Are you carrying the weight of the world and not realizing it? Empaths are not just “noticing” others’ feelings, they are absorbing these emotions.

During these unprecedented times, it may feel like you need to stay productive and heal others, because you understand that we’re all in this together – which can leave you with “compassion fatigue”. It’s an empath’s nature to want to put others first, especially when other people are in need of our help or are suffering. If you’re constantly absorbing emotional information from others (or from the news), it can be hard to realize your own thoughts and emotions vs. what you’re feeling and holding onto from others.

In other words, people’s problems or pain become your problems or pain.

Because empaths feel the emotions and energy of others in an overwhelming way, they have to carefully manage their emotions and practice a lot of self-care to avoid constant emotional fatigue. Understanding and acknowledging your empathic nature is the first step in self-care so that you can protect your own energy and emotions going forward.

Taking care of yourself is productive. It’s okay to put you first.

So, when was the last time you did something for yourself and said ‘no’ to unnecessary obligations?

As humans we are constantly reading. Whether it be the daily news, social media posts, text messages or emails, the list goes on. We read so much, we often forget it is something that can be extremely beneficial when done with intention. Just like our physical beings, our brains need exercise, and reading is one of the greatest ways to keep our minds healthy. Putting effort towards reading something substantial every single day (long or short!) has really great benefits.

Mental Stimulation

Reading stimulates the brain and has been shown to slow the progress of potential diseases such as Alzheimer's and Dementia. It is necessary to keep your brain active and engaged to maintain its power. Keeping the brain stimulated is a form of exercising the mind which is crucial for keeping it healthy and sharp.

Stress Reduction

A reduction in stress comes as a result of setting aside time for yourself. Reading is a great addition to our routines as it gives us a moment to spend time with ourselves and enjoy the present moment. Reading allows you to relax as tension releases, whether you're curled up with a good book or an informative article.

Increase in Knowledge

We are constantly filling our minds with information, and the more knowledge we acquire, the better equipped we may be to face life's challenges. Learning is also simply fun, especially when we choose to engage in a topic that we are passionate about.

Increase in Empathy

Reading about the lives of others may take you out of your own reality for a moment and place you into someone else's shoes. Reading is a necessary tool for understanding the lives of those that differ from your own. Reading has the power to change your outlook on certain things as well, handing you the opportunity for new perspectives.

Vocabulary Expansion

The more you read, the larger your vocabulary can grow. Simply exposing yourself to more words and ways of thinking can expand your vocabulary and assist in your ability to express your thoughts.

Improved Memory

When we read, there are many aspects we have to retain through the storyline to properly understand what is happening on the pages in front of us. Our brains take these new memories and forge new pathways while strengthening existing ones. This assists in stabilizing moods as well as improving short term memory recall.

Improved Focus and Concentration

Reading requires focus, and while our brains may be pulled in many different directions throughout the day, it is important to set aside time to read something of substance. Our brains require concentration and focus in order to retain what we are reading, and the more we read, the more improvement we see in our ability to focus. It is shown that even just 15-20 minutes of reading a day can result in being more productive due to an increase in focus.

Improved Sleep

Picking up a book to read before falling asleep instead of spending time on your phone can lead to a more restful night's sleep. Reading something of substance is relaxing and sleep-inducing, allowing you to de-stress and release tension which results in better sleep quality.

All of these benefits are wonderful and inspiring, but you may be thinking “what now?” We have provided a few book recommendations along with some great blogs to assist you in your reading journey. Choose something you're passionate about or something that sparks interest-- dive in, and experience all that reading has to offer.

Book Recommendations:

—Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment

Book by Tal Ben-Shahar

—The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

Book by Brené Brown

—Make Your Bed

Book by Admiral William H. McRaven

This inspiring book shows how little things can have a big impact.

Blog Recommendations:

—Pick the Brain: Grow Yourself

https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/

This blog specifically focuses on self motivation and self improvement.

—Unclutter

https://www.unclutter.com/blog/

This blog is great for assisting you in not only decluttering your space, but your mind as well.

—Zen Habits

https://zenhabits.net

A zen-themed self improvement blog that also assists in motivation while understanding the world around us.

References

10 Benefits of Reading: Why You Should Read Every Day. Retrieved from https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-reading-why-you-should-read-everyday.html

15 Incredible Benefits from Reading Every Day. Retrieved from https://ideapod.com/15-incredible-benefits-reading-read-every-day/