Living Your Best Life as an Empath: From Drained to Empowered

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt ‘off’… even when no one said a word?  Or maybe you’ve felt overwhelmed after being around certain people, even if nothing ‘bad’ happened?

If this sounds like you, you might be someone who feels energy deeply — often called an empath.

And while this can feel confusing or heavy at times, it can also become one of your greatest strengths.

Let’s explore what this really means, the challenges it brings, and how you can feel more calm, clear, and in control.

Being an empath (like me) means you naturally feel the emotions and energy of others.  It’s like your heart and body are always tuned in to what’s happening around you.

And while it can sound fun and helpful (after all, you know what’s happening around you) — it can also feel heavy, difficult, and draining.  The points below are some common indicators for empaths.

You might:

• Pick up on other people’s moods quickly

• Feel drained in busy or emotional environments

• Struggle to tell what’s yours vs. what belongs to others

• Care deeply about people and want to help

This isn’t ‘too sensitive’ (as I’ve been told I am multiple times in my life, by a whole stack of people).  This is awareness.

And it comes from a beautiful place — your ability to connect, care, and understand deeply.  (And no, it won’t always feel like it comes from a beautiful place.  Sometimes you just want to shut it down, or run away and live on a deserted island, without all the people.)

Even though being an empath is a gift, it can feel really hard sometimes.  There have been numerous times over the years when I wished I didn’t feel everyone’s energy — especially after being told I was ‘too sensitive’ multiple times from many people.  (And I didn’t understand it either — why wasn’t everyone sensitive, and attuned to the needs of others as well as themselves?)

Some of the common downfalls are mentioned below.

• Emotional Overwhelm

You may carry feelings that aren’t even yours.  This can leave you feeling heavy, anxious, or confused.  (And yes, you can practice sorting this out, by working out what your feelings between meeting/connecting with others, and also by asking yourself ‘are these my feelings, or somebody else’s that I’ve picked up?) 

Our free download Managing Your Emotions - Free Checklist and Journal Prompts can help you manage your emotions, as well.

• Lack of Boundaries

You might say yes when you mean no, just to keep the peace or avoid hurting others.  I know I’ve certainly struggled over the years in relation to setting and reinforcing boundaries. 

We have suggestions for this in our blog How to Set Boundaries with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere: A Kind and Gentle Approach, as I know others have struggled with this as well.

• Feeling Drained

After social events or certain conversations, you may feel exhausted instead of energised.  I know that that has been perfectly normal for me, and adjust my life accordingly.

I tend to limit the amount of socialising I do, both by frequency and the number of people who attend, as well as the type of people I mingle with.  I monitor where I am emotionally, and then consider the invitation with that in mind.  (I also work with crystals to help manage my energy and boundaries.  To read more about this, see our blog 8 Powerful Crystals to Protect You from Negative Energy Every Day.)    

• Self-Doubt

Sometimes self-doubt comes up as well.  To manage this, you can ask yourself some gentle questions (and give yourself compassion while you learn more about yourself, and how you work).    You might ask yourself: ‘Is this real?’ and/or ‘Am I overreacting?’

As you may be aware, these feelings can be difficult at times — however, there are strategies that can help. 

As an empath, your central nervous system is more aware, and responsive.

You notice small shifts — tone of voice, body language, and emotional energy — that other people might miss.  (I am always asking people ‘did you see/notice that action/tone/wording?’) and frequently people would say no.

This deeper observation often comes from:

• A deep value for connection and understanding

• Learning to read people early in life (sometimes from a sense that you want to feel safe, and so you monitor the people and environment around you for potential risks)

• A naturally open and caring heart

This is not uncommon.  You just may not have been shown how to support this part of yourself yet, so it can be a helpful and empowering skill rather than something that drains you, and your energy.

As an empath, you may already notice how people and environments affect your energy.

But it’s not just emotions — there are also invisible energies around us every day, including electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from things like phones, Wi-Fi, and smart meters (which track everything you use in your home that uses electricity (and when you use what), and report back to the relevant company so they can use the information).

Some sensitive people feel this more than others.  (Our house was installed with a smart meter yesterday, and I’ve had a headache and lack of energy ever since.  I didn’t connect this with the smart meter until I was working directly opposite it this morning — and within a few minutes I felt significantly worse.  This is quite noticeable, especially when we went for a walk in nature, and then came back into the house.  We are now in the process of getting it disconnected.)

Some common EMF symptoms are mentioned below (as always, they vary between people, and the best way to determine them is to monitor your own body and reactions).

• Feeling tired or foggy (my brain was mush)

• Trouble relaxing or sleeping (I struggled to sleep)

• Feeling ‘on edge’ without a clear reason (yep, felt this too)

In modern life, common sources include:

• Mobile phones and laptops

• Wi-Fi routers

• Bluetooth devices

• Smart meters on homes

Smart meters send wireless signals regularly, and some people feel more comfortable when they create a little space from them, especially in areas where they rest.  Remember, awareness of this is key to being able to strategise solutions. 

You don’t need to change everything at once.  Small, gentle steps can help you feel more balanced.

There are a few common options you could try to assist with this.

• Turning off Wi-Fi at night

• Keeping your phone away from your body when possible (especially at night-time, and when charging it)

• Taking breaks from screens (a walk in nature does wonders for our energy levels)

• Creating a calm, low-tech space to rest

• Not sleeping close to routers or smart meters if possible

I’ve noticed that my sensitivity has increased with all the energy training that I have been doing over the past few years, so I am doing what I can to minimise the impact of the new smart meter (especially as I don’t want to live with a headache forever more).  This includes (but is not limited to) lots of healthy, clean home-cooked food (mostly fruit and vegetables), smoothies and juices with lots of vegetables, walks in nature, and regular energetic clearing practices – as well as lots of work with crystals.

Some people (like me!) work with the energy of crystals as a way to support their energy.

Crystals are believed to have their own natural frequency, and many people find them calming and grounding.

Some popular crystals that could be helpful include the following – although please be aware that many other crystals can help, depending on the situation and what is readily available to you.

• Black tourmaline for grounding

• Shungite around electronics

• Amethyst for calm and balance

You can place them near your bed (check if it interferes with your sleep if you do this), workspace, or carry one with you.  (I just bought four more large pieces of black tourmaline, as that is what was available to me at short notice – and I love black tourmaline! 😊  I’ve put them near the smart meter, in the bathroom next door, and at the front of my desk, between me and the smart meter, as a protective measure.  I’ve also put various supporting crystals on my desk, to help with radiation before the smart meter is removed. I find black tourmaline a great crystal to have around, as it helps clear negative energy as well.)

What matters most is how any particular crystal make you feel.  Before buying them, pick them up and hold them.  How do they feel?  Does it feel good, or does it feel ‘blah’ or ‘no, not today’?  I’ve found many people can feel the energies of crystals, even if they haven’t been exposed to them before.  Give it a try, and let me know what you think!  😊

When you learn how to work with your sensitivity, it makes life so much easier.  Gradually, as you start to utilise the strategies and tools available, things start to change.

The strategies and tools can assist with:

• Building deeper relationships, with clear boundaries, and clarity around whose energy belongs to whom

• Trusting your intuition more, as you learn to use it, and learn from it

• Creating calm and safe spaces where you can recharge, and reconnect with yourself

• Make choices that truly feel right for you

In this way, your sensitivity can become your strength — rather than your struggle.

And yes, it can take time, and practice — but it’s worth it.

You don’t need to shut yourself off from the world (or hide on a beautiful tropical island, as I’ve longed to do many times over my life).

Instead, you can learn to support yourself in a kind and gentle way.

• Ask: ‘Is This Mine?’

When you feel overwhelmed, gently pause and ask yourself:  ‘Is this feeling mine, or did I pick it up from someone else?’

• Create Simple Boundaries

It’s okay to say:

• ‘I need some time to think about that.’

• ‘I’m not available right now.’

Boundaries are about caring for your energy.  They’re about looking after yourself, so you are balanced, which makes your life easier, as well as those of people who interact with you on a regular basis.  It’s usually so much easier to connect and work with people who are calm and balanced, rather than drained, or scattered.

• Take Quiet Time to Reset

Spend time alone to come back to yourself.

This could be a walk, journaling, or simply sitting in silence.

I find walking in nature so rejuvenating and refreshing for my mind, body, and soul.  Sitting in a swing in your backyard is also very calming and relaxing.  I love meditating as well.  It’s a matter of discovering what works best for you — and this can change depending on your mood, and the circumstances.  The better you know yourself, the more able you are to support your mind, body, and spirit.

• Connect Back to Your Body

When you feel a bit scattered (it happens sometimes):

• Take slow, deep breaths

• Place your hand on your heart, and your mind back to your body

• Notice your feet on the ground (and imagine roots growing out your feet into the middle of the earth)

This helps bring you back to the present moment.  And the present moment is where we have the power — what is your next step right now? 

• Choose Supportive Environments

Notice where you feel calm… and where you feel drained.  Consider the circumstances, and the people.  Was it a one-off occasion (eg. someone broke up and needed to cry on you)?  Or is it an on-going situation, with lots of drama, where they feed off your energy and attention?  How do you feel about it?

Give yourself permission to spend more time where you feel good.

Living your Best Life isn’t about becoming someone else.

It’s about understanding who you are — and supporting yourself in a way that feels right for you.

When you learn to work with your sensitivity:

• You Make More Aligned Choices

You start choosing what feels right for you, not just what others expect.

• You Create Healthier Relationships

You move from people-pleasing to honest, supportive connection, and some healthy boundaries to protect your peace of mind, and your energy.

• You Feel More Calm and Grounded

Life feels less overwhelming, and more peaceful.

• You Trust Yourself More

You begin to listen to your intuition, and feel confident in your decisions.

• You Live with More Purpose and Heart

You can care for others without losing yourself.

You create a life that feels meaningful, aligned, and true.

This is a gentle reminder:

You are not too much.
You are not too sensitive.

Your sensitivity is not holding you back from your Best Life.

It’s guiding you toward it.

When you learn to understand your energy, protect it, and honour your needs, you feel better. And you go from feeling drained, to feeling empowered, calm, and at home within yourself.

1. What is an empath?

An empath is someone who feels other people’s emotions and energy quite deeply.  You may notice moods, tension, or feelings around you without anyone saying anything.  This can feel overwhelming at times, but it also means you are very aware, caring, and intuitive.

2. How do I know if I’m an empath?

You might be an empath if you:

• Feel drained after being around certain people

• Pick up on others’ emotions quickly

• Feel overwhelmed in busy or emotional environments

• Struggle to tell what you’re feeling vs. what others are feeling

• Need time alone to recharge

If this sounds like you, welcome to the club!  And yes, there are tools and strategies you can utilise to help you manage your energy and emotions. 

3. Why do I feel so overwhelmed around people?

As an empath, your central nervous system is more sensitive to energy and emotions.  You may be taking on feelings that aren’t yours, without realising it.  This can lead to emotional overload.  Learning to pause and ask ‘Is this mine?’ can help you create space, and feel more in control.

4. How can empaths protect their energy?

Protecting your energy doesn’t have to be complicated.  Start with small, simple steps, such as the ones mentioned below.

• Take quiet time alone to reset (eg. walk in nature, bubble bath, swing in backyard)

• Set kind and clear boundaries (see our blog How to Set Boundaries with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere: A Kind and Gentle Approach for more on this)

• Limit time in draining environments

• Spend time in places that feel calm and safe

• Ground yourself with slow breathing, or going outside

These gentle habits can make a big difference over time.

5. How do I stop absorbing other people’s emotions?

You may not be able to stop noticing energy completely — but you can learn not to carry it. 

One tip I was taught (by Andrea Kerslake at The River House) was to imagine you’re a hollow bone — you can feel the energy, however, it goes through you, without you taking it on.

Another tool is to notice what you’re feeling, and ask yourself ‘Is this mine?’  If it isn’t, you can let it go.  You could either imagine releasing the energy into Mother Earth for cleansing; or imagine yourself in a waterfall, asking for it to wash away all energy that is not in your highest good; or ask a violet flame to purify their energy, and return it to them.

With practice, this becomes easier and more natural.

6. Can being an empath be a good thing?

Yes, it can, even if it doesn’t feel like it.  If you are able to use the tools, so you don’t feel so drained and overwhelmed by the energy around you, that will help.

Being an empath means you:

• Understand people on a deeper level

• Have strong intuition

• Can create meaningful and supportive connections

When you learn how to care for your energy, this becomes a strength, not a struggle.

7. Why do I feel tired all the time as an empath?

Feeling tired can happen when you are constantly taking in other people’s emotions without releasing them.  As a result, your energy gets drained.

To support yourself:

• Rest when you need to

• Spend time alone to recharge

• Reduce time with people or places that feel heavy

• Focus on what helps you feel calm and grounded

Your energy needs care too.

8. How can I set boundaries without feeling guilty?

It’s common for empaths to feel guilty when setting boundaries.  But boundaries are not about being unkind — they are about taking care of yourself.

Start small:

• ‘I need some time to think about that’

• ‘I’m not available right now’

You can be kind and still honour your needs.  As this is such an essential skill, I wrote a blog on it:  How to Set Boundaries with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere: A Kind and Gentle Approach.

9. Can I learn to manage being an empath better?

Yes, you can.  Being an empath is something you can learn to understand, and support.  With simple tools like awareness, boundaries, and self-care, you can feel more calm, clear, and in control.

It doesn’t happen all at once — but step by step, it does get easier.

10. How does being an empath help me live my Best Life?

When you understand and support your sensitivity, it can become a guide instead of a burden.

Some free resources that can assist with being an empath include:

• Managing Your Emotions - Free Checklist and Journal Prompts

• Meditation for Beginners 7-Day Challenge

• Stress Release 7-Day Challenge

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https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/guide-to-healing-crystals#science

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32289567/

https://energymuse.com/blogs/practices/combining-shungite-and-selenite

https://www.theholistichamper.co.uk/blog/empath-protection-crystals

https://www.healthline.com/health/shungite

This blog post is for general information and personal growth purposes only. It is not medical, psychological, or professional advice. Everyone’s experience is different, so please trust your own judgment and do what feels right for you.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling with your mental or emotional wellbeing, and you want support, please seek advice from a qualified professional.

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