There’s no doubt that many of us are in need of extra support these days. But if you’re an empath you might find yourself feeling overwhelmed. This is why it’s important to practice self-care. So here are some of the best self-care ideas for empaths in a crisis.

But first, what is an empath and if you are one, how can you practice self-care in times of crisis?

Are you an empath?

Empaths are sensitive people who can empathize strongly with others. This means they can put themselves in other’s shoes and are typically great listeners, with high EQ.

If you’re an empath, then you know that you’ll always be there for your friends and loved ones- and you’ll do anything to support them. But the downside is that sometimes you struggle to say no- and you can have a tendency to take on too much, or take on other people’s problems t heart- almost as if they were your own. And this can be extremely draining.

That’s why it’s so important to make sure you look after yourself and practice the kind of self-care that all empaths need.

If you want to know you’re an empath, here are some questions you can ask yourself to find out, according to Dr. Judith Orloff ( From Psychalive.org)

  • Have I been labeled as “too emotional” or overly sensitive?
  • If a friend is distraught, do I start feeling it too?
  • Are my feelings easily hurt?
  • Am I emotionally drained by crowds, require time alone to revive?
  • Do my nerves get frayed by noise, smells, or excessive talk?
  • Do I prefer taking my own car places so that I can leave when I please?
  • Am I afraid of becoming engulfed by intimate relationships?
  • Do I overeat to cope with emotional stress?

According to Dr. Orloff, “If you answer ‘yes’ to 1-3 of these questions, you’re at least part empath. Responding ‘yes’ to more than 3 indicates that you’ve found your emotional type.”

5 Best Self-Care Ideas For Empaths In A Crisis

1. Switch off and unplug

We all need each other more right now. But trying to be there for everyone all of the time, while potentially feeling stressed out yourself isn’t healthy.

Empaths are usually introverts. This means you need a little time alone to yourself to recharge.

If you don’t feel stressed, that’s great. But just make sure to check in with yourself to ensure you really do feel fine, and you’re not just putting your feelings and emotions to the bottom of your list and prioritizing everyone else around you.

You are human. It’s ok to not be available 24/7. It’s ok to switch off and let your mind rest. Give yourself a moment to breathe. It might not be possible to be there for everyone all of the time and that’s O.K.

Give yourself permission to put you and your mental health first. Because you need your strength to continue to be there for everyone, for the long haul.

And remember, even empaths need support sometimes.

2. Have a mini media detox

Do you find yourself watching the news on loop, 24/7? With all that’s happening, you don’t want to miss any important information, especially when things are so uncertain and rapidly changing. It’s important to be informed. But do you need to watch news updates, on the hour, and scroll through social media, round the clock?

Having mini media detox might just be what your mental health needs right now.  Allow yourself to take a breather from it all, by simply turning things off. That means no social media, no news updates reading or watching- and just letting your brain have a moment of calm. 

Depending on what feels comfortable, this might be for a day, or two or even a few days. Either way, it could be the thing that helps you get back on track if you haven’t been feeling your best lately.

And while you’re at it, why not use that time for something positive and constructive that’s purely for you.

3. Get a good nights sleep

We’re all waking up to the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. No pun intended! According to The Sleep Foundation, Lack of sleep has been a steadily increasing problem in America and stress has long been known to increase these sleep problems.

Yet, at times of crisis, it’s the basics that often suffer. It’s easy to stay up late into the night working or worrying about things. Is so and so ok? I’m really worried about … is my job situation ok?… for how long?…

Don’t fall prey to insomnia. Making a point of focusing on maintaining good sleeping hygiene is one of the best self-care ideas for empaths in a crisis. Even if you don’t need to wake up for a long commute- you’re body may still be tired from all the stress and worrying you’re doing so make sure to get good rest.

4. Nourish your mind 

Your mind needs nourishing at the best of times. And during times of stress, you need mental nourishment even more so. 

That means, purposefully developing positive mental habits. Like, thinking about the things that are good in your life.  When practicing self-care as an empath in crisis a great idea is practicing gratitude.

While a gratitude journal is a wonderful idea, if it seems like just another thing to add to your list, then remember, gratitude can be practiced anytime, and anywhere. Simply taking a moment every morning to reflect on the few things that you are thankful for, and really allowing yourself to feel the gratitude for them can make all the difference to how you feel.

Sometimes, especially when things stressful, we can forget just how much we have to be thankful for.

5. Practice forgiveness

While gratitude is something that does get talked about more and more, forgiveness is something that you might not consider. But it’s just as powerful when it comes to your mental wellbeing, especially as an empath. During times of crisis, you want to do everything you can for everyone. You want to make sure everyone is ok. And when they’re not- because you can’t save everyone, or when you can’t be there, because remember, you’re just human- you can end up turning on yourself.

Be kind to yourself and don’t beat yourself up. Forgive yourself and give yourself grace with all things. 

If you’re not the perfect employee, sister, mother, daughter, partner, wife- that’s ok. 

Being hard on yourself doesn’t make you better, it doesn’t make the situation better. All it does is break you down from the inside out. 

So, whatever happens, keep calm and practice self-love. 

Now find out the  5 Things You Can Do to Reduce Stress That You Can Start Right Now.