Set boundaries
It's easy to dissolve in other people's problems if you don't say "stop" in time. Learn to say "no" without feeling guilty. Remember: your resources are not an endless ocean, but rather a neat stream that needs to be protected.
Stop saving everyone
For a long time, I thought that I could pull anyone out of their troubles. Spoiler: I can't. And neither can you. Sometimes people need to go through their own lessons. Support them with words, but don't take someone else's responsibility on your shoulders.
Find your own ways to restore energy
After emotionally difficult situations, I feel squeezed like a lemon. Walks, music, a hot bath or just an hour of silence save you. Find what helps you – it’s like your personal “reboot” ritual.
Learn to distinguish your emotions from others’
This is the hardest part. When you feel someone else’s pain, it’s easy to mistake it for your own. A little trick helps me: I ask myself, “What did I feel before this meeting/conversation?” If everything was calm before, then the emotions are clearly someone else’s.
Develop self-compassion
Empathy is wonderful, but it’s important not to forget to be kind to yourself. If the whole world understands you, but you don’t understand yourself, that’s wrong. Your internal dialogue should be warm and supportive.
Stop considering empathy a disadvantage
Sometimes people say, “You’re too sensitive, stop it!” But you know what? Empathy is a gift. It’s the ability to understand others, build deep relationships, and see the world more subtly. The main thing is to learn to manage this gift so that it brings joy and doesn’t exhaust you.
If you too feel like your empathy levels are off the charts, remember: you are not alone.