The Empowered Empath’s Guide To Spiritual Self-Care

Empaths, sensitives and intuitives tend to be givers. Loyal, sometimes to a fault, and fiercely protective of those they care about… moving at lightning speed whenever called upon.

So, when I say to an empath that it may be time to put themselves first, the response is often mixed.

But, if putting yourself first seems too selfish or too difficult, try something simpler: at least put yourself on an equal footing with those you love and care for.

For many sensitive and highly intuitive people, self-care must be an acquired behavior… and it’s a big one. Empaths intend to be selfless, to help, heal and facilitate those they care about. Wonderful!

But remember, if this is your goal, then begin with yourself. The stronger, healthier and happier you are then the more effective, nurturing and supportive you can be to those around you.

Putting yourself first doesn’t mean that you are doing only what you want to do all the time, and it doesn’t mean that you are suddenly going to ignore those you care about.

What it does mean is making it a priority to take care of your own physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. This can be a tall order and quite the task for some empaths. Don’t wait until you are in a meltdown… frustrated  and snapping at everything and everyone around you, with little or no provocation.

Empaths have huge issues around self-care and creating healthy boundaries.  They often have such strong tendencies towards over giving, putting other’s needs first that they more easily suffer exhaustion, stress and burn out ~ Eileen Burns

The most important first step is to stop for a moment and check in on yourself. How are you feeling in your body? Are you tense, rundown, experiencing headaches or physical discomfort? How are you feeling emotionally? What are you thinking about? Your body, mind and emotions will send you very clear signals if you are neglecting yourself.

You must be willing to begin to be your own caretaker first.  This is your life, honor it. No one else can do this for you.  Realize that when you begin to do take these steps, others will notice the impact it is having on you and potentially want to model the same care for themselves. This leads to them feeling happier, more balanced and less reliant on you. Self-care is in fact a gift not only to you, but to those you care about.

The benefits of self-care can include improved happiness, increased energy, less stress, more balanced relationships, less resentment and more respect from others. If they see you honoring, caring for, and respecting yourself, they will be more inclined to extend that respect back to you. You are showing them who you are and how to treat you, by modeling it through self-care.

Make a commitment to shift your perspective, give yourself a break and begin the process of putting yourself first.

Spiritual self-care is about maintaining energetic hygiene and nurturing your connection to your inner guidance and higher self. Try some of these soul-nourishing practices to help you stay grounded, balanced, and empowered:

Create Daily Sacred Space: Even five minutes in stillness, with candlelight or soft music, can help you realign with your center.

Cleanse Your Energy Field: Use smudging, salt baths, or visualization to release energy that isn’t yours.

Declutter Your Energy Field: Let go of emotional baggage, outdated obligations, and toxic ties.

Practice Energy Shielding: Visualize a bubble of light protecting you when entering crowded or charged environments.

Explore Healing Modalities: Reiki, sound healing, acupuncture, or massage can help restore your energetic balance.

Ground Yourself Often: Walk barefoot on the earth, carry grounding crystals, or do root chakra meditations.

Move Your Body Mindfully: Yoga, dance, or tai chi help release stagnant emotional energy.

Prioritize Sleep & Rest: Deep rest is not indulgent; it is your reset button.

Journal Your Emotions: Writing is a safe and sacred way to process what you feel.

Practice Mindful Breathing: Conscious breath brings you back into your body and out of overwhelm.

Honor Your Intuition: Let your inner knowing guide you, even in small daily decisions.

Recharge In Nature: Forests, oceans, and even a garden can be portals to peace for the empathic soul.

Use Crystals For Support: Amethyst, black tourmaline, and rose quartz are powerful allies for empaths.

Work With Your Guides:  Connect with spirit guides, angels or ancestors through meditation or prayer.

Speak Kindly To Yourself: Use affirmations that uplift your soul and reaffirm your worth.

Set Strong Boundaries: Learn to say no with love. Not every cry for help is your responsibility.

Consume Conscious Media: Limit exposure to fear-driven or emotionally intense content.

Schedule “No People” Days: Protect your time to be alone, decompress and recharge your mid, body and spirit.

Surround Yourself With Uplifting People: Choose company that nourishes rather than drains your spirit.

Celebrate Your Sensitivity: Your empathic gifts are sacred. Learn to treasure them as strengths, not burdens.

In the quiet moments where you choose yourself, you reclaim your inner light. Never forget, your giving nature is a gift, but your well-being is what allows your gift to flow. Make space for your own healing and self-care, and see how it transforms not only your own life, but the lives of everyone around you.