Yoga Journal – Empathy Overload

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Summary of Article

Researchers have discovered that people who are highly empathic have higher than average mirror neurons in the brain. This specialized group of cells is responsible for compassion and is especially active in empaths. Empaths are highly sensitive people that absorb the feelings, energies, and emotions of others into their own bodies. Being an empath has incredible benefits, like greater intuition, compassion, creativity and a deeper connection with other people. But living in this state of high sensitivity can also have its challenges.

If too much is coming at an empath too quickly it can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome and even fibromyalgia. Once an empath begins to recognize common factors contributing to the overload, it is easier to take charge of their sensitivities. In my book, The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People, I share specific strategies to prevent empathy overload and keep from getting overwhelmed by the pain of others.

Read the full article on Yoga Journal here.

 

Judith Orloff, MD is the New York Times bestselling author of The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People. Her companion book Thriving as an Empath offers daily self-care tools for sensitive people along with The Empath’s Empowerment Journal. Her latest journal is Affirmations for Empaths. Dr. Orloff is a psychiatrist, an empath, and is on the UCLA Psychiatric Clinical Faculty. She blends the pearls of conventional medicine with cutting edge knowledge of intuition, empathy, energy medicine, and spirituality. Dr. Orloff specializes in treating empaths and highly sensitive people in her private practice and online internationally. Her work has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Oprah Magazine, the New York Times and USA Today. Dr. Orloff has spoken at Google-LA, TEDx U.S. and TEDx Gateway Asia. Her other books are Emotional Freedom, The Power of Surrender, Second Sight, Positive Energy, and Guide to Intuitive Healing. More information about Dr. Orloff’s Empathy Training Programs for businesses, The Empath Survival Guide Online Course and speaking schedule at www.drjudithorloff.com.

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