To an empath social media can easily feel like an energy vampire if not used mindfully. Yes, our favourite apps allow us to feel connected and well-informed as we rush to beat FOMO – but highly-sensitive folk need to care less about social media and more about their mental state.
What is an empath?
Do you often get the sense that you can literally feel what others are feeling or do large crowds draw your energy levels down and you end up feeling drained? Then you’re probably an empath.
Empath from the word empathy specifically put by Medical News Today refers to “better understand their feelings or experiences”.
While this can help build really strong relationships it also means that as an empath you need to be a little more aware of who you hang around, what situations you expose yourself to and more specifically what you’re consuming over social media.
Most common signs you’re an empath:
- You experience extreme emotions in certain environments
- You need a lot of alone time
- Intimate relationships feel overwhelming
- Large crowds drain you
Social media as an energy vampire to empaths
Highly graphical and extreme turn of events consumed on social media is enough to make an empath experience shortness of breath, nausea, aches in joints – and these are all symptoms of a possible anxiety attack.
However, there are ways to still stay connected and reap the positive benefits of social media.
Quick ways to beat the social media fog
Block and hide
This isn’t out of hate but more for your own good so block any social media pages that post any negative or information you’re not in the space to take in. News sources are a great way to stay informed but you’ll find out about it in time (after you’re doing better mentally).
Take social media breaks when needed
Scrolling through social media could feel like going down a rabbit hole – only to end up feeling mentally and emotionally drained. We don’t want that so be very strict with yourself and take social media breaks when you need to. That means turning off notifications that will serve as a distraction. You could also delete the application and re-download it when you’re ready again.