5 WAYS to Create a Positive Mindset - When You Feel Burdened

Having high empathy makes you more sensitive to the world around you. It's both a blessing and a curse. High empathy enables you to have an amazing amount of compassion where you sacrifice with little thought to yourself. We need more love like this in the world.

But high empathy can also create a sense of losing yourself to others, where you self-betray by not getting your needs adequately met. It can cause you to people-please more than you'd like. And it will affect your mood, even create depression.

Learning to balance high empathy with taking good care of yourself is key to long-lasting mental, emotional, and physical health. I salute everyone who is high in empathy. And maybe you're in a helping occupation where you need to be giving day after day after day. I get it!

We can often feel burdened by all the problems, struggles, and even trauma others bring to us.

Here are 5 ways I reframe my day in a more positive way:

1. Reframe the Work You Do

Even though clients come in with a lot of problems, I choose to see my work as an honour. It's a privilege to have clients trust me with their most intimate challenges. I get to journey with them as they work towards creating a happier life for themselves.

• Shift Perspective: View your role as a guide rather than a fixer.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge the progress your clients make, no matter how small.
• Set Boundaries: Remember that their journey is theirs, and your role is to support, not to solve everything.

2. Don't Take on Everyone's Burden

I am highly invested in each client, but I choose not to take on the burden of transformation that is up to them alone. I take care of myself, allowing myself to feel my own sadness and pain. I don’t avoid difficult emotions and I reach out for support when I need it.

• Acknowledge Your Emotions: It’s okay to feel sad, frustrated, or tired.
• Seek Support: Talk to colleagues or a mentor about your feelings.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you offer others.

3. Focus on What You Want in Life

It's essential to take care of myself. Even as I give my best to others, I make sure to address my own needs. I seek to live a nourished life, full of joy, peace, and love.

• Set Personal Goals: Identify what brings you joy and make time for it.
• Balance Giving and Receiving: Ensure you’re not always the one giving; allow yourself to receive support and love.
• Nurture Your Passions: Engage in activities that excite and rejuvenate you.

4. Practice Appreciation

I am grateful for the good people in my life who are loving and supportive. I also appreciate my profession and the time I get to spend with each of my clients.

• Daily Gratitude: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
• Express Thanks: Tell the people in your life how much they mean to you.
• Reflect on Positives: At the end of the day, reflect on positive interactions and moments.

5. Expand Your Self-Care Practice

Not all self-care is about relaxing. Self-care can also be about fun and playfulness. Doing something silly helps remind me not to take life too seriously.

• Incorporate Fun: Schedule time for activities that make you laugh and feel joy.
• Try New Hobbies: Engage in new, enjoyable activities that you’ve always wanted to try.
• Stay Active: Physical activity can be a great form of self-care, whether it’s a casual walk or a fun dance class.

In Conclusion

Remember that you matter. Being high in empathy is a gift, but it’s important not to burn yourself out by over-caring for others. To maintain your strength, pace yourself and ensure that your life includes plenty of self-love. This is what I practice daily. It’s not about perfection, but about making small, consistent changes that lead to significant improvements over time.

By implementing these practices, you can create a positive mindset and maintain a healthy balance in your empathetic life.

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