prana, but the mind is focused and taken off the physical challenge of the pose. This also has the effect of taking the attention away from the stresses of everyday life. Which in turn contributes to a calm yet uplifted mindset after practise.
There are many other examples I could discuss, but, instead, let’s get straight to the easy distraction techniques you can use in your everyday life to stay empowered and on top:
1. Stay in Your Passions:
Doing what you love is so empowering during these challenging times. Not only does engaging in your passions work as a powerful distraction, but doing things that lighten your soul, and bring a sense of peace and joy to your life, will lift you up like nothing else.
If you don’t feel like you have anything to fit that bill, it is the perfect time to start experimenting with hobbies and pastimes, or just get creative.
In a world of rules, routine and restrictions, people seldom get time to be creative. But spending time creatively is one of the easiest ways to revel in the feel-good-factor. When you feel good you also feel grounded and centred. When creating from your passions, or interests, it has an uplifting effect and keeps the mind away from dark thoughts and feelings. A must for all Empaths.
2. Listen to Uplifting Music and Sing!:
Listening to the songs that move you in all the right ways can instil such a sense of joy and euphoria. If you know the words, sing along. It is incredible how much you can be uplifted by the music you love. It envelops your body and mind in the most powerful vibrations and distracts the attention in all the right ways. Singing along can itself be meditative. (Researcher, Gunter Kreutz, also discovered singing increases cortisol and other chemicals involved in healing.)
Music can go both ways. My advice would be to avoid music that encourages melancholy or brings back difficult memories, even if you enjoy the song.
This may sound strange. How can pen and paper help distract the mind? Well, when you write things down, for example with what you want to do going forward in life, you connect with your right brain which helps keep you in creative mode. There is something about handwriting, as opposed to tapping words out on a computer, that helps activate our creative mind. When the creative mind is activated, as opposed to the logical left mind, you also receive more revelations in regards to what is currently happening in your life, or in our world, and can help you see the ‘bigger picture’.
In regards of to what to write about, either let your heart-mind guide you to what is right for you, or make notes on how you would like your future to be.
4. Get Near Trees:
This might sound like the hippiest statement ever, but spend as much time around trees as you can. Gaze upon them. Even go as far as hugging a tree. This not only has the effect of distracting the mind from the darkness in the world, but it takes you into a place of calm and healing. Let’s face it, we wouldn’t be alive if we didn’t have trees and greenery. There is so much wisdom and healing energy around trees (this post explains more), and that is exactly what many of us need right now to clear, rebalance and reset from the demands of Empath life.
5. Stop Doing Things That Bore You:
This isn’t so much a form of distraction. More a form of empowerment. Feeling bored or unengaged by things that you used to enjoy, or were once an interest, is going to bring you down fast. If you are finding hobbies, lifestyles, or even people, you used to love, have stopped being pleasurable, maybe it’s time you stopped engaging in them, or at least have a break and see if you miss them. Perhaps try a new hobby instead.
6. Exercise:
Engaging in physical activity is a brilliant way to distract the mind from overwhelm or uncomfortable feelings. It’s also a fantastic way to keep the body and mind healthy. Depending on how you feel should depend on what is the best form of exercise to create balance within the body and mind.
If you are feeling lethargic and tired, some type of HIIT training (High intensity interval exercise) is super beneficial. It is also the best exercise for releasing human growth hormone. HGH is a hormone that naturally elevates our moods, raises physical energy and keeps the mind in a more positive space. I have attached a link here to a 20-minute HIIT video on YouTube that can be done by most fitness levels (it is even beneficial to do if you suffer chronic fatigue). Just be sure to start slow, at your own level and don’t force your body into anything it’s not ready for.
If you are the opposite of being lethargic, and feel wired or hyper, then breath-and-bandha-focused yoga will help bring you back to a state of equilibrium, whilst also working as a distraction for the mind.
The reason I recommend breath-and-bandha-focused yoga is because, speaking from experience, it can be easy for the mind to wander and remain unfocused in yoga practice. When practising using the breath and bandhas simultaneously, however, it takes your yoga practice to another level. Here’s a couple of links to videos, of how to engage yogic breath and bandhas, on YouTube:
Walking, whilst engaging your focus on your scenery/surroundings, is also fantastic for both high and low energy levels. Out near trees, even better!
The Biggest Obstacles
One of the biggest hurdles we face, when empowering the body and mind, is that when we are stressed or feel out of sorts, by the happenings in the world or indeed just Empath life, we often don’t feel like doing anything. We get so wrapped up in what we feel that we don’t think about anything else. But, when in a state of unease, this is the perfect time to use the power of distraction to engage the mind.
If you want to use clever distractions to your advantage, my advice would be to engage in them the moment you feel your mind wandering into ‘darker territory’ or, even better, find something you can do daily that keeps you in a state of empowerment…
For those of us who are Empaths, it is getting increasingly difficult to hide from everyone else’s low emotions and loss of optimism. Which isn’t helped by all the weird energy influxes we are being bombarded with.
The past few years have impacted people’s health in so many ways. Both mentally and physically. You may yourself have noticed the light seems to have dimmed, not only in people’s eyes but also in their energy.
This seems to have also impacted many Empaths and led to a strange type of burnout, where lethargy is majorly prominent.
What we all need, during these difficult times, is to be doing things that will lift us up, and raise our vibration. Ways to keep us strong and empowered.
During trying times, what is easy and instinctual is not always right or what our body needs. It really helps to shake up the system and throw in some challenges. Mix things up. To lift us higher we must ignite our inner fire.
Although the following are written with the Empath in mind, the techniques can work for anyone. Sensitive or not. So, without further ado, here are my 7 recommendations to deal with burnout.
1. Get Reenergised:
Spending a lot of time in our homes makes us sedentary and lazy. We get into mundane routines, which can make us feel blah. Since the lockdowns, many have struggled to get back into their ‘old ways’. One of the best ways to get out of a lethargic rut is to reenergise ourselves and activate our human growth hormone (HGH).
HGH is a hormone that naturally elevates our moods, raises physical energy and keeps our mind in a more positive space. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the easiest ways to help the body release HGH.
I have attached a link here to a 20-minute HIIT video on YouTube that can be done by most fitness levels. Just be sure to start slow, at your own level, and build up.
2. Try Intermittent Fasting:
Fasting has many proven health benefits. It has been used for centuries as a way to heal the body and mind, and as a way to raise spiritual consciousness and kundalini.
When fasting, the energy normally used to digest food can be used to heal your body and raise your vibration. It is also a great way to reset your body and lose weight if that’s what you need.
Intermittent fasting is a more approachable way of doing fasting. Of which you could try the 5:2 method (fast for two days of the week, eat normally for the rest of the time), the one meal a day method, or the 16:8 method (have an 8-hour eating window then fast for 16 hours of the day). There are several other types you could try.
Fasting is not only a great way to do a health reset, but it also helps raise your food awareness. It makes you more intuitive about your food choices as well as how much your body needs. When you only have one or two meals a day, you really appreciate them. It also gives you something to look forward to. Which is something we all need nowadays.
There is a wealth of information on fasting, by doctors and health specialists, on the internet and YouTube. I fully recommend doing your research before trying.
If you want to learn how diet umpacts your Empath traits, check this out
3. Get Outdoors and Have a Change of Scenery:
Being outdoors is so important for our mental health. It helps increase Vitamin D levels, it helps our moods and sleeping patterns, and is even known to improve our gut microbiome. (Read more here.)
If you are regularly getting outdoors, but still feel a bit low, why not try changing your scenery. Lookup different walks or take a drive to a new park, beach or woodland.
Having a change of scenery reinstates a sense of freedom within; freedoms that for a long time were taken away, and is a great way to lift your spirits.
4. Up Your Vitamin and Minerals:
Another symptom of burnout is vitamin depletion.
A stressed body uses more vitamins and minerals than an unstressed one. The B vitamins in particular get depleted. Also, poor diets, and heavy alcohol consumption, are major contributors to vitamin imbalances. Another problem that came about from the lockdowns.
Nutrient imbalances have a knock-on effect in the way we feel both physically and emotionally. If you suspect stress, or your diet, has impacted your wellbeing, read this post on how certain nutrient supplementation can help.
5. Start a New Project:
If you feel flat and mentally unchallenged, now is the perfect time to try a new project. Something that keeps your mind positively active. For example, learning a language, or trying new hobbies.
You will be amazed at how keeping your mind engaged with something new, that you enjoy, lifts your spirits. It also keeps your mind distracted from the emotions of those around you.
I do understand that when feeling low, having the inclination to do anything can be a big challenge, but giving yourself that extra push is so worth the effort.
6. Spend Time Away from the Internet & Electrical Gadgets:
This is super-important. Having breaks from the internet, laptops and phones will in itself make you feel better.
Too much electrical energy or EMF is not good for the brain. (I have written about it here.) Nor is taking on too much information from too many sources. Which is another outcome of internet scrolling. It just leaves our minds in a jumble.
If you spend too much time on the internet, for work purposes, it is a good idea to regularly ground yourself throughout the day. Which takes us to our last way to deal with lockdown burnout.
7. Get Grounded and Raise Your Energy:
Getting grounded and raising your energy are super tools to use right now. Raising your energy is effectively raising your vibration. Being out in Nature is, of course, one of the easiest and most effective forms of grounding.
Grounding practices are something we all learn as a ‘newly awakened’ Empath. But they are exercises we tend to let slip, especially when life gets in the way.
Interestingly, the grounding practices we have learnt over the years are what will really serve us now. I have written a lot about different approaches of grounding for the Empath. This post will serve as a reminder.
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So, there you go. I do hope this post helps. We are in trying times where we are constantly having to work to stay ‘on top’. Feel free to share any tips or techniques that may have helped you get ahead when in burnout in the comments below.
Sounds strange, the above headline, doesn’t it? I mean, why on earth would there be a problem with promoting veganism? Especially when the main goal of those who do is to stop animal suffering and make us aware of how healthy we could feel following a vegan diet?
Well, there is a very big reason for it…
Don’t get me wrong, I have absolutely no problem with someone choosing a vegan lifestyle. It is a super-healthy way to live… for some. For others, however, following a heavily plant-based diet can contribute to a myriad of debilitating health problems that can have a devastating effect on both body and mind.
The reason I have written this post is because I have seen several influential ‘lightworkers’ persuading people towards veganism, without knowing how harmful it can be to many people.
I understand why lightworkers, yogis and other aware people push for a vegan diet, especially if it helped them ‘raise their vibration’ or made them feel great inside. But what surprises me, is how few people seem to be aware of how damaging vegetarian food, especially vegan proteins, can be to the health of body and mind.
Where the Issue Originates
One thing we all come to understand on this journey is how different we are. Especially when it comes to food and what we can or cannot eat.
Even as Empaths and lightworkers, we all have different challenges to face, not only with our food but with how we experience energy. Many of us have spent a lifetime impacted in adverse ways by the energy and emotions of those around us, which can ultimately lead to high levels of stress.
Stress has become an epidemic in society and it is stress that contributes to or worsens health problems and hormone imbalances. It is these imbalances that lead to autoimmune conditions and/or histamine sensitivity. These conditions, that often go undiagnosed, can differ from one person to the next, as can the cause.
For example, one person who is living with dry skin, lower back issues, weight problems, low moods or depression, excessive introversion and fatigue might be suffering with an autoimmune thyroid problem. (Thyroid conditions are notoriously difficult to diagnose.) Another person experiencing similar symptoms may have a histamine sensitivity.
But Why is Veganism a Problem?
Why is vegetarian food a problem you may wonder? Well, many health conditions are massively triggered or exacerbated by vegan foods. If, for example, you suffer histamine sensitivity, autoimmune conditions or even hormonal imbalances and you eat certain plant foods that contain high histamine levels, lectins or oxalates they can activate nasty and debilitating physical symptoms as well as mental health issues.
Just to give you an idea of what vegan foods are big triggers, here’s a little list: wheat, sugar, nuts and peanuts, pulses, soya, wheat, oats, spelt, in fact most grains, lectin containing vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, aubergines and chilis. Even lemons, spinach, avocadoes, bananas, and strawberries can be problematic for anyone with a histamine sensitivity. (Full list here for autoimmune, here for histamine sensitivity)
I am not talking about allergic reactions here; like allergies to dairy, gluten, etc. Allergic reactions to food happen very soon after ingestion. This is about an intolerance to foods that have come about due to physical or hormonal imbalances.
Making the Connection
Because symptoms often don’t appear for several hours after a triggering food has been consumed, in some cases up to 48 hours, we don’t always link the food to the symptom.
For example, you may have enjoyed a nice big salad on Tuesday lunch, containing organic potatoes, chickpeas, avocado and tomatoes, on Wednesday you wake up feeling down and depressed, angry or with lower-back ache. The lunch from the day before is long forgotten. You don’t twig that your mood or body discomfort has been caused by the lectin and histamine containing food.
Sadly, when suffering with vegan food reactions, the only way people can get good levels of protein into the body is through organic animal proteins.
Our Systems Have Been Messed With
Our hormones and immune systems have been massively compromised by the air we breathe, the food we eat, vaccinations, medications, stress and the chemicals we endure every day of our life. Because of this, a healthy vegan diet has become a big enemy for some people. Especially for many Sensitive people who tend to be highly reactive.
Vegetarian proteins, lectins and oxalates are triggering many of the mental and physical disorders we see today. Yet this is rarely talked about in the mainstream or even by our medical institutions.
For some, who have undiagnosed histamine sensitivity or autoimmune conditions, when they first adopt a vegan diet it can make them feel fantastic for the first month or so. This is because many of the additives that come with a heavily meat-based processed diet are removed. However, over time the body then starts reacting to the lectins, oxalates or high histamine levels. It is in these cases that the link between a vegan diet and feeling crappy is not always made.
The First Steps
In other posts and books, I have discussed how giving up wheat and sugar are the first steps for transforming the health of those who are Sensitive. These two foods alone impact our mental and physical health in ways most are not aware of.
Read more here and here to find out how wheat could be impacting you.
Both wheat and sugar play a big part in vegetarian and vegan diets. It is when these two foods are eliminated that people get to see if they have other food sensitivities and where they may lie.
Finding information on the internet regarding food sensitivities, triggered by autoimmune conditions and what part histamine plays for physical and mental health problems, is not so easy to do these days. Big pharma pays top dollar to be first up in search engines. You must really dig to find the good information. I will leave some links at the bottom of the page for anyone interested in learning more.
Animal Cruelty
Now, I cannot write a post like this without addressing animal cruelty. I do not agree with the way many animals are kept and bred. Animal cruelty is awful and something we are all guilty of overlooking. And yes, this MUST change.
I know many Empaths and Sensitive people don’t like eating animal produce, not only because of the way animals have been treated, many feel the suffering of the animal, but because of their love and respect for the animal kingdom.
It helps to bless your food before eating and try to choose responsibly farmed. There are many organic farms who look after their stock; allowing animals to roam, and feed on grass or an organic diet.
I am not promoting meat consumption in this post; I am pointing out how vegan food can be devastating to the health of many without them realising. Until we have healed as a species, and until we all can happily and healthily consume a vegan diet, I believe it is more effective to advocate for better living conditions of livestock instead of heavily pushing for a vegan diet.
If you would like to learn more about the subject discussed above, I recommend the following well researched websites: The Paleomom and Mast Cell 360
Hope all is keeping magical in your corner of the world.
Following on from my last post, discussing the strange flux of energy that is pushing in and out and the experiences that may come with it; today I want to discuss a reason why this could be happening…
What is Happening?
One day last week, I sat in the sunshine in my garden and meditated on my chakras. At the time I felt happy inside, but as I focused on my energy centres, I realised that between my solar plexus (seat of emotions) and my heart centre the feelings were totally opposite. In my solar plexus I felt a strange sense of dread and heaviness, yet when I focused attention on my heart centre it felt calm, uplifted, and full of love. I then realised that when my moods change, I am moving from one chakra to the next. (If you sit quietly, after reading this, and focus on the sensations between your 3rd and 4th chakras, you will understand what I am referring to.)
Moving from 3C to 4C
You have probably already read or heard that in these current times we are shifting as a species (some say moving from 3D to 5D), but before that happens, we will move from 3C to 4C. Or, in other words, we are relocating out of our 3rd chakra (3C) the solar plexus into our 4th chakra (4C) the heart chakra. Going from a place of pained emotions, shame, and self-doubt to a place of love, peace, bliss, harmony, understanding, purity, clarity, compassion, unity, forgiveness, and kindness. (Although it certainly doesn’t feel like it now, does it? More like the complete opposite.)
For the past hundreds of years, most of humanity has been occupying the space of the lower 3 chakras. But in more recent times we have become stuck in a mostly unbalanced solar plexus chakra, which has kept us in fearful survival mode.
The 3rd chakra (solar plexus) is where we feel the pains of others, where the stresses of life are held, and it is an area where much of our focus has been. But it is time to move out, up into our heart.
(If you want to learn more about how the chakras work, also known as energy centres, here is a post explaining more.)
Our heart is a place of love, appreciation and understanding. When we stay in the heart space the world feels good. The problem is we are constantly being dragged into the 3rd chakra, our seat of emotions.
Just look at the world we are living in today. What is it designed to do? Keep us in fear, angry, distracted, divided and away from our heart centre. Which ultimately keeps us away from our power.
There is a reason nothing about anything is making sense in the world. It is not meant to. Everything negative we are witnessing is being purposely stirred up to trap us within our seat of emotions. But at another level it is supposed to snap people out of their mental slumber and into their personal power.
Distract and Divide
As I’ve mentioned before, things will get worse before they get better. Here in the UK, we’re constantly having reasons to be kept fearful thrown our way from the media. Basically to keep people angry or fearful (stuck in 3C, the seat of emotions).
At a higher level, I do believe this is all happening for a purpose. Shifting realities is going to be painful. Not everyone is ready for it and probably not everyone will make the cut. But one thing I know is, as humans, we need to be given a reason for the discomforts of these transitioning times, for the physical and emotional pain we are experiencing. Even those of us who consider ourselves ‘awakened’ need somewhere to place the blame. We have been given a storyline that provides an explanation for our physical and mental ascension symptoms. Otherwise we go cuckoo.
End Times?
Remember the Mayan predicted 2012 as the year the world would end? Turns out 2020 is really 2012 that the Mayans were talking about. Here’s a quote lifted from the Express:
In a now-deleted Twitter post, scientist Paolo Tagaloguin said: “Following the Julian Calendar, we are technically in 2012.
“The number of days lost in a year due to the shift into Gregorian Calendar is 11 days.
“For 268 years using the Gregorian Calendar (1752-2020) times 11 days = 2,948 days. 2,948 days / 365 days (per year) = 8 years”.
As I’ve discussed before, those who studied Mayan prophesies believe their calendar was used to predict times of difficulties, in agriculture for example, and the calendar’s end date was not a prediction of the end of the world but the end of an age, a transition.
Transitioning Times
If there’s one thing that seems certain, the old world we knew no longer exists. We are in transitioning times, which are proving to be deeply uncomfortable.
Working to stay within our heart centre helps keep the ‘pain’ to a minimum. Unfortunately, it takes work to keep our awareness within the heart centre. We must consciously keep raising our focus and our energy.
Just know if you are going up and down with your moods, if you are experiencing unusual fatigue one day and feeling wired the next, waking at unusual times in the night or having heat flashes it is all part of these transitioning times. Just go with the flow and try not to fight it or allow it to drag you down.
Avoid Unnecessary Pain
If you find anything that either winds you up or drags you down, keeps you in fear or activates a stress response, it is best to AVOID.
Avoid anything that unnecessarily draws you into the lower chakras or anything that takes over your mind in a negative way. This mostly includes social media outlets, mainstream media, and people.
My guilty pleasure is YouTube. I have spent way too much time on there. One problem with it is I don’t have a choice of what I see on my feed. Yes, I can subscribe to certain channels, but there will be a lot of negative videos mixed in with the positive. YouTube is designed to keep our brain engaged, not only so we go back for more, but so we click on videos we would not normally watch. I have been making a conscious effort to disengage. Yes, it takes work. It is not easy but I am so much more productive when my mind is not engaged by it.
The Role of the Empath and Lightworker
Those of you who have been Sensitive to energy for most of your life will be understanding your role here more than ever.
I mentioned in a past post about how I believe the Sun is playing a major part in our evolution (anything the mainstream media vilifies is normally something they want us to avoid). If you get chance to meditate in the Sun (safely without burning yourself) it really helps open your awareness. Even 5 minutes is good. Holding your favourite crystals at the same time adds an extra protective and awareness-opening boost.
We are all in this together. It may seem like the world is heading towards eternal darkness but, I believe, we are simply in the pains of transitioning times. Stay in your heart space. We can do this!
When the moon is in the 7th house and Jupiter aligns with Mars… No. I’ve not recently taken up astrology. You may remember the above line from the lyrics of Aquarius. A song that keeps coming into my mind lately, which I’ll come back to shortly.
I’ve not put a post out for a few weeks. With the way the emotional energy has been of late, I’ve not been too inclined to write a full post. I have started several, but then never got to finish. It is difficult for me to stay focused with all the strange energies afloat.
For the Empaths of the world, and indeed anyone else, these current times have brought in some bizarre challenges. As a species, we have never collectively experienced anything like what we are currently experiencing.
But another problem we are continuing to endure is that people’s emotions are still being manipulated on a massive scale. Fear and anger in particular. Even when it feels like some of the anxieties are calming, another story is put out in the media to stoke the furnace of fear back up. There really is no let up.
As you know, this kind of stress is not good for anyone. If there’s one thing that will compromise the immune system its stress. It is known to be a root cause of major diseases. You would think the governments and media would know this…? If they cared about the populace, as much as they imply, the messages should be about how to keep the immune system strong: exercise, eat well, go outdoors, get plenty of vitamin D, calm the mind and avoid stress!
People are starting to question what is happening. They are finally realising that nothing makes sense. There are contradictions upon contradictions. Many people are beginning to realise they have been massively deceived. This is triggering awakenings.
Waking Up
People have to figure things out for themselves, in regards to the truth of this world. It is part of the awakening process to break free from the systemic spoon-fed narratives of governments and media, and start thinking for ourselves. And this is what is happening more and more each day. Hearts are being cracked open.
The Divide
You have probably noticed lately that there are some massive divisions happening between friends and family members.
I’ve also seen this happening within the lightworker community. Which seems strange really. You would think those of us who have been tuned into the ‘invisible realms’ would have had similar opinions and ideas about getting the world back into alignment, but it is obvious this is not the case.
Last week, I happened across an interview with a world-famous medium on YouTube who himself said that if people are not sharing his same opinions, he would cut them out of his life (or words to that effect), that was after having earlier said that people should be more kind and tolerant of others.
Let the Sunshine In!
Anyway, getting on to a ‘lighter’ note. I don’t know what the weather is like in your part of the world, but here in the UK, we normally get a lot of cloud and rain during the summer. Yet, this year, the sun has been a regular visitor. Not consistently I might add, but there have been more sunny days through the year than I remember having in a long time. And if there is one thing that massively changes the vibrational energy, of a mostly cloudy summer, it is sunshine. It not only gets people outdoors and makes everyone feel better in themselves but there is something incredibly magical about it.
Which brings me back to the song: Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In…
After the above lines, ‘when the moon is in the 7th house…’ and ‘let the sunshine in,’ kept playing over in my head, I decided to look up the rest of the words on a music clip. All I can say is it helped me understand why I had been repeatedly hearing the song. If you watch the video below, you will know what I mean.
The sun heals us in ways we cannot even begin to imagine. I believe the sun is also playing a massive part in ‘the shifting of worlds.’ It is raising the vibration and when we tune into its energy, it helps open our hearts and shifts our awareness. (I do love synchronicity. After sharing this blog post yesterday, I received this great article in my inbox, from Green Med Info, all about the incredible healing benefits of the Sun.)
If you want a quick pick me up, listen to this music video and let the sunshine in… Be sure to listen to the words in the background as well.
I really hope you are all keeping happy and healthy. Sending out much love.
It is my theory that an Empath’s reactions to other people’s emotions can work in a similar way to an allergy.
I’m not sure how much you know about allergies, so let me briefly explain:
If you suffer with non-life-threatening allergies and you come into contact with something you are allergic to on a daily basis, you normally suffer mild symptoms (I say mild, but that is not to say they are not uncomfortable). However, if you spend time away from these allergens, and then come back into contact with them, the allergic reaction will be much more severe.
So, this is how, I believe, for many Empaths, people’s emotional energy can act like allergies.
When around people every day we might have ‘milder people-energy reactions,’ but if we take time out from the world, or from certain people whose energy winds us up the wrong way, our stress levels might spike more than normal when back in touch (think lockdown months).
The good news is there is a certain hormone that acts like an ‘energetic antihistamine’ in the way it helps soothe the emotions.
It is a hormone that can be released by taking some simple measures, and it goes by the name of oxytocin.
Oxytocin is a powerful hormone and neurotransmitter.
It has many incredible benefits. It is known as the love hormone, for the reason it plays a big role in the emotional bond between mother and child, but its benefits go way beyond that.
Oxytocin affects the function of the brain and nervous system and greatly impacts the emotions.
Low levels of oxytocin are connected with conditions such as: heightened emotions, depression, anxiety, social phobias, PTSD and more.
Studies suggest that by increasing oxytocin it reduces stress and anxiety and instils a sense of calm serenity.
Exactly what we need, as Empaths.
Although there are several ways in which oxytocin production can be induced, here are some incredible science-backed ways that are super beneficial for an Empath:
1, Aromatherapy Oils
There are three such aromatherapy oils that have been proven to increase oxytocin in the brain: Clary Sage, Geranium and Chamomile.
I use all three and can vouch for their effectiveness, especially for lifting the mood and clearing anxiety and fearful emotions. In fact, they are on my list of essential oils for an Empath.
(When purchasing essential oils always make sure they say 100% pure essential oils.)
2, Take a Bath
Researchers have found that hot environments, warm temperatures and increased sweating activates specific oxytocin-producing parts of the brain. Taking a hot bath is a perfect way to increase body temperature.
A long soak in a hot bath is one of my favourite ways to effortlessly rebalance. Especially when adding my favourite crystals, essential oilsand salt into the mix.
Here is one of my favourite bath time recipes that includes Clary Sage:
The above combination works in so many ways. It helps soothe the emotions. Clary Sage mixed with Lavender works in being both sedative and euphoric. It’s a combination that is soothing to the soul, the senses and the skin. The Hematite works in being grounding. The Amethyst pulsates a powerfully cleansing energy through the bath water which not only clears the aura but also frees the mind of unnecessary thoughts and mind clutter. (When using crystals in water be sure they are water safe. The majority of quartz stones are usually fine.) And the salt is excellent to clear negative energy and restore health for an Empath.
3, Enjoy a Cup of Tea
Drinking herbal teas, such as chamomile, are an easy way to enjoy the herb’s many healing benefits. Chamomile is a medicinal herb that has been traditionally used for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties; it has also been proven to help you produce more oxytocin.
I regularly drink chamomile tea, more so recently, with fresh ginger added. Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb that has many healing benefits and is particularly good for digestive issues. Simply pop a chamomile tea bag into a mug, add an inch of fresh ginger, and fill with boiling water. Infuse for a minimum of 5 minutes. Enjoy.
5, Boost Your Nutrients
We all require vitamins and minerals in our diet to stay happy and healthy. However, there are three nutrients known to increase oxytocin production in the brain. They are magnesium, vitamin D and vitaminC.
Magnesium is essential for the proper functioning of our nervous system and neurotransmitter activity. Researchers have found that the oxytocin receptor requires magnesium to function properly, and magnesium increases the action of oxytocin at the receptor.
So, basically, if we don’t have enough magnesium, the oxytocin cannot do its work.
Some foods containing magnesium are: dark chocolate, bananas, almonds and avocado.
Vitamin C is another incredible essential nutrient. Researchers have found that vitamin C not only optimizes and increases levels of oxytocin, it also stimulates the secretion of oxytocin. This powerful vitamin, found in many foods especially citrus fruits, also plays many important roles within the body, such as keeping the immune system strong. Vitamin C is also known to decrease stress and improve the mood.
Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin, because the sun is the best source. Research shows that oxytocin is directly activated and controlled by vitamin D. This makes it understandable why so many people suffer with seasonal affected disorder (SAD) during the winter months. Spending twenty minutes a day in the sunshine is a great way to increase the vitamin, but supplements also work.
Getting more of the above nutrients, through diet or supplements, can help boost oxytocin levels. Read more herehow Empaths benefit from supplements and why they are at risk from vitamin and mineral deficiency.
5, Sleep in the Dark
I have written about the importance of Empaths sleeping in the dark, both in books and in articles. Spending time in darkness is important for the production of oxytocin by boosting melatonin.
Melatonin is known as the anti-ageing hormone, produced by the pineal gland (area of third eye) in the darkness. It is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and helps prevent, and treat, many illnesses including cancer. Melatonin significantly increases secretion of oxytocin.
Simply keeping the bedroom pitch black, by using black out blinds or curtains, can help boost oxytocin levels.
This post gives an easy way to produce more melatonin and thus oxytocin.
6, Finding Balance
As well as increasing oxytocin, there are several other simple ways to activate the ‘energetic antihistamine effect’ for an Empath. All forms of Grounding will work for protection, but especially Forest Bathing and Earthing. Click on the links to find out more.
I am about to share some things that weaken an Empath, either by inducing high levels of emotional or physical stress, or by weakening the body.
Now, before you think this post is going to be all doom and gloom it’s not. It’s for a purpose. It’s a way of highlighting how tough times develop us in unusual ways.
We all experience difficulties in life, it’s part of the journey, but it helps to have an understanding of why they happen and where they can take us. So here we go.
The top ten things that weaken an Empath…
1. Negative People:
Science has acknowledged that just by spending too much time around constantly disapproving or miserable people it can impact health and happiness. Meaning: we become sick just by hanging out with negative people.
Backed by studies that show how prolonged people stress alters gene expression within the immune system, more and more doctors are recommending their patients to avoid spending time with negative people to safeguard their health.
For an Empath, who both lifts and experiences the dark emotions or intentions off others, they are worst affected than most by negative people. They soon come to understand that it is best to avoid them.
2. Narcissists:
We live in a society that promotes narcissism. You only have to look online or on social media outlets to see evidence of this. But the type of narcissist that weaken an Empath the most are the type who like to control and manipulate.
An Empath carries the type of ‘light’ that might be considered as a weakness or something that can be controlled. This light often makes them a target of manipulative people and puts them in the firing line of narcissists.
That said, even when an Empath avoids contact with them, they can still get caught up in ‘the narcissist’s web.’ (Read more here and here). Which can cause various emotional and physical problems for an Empath.
3. Unbalanced Chakras:
If an Empath’s chakras are unbalanced it means they will not handle being around people for any length of time. It also means they are open to developing a number of health complaints.
The chakras are weakened by personal trauma, anxiety, stress, EMFs, modern lifestyles and unsuitable diets. If any of the chakras are forced open, by any of the above, it can result in physical ailments and a diminished or permeable aura.
A vulnerable aura is bad news for anyone, but is especially debilitating to an Empath. The condition not only drains physical energy but also allows the energy of others to have a worst impact. Read more here.
4. Too Much WIFI:
Electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs), created from wireless technologies, disrupt energy frequencies within the body and energy field. They affect the chakras and endocrine glands, immune system and nervous system. In fact, the symptoms of ‘EMF overload’ are similar to those an Empath might experience from being ungrounded.
Sadly, escapism of EMF and WIFI is virtually impossible. Yet there are some simple things we can do to help protect ourselves. Read more on this
5. Low Vibrational Food:
Foods that have been refined, genetically altered, contain artificial flavourings, preservatives, etc., not only weaken the body but also the mind. They trigger amygdala activation (responsible for activating heightened emotions), ignite autoimmune conditions, depression and more.
Consuming animal produce, where the animals greatly suffered, might also trigger depression within an Empath.
Low vibrational food, such as the above, has a negative impact on all humans, but for an Empath, who often has a ‘hot amygdala’ the impact tends to be experienced far worse. Read more here.
6. Psychic Attack:
When an Empath is under psychic attack, they will know it by the repetitive thoughts going back to a certain person, accompanied by deeply uncomfortable emotions. However, it is when they themselves get caught up in ‘the attack’ that things become problematic.
Once tied up in the thought-process, triggered by psychic attack, it becomes difficult to break free. Dark thoughts lead to dark emotions and stress, which negatively impact health and wellbeing.
Luckily there are ways around this. This post explains more about the subject.
7. Not Living in Truth:
Again, this is something that weakens everyone, but not living in truth is particularly bad for an Empath’s wellbeing.
An Empath first becomes aware of how inauthenticity weakens them after spending time around those who seem to ‘lie for a living.’
The truth is, everyone lies to some extent; if only to themselves. It is how we navigate life and ultimately it is how we uncover our own truth. But, if an Empath avoids living their truth, they will get constant reminders to put them back on track, one of which is ‘freezing’ around inauthenticity. Read more here.
8. Conflict:
Empaths are generally the type of people who dislike confrontation, because it might lead to conflict, which can cause insult and injury to all parties involved.
Through life experiences most Empaths come to understand that minds are not changed through confrontation and thus conflict, but by living by example.
If an Empath gets caught up in conflict it can trouble their mind long after it has passed. This serves in keeping the stress hormones active in the body which can lead to health problems.
9. Observing Cruelty, Acts of Violence & Mainstream Media:
Witnessing acts of cruelty or violence, whether fact or fiction, are difficult for an Empath to observe. They cause stress and deep emotional disturbances within their body, impacting the immune system and emotional wellbeing.
The mainstream media, for example, glorifies suffering as a way to entertain. Yet, at the same time seduces people into experiencing fear (an emotion that becomes addictive the more it is experienced).
Avoiding the media outlets that manipulate fear, as a point of seductive entertainment, is best avoided by all Empaths. Read more here.
10. Rejection:
Rejection, for an Empath, is not something they easily brush aside. It wounds them deeply. Rejection is an unfathomable cause of insecurity that impacts them for many years into their future.
An inherent trait of an Empath is to be protective and faithful to all who they allow into their life. To be pushed away by those they trusted or considered as friends, generates a deep mistrust of people and a weakening of body and mind. Read more here.
Now for the Good News
Undergoing experiences that might have made life challenging, dark and difficult (any or all of the above) offers incredible experiences for an Empath. From the depths of this darkness emerges a budding flower.
Like the beautiful lotus flower grows out of the mud, so do Empaths find their way into the light by experiencing the darkness.
Most of you have endured living in the shadows and have experienced great stresses in life. But we all come to understand why… Enduring painful experiences, that weaken us, thrusts us towards a greater understanding of life, evolvement and spiritual awareness.
We have to go through the dark to experience the light. If we had not gone through all that we had, we would not develop the inner strength and understanding that takes us to another level.
Experiencing pain and working through it, allows us to see from a higher perspective. The dark really does serve the light.
So yes, although the above may weaken an Empath, they can ultimately take them to places of great evolvement and understanding…
In a world overcome with worry and fear, we all benefit from diving into the soothing ‘waters of silence.’ Not only as a retreat from the noise of fear but to reset within ourselves.
Staying in the space of silence, if only for short periods of time, is known to improve memory, stimulate brain growth, relieve stress, combats insomnia, and provides relaxation and respite for the body.
Silence is the perfect remedy to counteract the viral emotions that have infiltrated every area of life. It is both healing and rejuvenating. Not only does silence help reset and still a wired mind, it is also good for balancing our sensory gating process.
Sensory Gating
Wikepdia defines sensory gating as a neurological process of filtering out redundant or unnecessary stimuli in the brain from all possible environmental stimuli.
Sensory gating prevents an overload of irrelevant information in the higher cortical centres of the brain.
Many Empaths experience ‘problems’ with their sensory gating. Sounds can be louder and more irritating, and the many different ‘layers of noise’ in the environment can lead to stress and physical ailments
I liken the Empath’s ability of feeling others’ emotions to a form of sensory gating. Too much sensory information, in the form of emotional energy, works like an influx of noise, proving to be both stress-inducing and exhausting for many. The act of spending time in silence helps to counteract this.
Ten simple ways to access the power of silence:
Here are ten simple ways to benefit from a ‘silence session.’
1. Meditation
Let’s start with the obvious one and the healing technique I always come back to, meditation.
Meditation comes with so many benefits (including many science-backed benefits) from relieving stress to healing physical ailments. It is known to improve all areas of life and helps us become better at everything we do. It also gives us a greater understanding of who we are and where we fit into life.
During these trying times, meditation is something we all benefit from practising, not only for stilling and empowering our mind, but to tune us into our heart centre and higher consciousness.
2. Listen to soft music with ear phones
So, listening to soft music might sound like a contradiction. After all, isn’t music classed as noise? But this is a good method for when your environment is noisy. It cuts off the sound of the outside world and allows for a respite of the mind. The right kind of music can also be healing as well as soothing to the senses. I came across these incredible healing music videos on YouTube here and here.
3. Go into the woods
The sounds of Nature offer the healing benefits of silence. Being around densely populated areas of trees is the perfect way to bask in Nature’s healing stillness. Even better, if you can get close to natural running water it is also purifying (read more here).
If Earthing is practised at the same time, as being out in Nature, it will have double the benefits.
4. Get up early
The quietest time of the day is in the early morning, before the world has woken up. Instead of engaging the brain first thing, by flicking on the TV, radio or checking messages, why not start the day in silence?
Just by sitting in the stillness of a sleeping world it can zone us into the healing vibrations of silence.
5. Take an aromatherapy bath
You may wonder what taking a bath has to do with finding silence, but this is more for silencing the stress sensors. Water is healing in itself, but when an aromatherapy oil is incorporated into the mix, such as Lavender or Chamomile (added to a carrier oil first), it helps turn off the senses engaged by viral emotions.
Essential oils send healing instructions to the limbic system (the system that controls emotions) to relax. They are particularly good to use if you have been experiencing anxiety triggered by external stress. (This post has 11 essential oils beneficial for an Empath).
Light some candles, put a do not disturb sign on the door and immerse yourself for at least twenty minutes (if you live in a noisy house pop your earphones in).
6. Go outdoors after dark
For the most of us, the only time we spend in darkness is when we go to sleep in the evening. But being outdoors at night, in a safe area such as the garden, is particularly good for tuning into silence.
There’s something incredibly stilling and peaceful about the darkened night sky, especially when blanketed with a sweeping of shimmering stars.
If you don’t have a garden, sitting with your eyes open in a darkened room also reaps many benefits.
7. Be at one with your breath
When you fully tune into the breath, by focusing on your inhale and exhale, it helps drown out the noise of the outside world. If you cover your ears at the same time it has an extra benefit.
Try it now and see for yourself. Put your hands over your ears, close your eyes and take 8 to 10 deep breaths. When you remove your hands, you will experience a quieter world than before.
Any type of yogic breathing exercise is also perfect for stilling the mind.
8. Chanting
Again, another one that seems to contradict the idea of finding silence. But, repeating a song-like mantra, such as OM, is not only healing to the body, mind and spirit it helps us find a stillness within.
Chanting is known to purify the environment by creating positive vibrations and filtering out fear energy.
A French physician and auditory neurophysiologist, Dr. Tomatis, believes the ears affect the entire nervous system. He noted how sounds like music or noise, determine physical energy levels and our sense of well-being. He experimented with different music frequencies, noting their effects on humans. By studying Benedictine monks, he observed the healing benefits of chanting. When the monks daily chanting ritual was taken away, for a short period of time, most fell ill. When the singing was reintroduced, they made a full recovery.
9. Get creative
Draw, paint, sing or arrange flowers. Whatever gets your ‘creative juices’ flowing will work.
When the creative mind is kept occupied, by engaging in something that holds the imagination, it tends to switch off from the outside world. Viral emotions and loud sounds get locked out by the ‘lack of sensory engagement.’ This in itself has the benefit of silencing the mind.
10. Turn off the WIFI
We are so connected to the internet in our daily lives, that just by having a WIFI break it helps tune us into the power of silence. It is not until we take a break from the noise of electrical frequencies that we see how they affected our body and mind. This also helps in the respect that when we are constantly bombarded with online information it leads to sensory overload.
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I hope you find this list beneficial and inspires you to tune into the vibration of silence. Even if it’s just for ten minutes a day.
If you have ever experienced a panic attack you will know only too well that they are not something you would wish on anyone. They create the kind of dread and sense of impending doom that are beyond comprehension.
Because Empaths and HSPs feel everything so intensely, it is often the case that they are more prone to experiencing anxiety and panic attacks.
Not Feeling Safe
Going through life over-feeling emotions and the emotional energy of others can create the perception of being unsafe, especially when out in public or around certain people. Feeling unsafe can put the body into fight-or-flight mode which is a response of the sympathetic nervous system. When the body is in fight-or-flight it is in a constant state of stress.
We often experience a sense of not feeling safe when we have experienced past traumas, especially bereavement or physical or emotional abuse, and not dealt with them.
Another issue many Empaths and HSPs face, which can affect our perception of safety, is feeling misunderstood. When we feel misunderstood it often creates an inability to truly connect with others. Which often leads to a sense of isolation, and is a catalyst for repetitive dark thoughts.
Research has shown that negative thought patterns can be inflammatory. They create problems within the body and mind and keep us in trauma mode.
We all have good and bad within us, light and dark. When we are suffering or in pain, as in with anxiety or panic attacks, it is often because we have inadvertently been feeding the darkness. We allow our pain to dictate our lives. That said, we don’t necessarily have to have been suffering to experience panic attacks. Sometimes external factors, certain foods or hormonal changes can be the trigger.
Being aware of triggers, as well as having knowledge of what we can do if we start to suffer with anxiety or panic attacks, can ensure we don’t needlessly suffer. The following are some simple steps to help prevent anxiety…
1. Use meditation and breathing exercises:
Breathing and meditation practices help cultivate more positive thoughts, help balance the stress hormones and instil calm. However, some people find meditation too stressful to perform when experiencing panic attacks or anxiety. The stillness can become unnerving. In these cases, moving meditations, such as yoga with the breath, or deep breathing is massively beneficial.
The Whisky Breath is a quick breathing exercise which can offer instant relief. Simply inhale for a count of four and then exhale for a count of eight. Continue for as long as you need. This exercise switches on the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to prevent or stop panic attacks. The three-minute meditation performed daily, after doing the Whisky Breath breathing, will help keep the mind positive and anxiety at bay.
There’s more information on breathing exercises and yoga here and here.
2. Keep away from people who make you feel unsafe:
If you don’t feel safe, or have trust issues with certain friends or family members, or if you don’t feel they have your best interest at heart it can cause emotional trauma. It is wise to avoid those who create safety issues for the health of your body and mind, which in turn can prevent anxiety.
3. Check your diet:
Are you eating chemical-laden foods, or foods that are known to trigger autoimmune conditions? Anxiety can sometimes be a warning from your body, telling you to pay attention. If you suspect your diet is activating anxiety or panic attacks, keeping a food diary can help you pinpoint the triggers. Read more on this post.
4. Supplement wisely:
Even with the healthiest of diets it is difficult to know we are getting, or absorbing, a full range of nutrients. We often eat anti-nutrient foods without realising (foods that block or hinder nutrient absorption), which means the good stuff we do take in doesn’t get chance to do its job. Vitamin and mineral deficiency can be a big trigger for anxiety. A basic supplementation regime can help in regards to anxiety and panic attacks. This post gives more info.
5. Take Valerian Root:
Valerian root is a natural herb used for treating anxiety and insomnia. Similar to melatonin, valerian root puts you in relaxed sleepy state. Valerian contains a neurotransmitter called GABA, that is known to have a powerfully calming effect on the mind.
6. Do therapeutic exercise:
Yoga and walking are probably two of the most therapeutic forms of exercise. There is a type of yoga to suit everyone, but it has to be practised regularly to see results. Walking is easy and super beneficial for the body and mind. Also, high intensity exercise, which helps release human growth hormone, can be beneficial for stopping panic attacks.
7. Use crystals:
There are many different types of crystals that can help with anxiety. Rose Quartz in particular is a lovely stone to help with panic attacks. It is a love stone that really helps calm the emotions. When choosing crystals for anxiety it is best to see them in person (instead of ordering online). If gazing on a certain stone makes you feel calm inside it is generally a good choice.
8. Salt therapy:
Taking salt baths can be incredibly calming and soothing for the body and mind. Even better, if you live near an ocean taking a daily dip can work wonders for soothing anxiety. This post gives more details.
9. Check your water levels:
If you are dehydrated, even just a little, it can trigger anxiety and panic attacks. This post gives more information.
10. Reduce wireless air time:
More research is coming to light showing how WIFI is a major cause of anxiety and panic attacks, especially when spending a lot of time wirelessly downloading on the internet (Youtube, etc.). Give yourself a few days away from WIFI and see what effect it has. Switch your phone to aeroplane mode when not in use and limit your time on the internet. This post explains more.
11. Keep your bedroom as a calm zone:
Quality sleep is important for preventing anxiety and panic attacks. Don’t keep electrical gadgets, especially WIFI gadgets, in the bedroom. Keep your bedroom well aired and clean. Use black out curtains to ensure a solid night’s sleep.
12. Use essential oils:
Essential oils are perfect for instilling calm. Lavender being one of the best allrounders, but other good ones are Basil, Chamomile or Geranium. You can normally feel the calming effects of these essential oils within ten minutes of application. Simply massage a few drops, mixed with a teaspoon of oil, into the soles of your feet. Or use them in your bath, add them to your body oils or put a few drops on your pillow before sleep time. Check this post out for more essential oils and their benefits.
13. Avoid caffeine:
Caffeine is one of the worst things for triggering panic attacks and anxiety. It is found in coffee, tea, chocolate and colas. Avoidance will go a long way to keeping anxiety and panic attacks at bay.
14. Avoid stimulants:
Alcohol and recreational drugs can be another big trigger of anxiety. Many people assume alcohol is a relaxant, but it is when the effects wear off that the problems start.
15. Avoid chemicals:
If you are Sensitive, it often means you will be sensitive to chemicals in products and scents, which can trigger many unusual physical reactions and stress within the body. Keep your products as natural as possible, including laundry detergent, household cleaning products and personal hygiene products.
16. Listen to soothing sounds:
There are some incredibly soothing sounds that can help reduce anxiety and prevent panic attacks. Ocean sounds, angelic harmonies, thunderstorms, gentle chimes, etc. are incredibly calming to the body and mind. Try to avoid live music downloads (such as on Youtube) as the WIFI can trigger more anxiety. Perhaps buy a CD and listen through headphones.
17. Don’t eat late at night:
Eating late at night can be the trigger for sleep anxiety and panic attacks. Try to have your last meal at least three hours before bedtime to ensure it is digested.
18. Get out in Nature:
This is a perfect remedy for anxiety and panic disorder. Even listening to the birds singing is beneficial. Read more here on the benefits of nature for an Empath.
19. Massage and reflexology:
Massaging body treatments work wonders for helping with anxiety, especially reflexology, which works on the reflex points on your feet. Schedule in time for yourself and book in a weekly treatment to help soothe your body and mind.
20. Talk to a specialist:
If you know you have supressed past trauma such as a bereavement, emotional or physical abuse, or unresolved issues, it might help to talk to a trained therapist. Supressed trauma is often reignited in times of stress, which often triggers panic attacks.
21. Have your hormones checked:
This is a big one, especially for women. If you are going through any kind of hormonal transition, such as perimenopause or menopause, it can be a big trigger for panic attacks. Perimenopause often starts from the late thirties onwards and can create many unusual and uncomfortable physical and mental symptoms.
So, there you go. Hopefully, you will have found something on the list that will help if you suffer with anxiety or panic attacks. But even if you don’t suffer with anxiety now, it is always good to have this page bookmarked for future reference. Anxiety can be triggered at any point in life, sometimes with no known cause. Having a reminder of what steps to take to combat panic attacks can avoid a lot of unnecessary suffering.
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