As empaths, we tend to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. We want to give and give most of the time, and we feel every emotion, not just ours but also from others. Setting boundaries is already hard enough for some people, but as an empath, it can be difficult. In this article, we've given you some simple steps to set boundaries as an empath.
1. Learn how to say no.
Saying no is a lesson that we all need to learn. As children, most want to please our parents and the people surrounding us. But as we grow, we realize that saying yes all the time can be exhausting and lead to serious problems. Most empaths find it really hard to say no since they feel the emotions of others.
They want to help and give as much as they can. But you need to realize that saying yes all the time is not healthy. Healthy relationships are based on something other than always pleasing others.
If you're not really feeling it, it's okay to say no. It's much more important to say yes to important things. In this way, you are living more authentically and being more true to yourself and to the people you love and who love you. Plus, it's much more wonderful to do something when it comes from your heart.
2. Guard your energy.
Empaths easily pick energy wherever they go. Sometimes, you're feeling okay, but suddenly, you feel overwhelmed, anxious or sad. When this happens, try to remove yourself from the room, space, or situation where the negative energy comes from.
Say you need a breather, and then check your own energy afterward. You can also do breathing exercises and take time to gather your thoughts and review your true feelings.
3. Communicate clearly.
It's not enough to say no. Sometimes, other people, especially our loved ones, don't understand why you need to withdraw or say no.
Most of the time, people tend to cross our boundaries because we are letting them. We need to communicate clearly what we want or need from them. When you express your boundaries clearly, most people understand and take them into account.
4. Check yourself on what it is you need as an empath.
Empaths are good for helping and anticipating other people's needs, but they tend to need clarification about what they want or need. This is because of the overwhelming emotions they feel from others. Their default mode is always focusing on others, forgetting that they also have needs in the process.
Ask yourself, what do I need? What things make me anxious, uncomfortable, sad, and irritated? What are the things I can only give healthily without destroying myself in the process? What are my boundaries? What would it look like if I were honoring my boundaries?
Having a clear understanding of your needs as an empath will lead to healthier boundaries and a healthier way of feeling and giving to other people.
Do you want some guidance for setting boundaries as an empath? You can contact us here or join our Facebook group, Reemergence of Woman Healers.