Surviving the Holidays as an Empath

Surviving the holiday season as an empath can sometimes feel like navigating a tumultuous sea of emotions. 

The joy, love, stress, and anxiety are amplified for us, turning festive gatherings into a whirlwind of sensory overload. In this engaging conversation, we explore practical strategies to manage this emotional upheaval, set healthy boundaries, and thrive in the holiday chaos.

We will arm you with a toolkit to survive and enjoy the holidays, whether you are surrounded by family, attending social events, or braving the holiday shopping frenzy. 

We look deeper into mindfulness as a powerful tool in distinguishing between our feelings and those absorbed by others, especially during emotionally charged family gatherings. 

Unravel the complex tapestry of family dynamics and learn to set intentional boundaries to preserve your peace. Not forgetting the energy-draining social events, we share tips on managing your energy and finding your allies. 

Trust us; this episode is your guide to facing the holiday season with strength and grace, celebrating your unique, empathic nature amidst the hustle and bustle. 

So, get comfy with your favorite warm drink and join us on this enlightening journey.

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Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:01

You're listening to the Realized Empath Podcast, where we get real about loving and stumbling through our sensitive lives With your host and holistic counselor, Kristin Schwartz, who helps redefine what's possible for an empath who embraces a path of self-healing.

Speaker 2: 0:22

Hello, wonderful listeners, welcome back to another episode of Realized Empath Podcast. I'm Kristin, your guide on this journey of emotional empowerment. So today we're tackling a topic that many of us find challenging surviving the holidays as an empath. So the holiday season which is bright lights, festive gatherings can also be a whirlwind of emotional energy for us empaths, and it often means navigating a complex maze of feelings and sensations. Think back to your last holiday season. You remember the bustle of family dinners, the laughter, the occasional clashing of personalities and the myriad of emotions that come with the season. For an empath, this can be both a beautiful and an overwhelming experience. We feel everything more deeply, from the joy and love to the stress and anxiety. It's like walking into a room and instantly tuning into the emotions of everyone that's present. So this heightened sensitivity it can be a gift, but during the holidays it can be a lot to navigate. So that's why, in this episode, we're going to explore ways to embrace the holiday season while honoring our unique empathic nature. We'll discuss how to manage the emotional overload, how to set boundaries and find peace amidst the chaos, whether you're attending a family gathering or a social event, or maybe you'd rather do the holidays solo, but you still have to navigate the stores. So this episode is going to be your toolkit for not just surviving but thriving this holiday season. Grab a cozy blanket, pour yourself a warm drink and let's get started.

Speaker 2: 2:26

Let's explore our understanding of our empathic nature, especially during the holiday season. You know, the holidays aren't just about festive lights and gift giving. They're an emotional roller coaster and as impasse, we experience these emotions on a magnified scale. It's like being in a room where every laughter and tear echoes in our hearts. This can be beautiful, but it can also be overwhelming. How do we distinguish between what we feel and what we absorb from others? Well, it starts with a simple but powerful practice Mindfulness of our emotional state. So when you feel a sudden wave of emotion, I want you to take a moment and ask yourself is this mine? Just recognizing that an emotion isn't ours can lessen its grip. Now, this doesn't mean ignoring others' feelings, but it's about understanding our own emotional boundaries. And remember, it's okay to feel joy differently If the holiday cheer feels too loud. It's okay to find solace in the quieter joys A cup of hot chocolate, a favorite book, a solitary walk. Finding your empathic nature is about blending into the holiday chaos. It's about finding your unique way to experience joy and peace.

Speaker 2: 3:56

Moving on to navigating family dynamics during the holidays, so this can be like walking through a maze of emotions for an empath. So much history, so much energy. So family gatherings are a tapestry of personalities we know that and histories, and as empaths we often find ourselves absorbing not just the present emotions but also the unspoken historical family dynamics. We're highly sensitive people, so we're going to notice the little subtleties of human behavior, those wounds that we still hold onto from the past. They're gonna be very much present. So here's a tool I found invaluable setting intentional boundaries. So this doesn't mean building walls and it means understanding your limits. It's about giving yourself permission to step back when conversations get intense or when you start to feel overwhelmed. You have to really set the intention to stay present in your body and notice your mind. When you start to notice your mind going into the more negative self-talk, when you start to notice your body or nervous system getting agitated, a discrete walk outside or a few moments alone can be incredibly rejuvenating. And speaking of rejuvenation, find your allies within these gatherings. Maybe it's a sibling who understands your nature, or a cousin you vibe with having a supportive presence can make a world of difference. So share a look, joke or even have just a quick chat, but these small moments of connection can be your anchors in the sea of emotions.

Speaker 2: 5:54

Now let's talk about social gathering and managing your energy within those gatherings. We all know the holiday season can be full of parties and social events and for an impact, this can feel like navigating a stormy sea. So we walk into a room and suddenly we're attuned to every undercurrent of emotion. It can be exhilarating and it can be draining. So how do you manage your energy? It's about finding a balance. You don't have to attend every event. Even when the pressure's put on you. You can choose the ones that resonate with you, and it's perfectly fine to leave early or drive separately if you need to. It's about honoring your energy levels and not over-committing. And when you're at the events, you want to practice selective engagement. So engaging conversations that uplift you and feel free to excuse yourself from those that drain you. Here's a little trick you want to find a quiet spot now and then Even just a few minutes from the crowd can help recharge you. Remember, managing your energy is not about avoiding social interactions. It's about engaging with them in a way that's respectful to your empathic nature.

Speaker 2: 7:20

Now let's gently tap into a topic that many of us find challenging Coping with holiday expectations. So the holidays often come with a long list of shoulds and musts. Raise your hand. If you've experienced that, you know what I mean the perfect gift, the perfect meal, the perfect decorations. But who defines this perfection? Where does that come from? And maybe you're the one that's holding yourself to this idea of perfection. Whose voice is that in your head? So certainly it's not our empathic selves, because our empathic selves thrive on authenticity and deep connection. So you want to come back into tune with that part of yourself. So first, I invite you to acknowledge the external pressures, recognize them for what they are Societal constructs, not mandates for your happiness.

Speaker 2: 8:20

Okay, now what about redefining expectations? How about setting intentions instead of expectations? So an intention is like enjoy moments of connection or find joy in simple things and even be kind to yourself. So you want to replace the perfect with good enough. And remember the holiday season is not a performance. It's a time to connect with what truly matters to you, and sometimes that might mean a quiet evening with a book instead of a loud bustling party. Last, you want to give yourself permission to experience the holidays in a way that feel right to you Like. If large gatherings are overwhelming, then seek smaller, more intimate settings. If gift giving causes you anxiety, explore alternative ways to show love, like writing heartfelt notes or spending quality time together. So you're the curator of your holiday experience. You want to embrace that power and create a holiday season that resonates with your empathic nature.

Speaker 2: 9:33

All right, moving forward, let's address a common experience for many impasse emotional overload. So the holidays can be like an emotional buffet with a vast array of feelings on offer. So it's easy to become overwhelmed, to feel like we're drowning in a sea of emotion, and the first step in coping with this is to recognize the signs of overload. Are you feeling unusually tired, irritable or anxious? What does your body feel like? Is there tightness in your chest? Is there tightness in your throat? Do you suddenly feel your mood shifting? Is it hard to concentrate? Or are you feeling usually down? So these can all be signs that you're taking on too much emotionally. So let's cover some strategies to cope with this overload.

Speaker 2: 10:31

Creating a personal sanctuary can be incredibly helpful. This doesn't have to be physical space, it can be a mental or emotional retreat. So maybe it's a few minutes of listening to soothing music or a short walk outside, or even just a few deep breaths. Your sanctuary is your safe harbor in the storm of holiday emotions, so you can retreat to it whenever you feel the waves getting too high. Finally, remember the power of saying no, the empowered no. If it's not a hell yes, then make it an empowered no. No is a complete sentence and it's a powerful tool in your impact toolkit. So I invite you to try this holiday season to not explain yourself. You don't have to attend every event, you don't have to participate in every tradition and you don't have to meet every expectation. Sometimes the most compassionate thing you can do for yourself is to opt out, to recharge, to return when you feel more balanced. It's not selfish, it's self-awareness, it's self-care, and in taking care of yourself, you're better equipped to enjoy the true spirit of the holidays.

Speaker 2: 11:56

Okay, let's talk about the joy of giving empath style. So, as empaths, we understand the power of a thoughtful gift. It's not just about the item itself, it's about the emotion and the connection it represents. And during the holidays, this takes on a special significance. When choosing gifts, we can often feel the emotions of the recipient, imagining their joy or surprise and gratitude. This can turn gift giving into an emotionally rich experience. But remember, it's not about the price tag or the wow factor. It's about the thought and the empathy behind it.

Speaker 2: 12:38

Think personalized, meaningful gifts that resonate with the receiver's personality or needs. Maybe it's a handcrafted item, a book you know they love, or even a heartfelt letter. Right, these gifts can carry a piece of our empathic understanding, making them priceless. But don't forget that gift giving can also mean non-material things. Offering your time, a listening ear or a helping hand can sometimes be the most precious gift, especially during the holiday season.

Speaker 2: 13:10

As you immerse yourself in the joy of giving, don't forget to be mindful of your own emotional well-being. It's easy to get caught up in the rush and that desire to make everyone happy. Remember to step back, breathe, recognize your own needs, because the balance between giving to others and caring for yourself is vital, especially for empaths. So as we wrap our gifts, let's also wrap ourselves in self-compassion and understanding. So we all know that the holidays come with their own set of traditions and rituals, some which might overwhelm us. So why not create your own Empath-friendly rituals can be a sanctuary, a way to celebrate the season in a way that resonates with your inner self.

Speaker 2: 14:03

Let's think about what makes us feel calm, happy or at peace. Maybe it's a quiet evening with a book, maybe it's a walk in nature or a small gathering with close friends. These moments can become your personal holiday rituals. So creating your own rituals doesn't mean discarding traditional ones. It's about adding personal touches that honor your nature. Maybe it's lighting a candle and reflecting each night, or playing music that soothes your soul, or crafting homemade decorations. These acts of self-expression can be incredibly fulfilling and grounding during the holiday hustle. And remember, when you craft these rituals, they're not set in stone. Feel free to adapt and change them as you evolved or as your needs shift. The beauty of personalized rituals is that they grow with you. They can provide a sense of tradition, sure, but also comfort, year after year. So this holiday season, take some time to create rituals that nourish your empathic soul and celebrate the season your own unique way.

Speaker 2: 15:16

As our episode nears its end, I want to take a moment and reflect and look forward. The holidays, with all their complexity, also offer a time for introspection, and, as empaths, we have this natural inclination toward deep thinking and feeling, and let's use this to our advantage. Reflect on the past year your growth, the challenges and the moments of joy. What have you learned about yourself? How has your empathic nature shaped these experiences? Looking forward, let's think about the upcoming year. What are your hopes, your aspirations? How can you use your empathic abilities to enhance your life and the lives of those around you?

Speaker 2: 16:07

Setting intentions for the new year can be a powerful exercise. It's not just about resolutions. It's about understanding your inner desires and aligning your actions with them. And as we step into the new year, let's carry with us the lessons and experiences of the past. Let's embrace our empathic nature, not just as a part of who we are, but as a guiding light. Your sensitivity, your empathy, is a gift, one that can bring understanding, compassion and deep connection. So here's to a new year filled with empathy, growth and self-discovery. As we come to an end of our time together.

Speaker 2: 16:50

Today, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each one of you for joining me on this journey of 2023. Your presence, your listening, your empathic nature, they're all part of this beautiful tapestry we're weaving together at Realized Empath. Remember, the holiday season, with all its challenges and joys, is a journey we navigate together, learning and growing along the way. Now, if today's episode resonated with you and you're also seeking deeper exploration and support in your empathic journey, I have something special for you. It's my 12-week program, energy Mastered. So this program is designed specifically for empaths like you who want to delve deeper into understanding and harnessing their unique gifts. Over 12 weeks, we're going to explore a range of topics and techniques tailored to help you manage your energy, set boundaries and truly thrive as an empath.

Speaker 2: 17:50

To join Energy Mastered, or to simply learn more about the program, visit my website at RealizedEmpathcom. You'll find all the details there, along with resources to help you on your empath journey. Remember you're not alone. This program is a space of growth, connection and empowerment. So if you're ready to take the next step in mastering your empathic energy, I'd be honored to guide you on this transformative journey. The start date of the program is March 2024 and seats are filling up fast. Thank you again for tuning in to Realized Empath. I'm wishing you a peaceful and joyous holiday season. Until next time, which will be 2024, take care and embrace your incredible empathic nature. Bye, everybody.