6 SIGNS AN EMPATH HAS A NEGATIVITY ADDICTION

Did you even think it was possible to become addicted to negativity?

I mean, it sounds utterly bonkers, doesn’t it?

When we think of addictions, we often just think about the ones related to drugs or alcohol, perhaps even to gambling. But to negativity?

So, how does it work?

Basically, negative emotions can give the body a rush of the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline, which can become addictive, especially when regularly activated.

We read a lot about becoming addicted to dopamine, the pleasure hormone, yet we don’t see much about addictions to the stress hormones. But they are probably more common, especially amongst Sensitive people.

I have written in-depth about negativity addictions and the negativity bias in my book: Become a Super-Empowered Empath, but, over the years I have only covered it in a couple of posts.

Part of my book discusses how an Empath can have a negativity addiction without knowing, and how it impacts their life. I also give ways to overcome it.

The reason I wanted to discuss it here is because the world is in such a state of emotional despair.

Emotions are being purposely ignited to keep people in fear or anger, and this can be what leads to a negativity addiction.

Having an addiction to negativity causes so many problems within the body and mind, and will most certainly end up causing emotional toxicity.

As Empaths, we all know what it feels like to spend time around anyone who has emotional toxicity. Not good.

So, the last thing we would want is to experience it ourselves.

The thing is, once you have a negativity addiction, your brain works in sneaky ways to activate your body into releasing stress hormones, by drawing your attention to anything that it knows will make you react.

This reaction is often unique to you.

After giving up many addictive things, I know exactly how tricky addictions are, especially within the brain.

It is not until we give something up for a period of time that we see just how our choices and thoughts were governed by an addiction.

Now, I’m sure you’ll be keen to find out what the signs are of a negativity addiction.

So, without further ado, let’s look.

6 SIGNS OF NEGATIVITY ADDICTION

1.  You are drawn to media sites that stir up anger or adrenaline rushes

You find yourself returning to media or news sites that wind you up or fill you with anger.

2. You constantly find fault in others

Finding fault in others is something we all do from time to time. It’s part of human nature. But when it is a constant reaction, there’s a problem within. For example: you could find yourself reacting to strangers when you go to the supermarkets or places of interest, you may find yourself seeing shortcomings in everyone who crosses your path.

3. Your thoughts rapidly ignite anger

You might get infuriated by someone who has a different opinion than yours, or you could find yourself becoming enraged by politicians whose agendas you do not agree with. If you get riled at the slightest things and find your thoughts naturally venturing over to the dark side, without you always knowing how they got there, this could be a sign of negativity addiction.

4. You always bring the conversation back to negative issues

When in conversations with others, you often find your discussions come back to reasons to be annoyed. Normally an Empath would move conversations away from difficult subjects, but when suffering a negativity addiction, they will be the one who keeps the awkward conversations going.

5. You seem to thrive when ranting and raving about any injustice that you see in the world

You get high when talking all things negative. Which as you might expect, is not a normal Empath trait. You may feel energised and purposeful when raging about things that make you angry, and your natural empathic switch, that would keep you from engaging in such conversations, seems to be switched off.

6. You secretly enjoy being around people with whom you can get into dark discussions

Normally, Empaths like to avoid overly negative people, for the reason that it stirs up uncomfortable emotions within. But when suffering with a negativity addiction, you might actually find yourself enjoying conversations with those who might put others down or find fault in the world.

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Just because you might identify with any of the above traits does not make you a bad person. Your body could be tricking you into getting a hit of the stress hormones.

All our big media sites know just how addictive our stress hormones are, as well as our negativity bias, and for this reason they put stories out that focus on all things negative, thus keeping us coming back for more.

I often write about the importance of Empaths avoiding media outlets because it creates negative emotions.

WHY DO WE BECOME ADDICTED TO NEGATIVITY?

The reason you may not consciously be aware that you are addicted to stress hormones is because they are activated without you necessarily taking part.

Which makes sense when you think about it, because when an Empath picks up and feels other people’s emotions and stresses, their own stress hormones can get activated.

This can happen without you having any particular big stresses in your own life.

So, yes, Empaths are prone to having negativity addictions and this is because they feel everything so powerfully.

Yet there is always light at the end of the tunnel. As with any addiction, we have to see it for ourselves and understand how the brain is tricking our mind into focusing on negative issues, which will trigger the stress hormones.

Often, when we become aware of a problem within, it is half way to overcoming it.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

If you suspect you have an addiction to negativity, and are therefore drawing more negativity into your life (like attracts like), you have to stay vigilant of knowing when your hormones are being spiked.

You normally recognise a hormone spike by the discomfort around the gut or chest area. It may feel like a burning sensation or a sense of dread, or your heart might be pounding. It could also trigger anxiety or panic attacks.

As soon as you feel this discomfort, act immediately with some type of distraction, so that your thoughts don’t get involved.

Why?

Thoughts feed emotions. Emotions feed thoughts. Emotions are fuel for your stress hormones.

You only have a seventeen second window before a negative thought takes your mind over to the ‘dark side’. You then become hostage within your own head. Yes, only seventeen seconds. This post may help with distraction.

The simplest way to heal a negativity addiction is to remove anything from your life that creates an emotional reaction.

Avoid people or places that put you in a low mood or activate dark thoughts.

If you want to learn more about how negativity addictions impact your Empath life, and ways to overcome them, then my book goes into much greater detail.

It may seem that I write a lot about the negative aspects of being an Empath, but as I know how many problems Sensitive people can experience, just by experiencing too many stress hormones, I find it such important work.

This blog is about empowering the Empaths of the world and helping them understand why they react and feel the things they do, and ultimately help them to find balance in life.

If I can help just one fellow Empath out of their suffering, it is worth the time I spend on these posts.

Until next time,

Diane

©Diane Kathrine

 

IS THIS AN EMPATH THING? OR SOMETHING ELSE?

One of the problems with being an Empath, is some of our traits can cause an issue for our health and wellbeing.

For example, if we have spent a day in a certain place, where perhaps there are a lot of people around, and we feel tired, down or anxious, we may automatically assume that we have been peopled.

But not every ailment of the mind and body has been caused by our Empath traits.

There’s a chance it could be caused by something entirely different. Something you may not have given much thought to.

Because, as Empaths, we are highly reactive, we are often prone to suffering with issues like sensory overload. Where, basically, our senses become overwhelmed by too much noise, too much light or too much people energy.

Yet, there’s another massive contributor to Empath stress, and sensory overload, that doesn’t get talked about enough:

ELECTROMAGNETIC FREQUENCIES: EMF

Nowadays, with 5G towers popping up everywhere, it is getting harder and harder to avoid the frequencies being radiated out into our environment.

Here’s just a handful of issues caused by EMF.

• Brain fog
• Memory loss and a three second memory
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Sensory overload
• Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or frequently waking up through the night
• Headaches
• Palpitations

I am fully aware that the above symptoms could be caused by a number of other things, such as autoimmune conditions, a poor diet, hormones, stress, etc.

But if you are suffering more than usual, with random symptoms, you have got to consider that it could be EMF.

There are thousands of studies showing how EMFs are hazardous to human health.

And there have been many warnings about how the energy emitted by mobile phones, for example, is a human carcinogen.  But no one is listening because if the symptoms haven’t been immediate, people aren’t linking their maladies with EMF.

And as Empaths, we might blame something else, like ‘our Sensitive traits.’

The thing is we are electrical beings.

You and me, we both create electromagnetic fields.

Virtually every single process which keeps us alive can be traced back to an electric field.

A giant electric field holds all our atoms together.

Every time we move a muscle, we create an electric field.

We wouldn’t be able to function without our electric fields.

So, it should probably go without saying that we are going to be massively impacted by other electrical fields. Such as EMF and WIFI.

‘Every atom has its own electric field, and when you put two atoms close together, they can mess around with the electric field of the other.’ Jack Frazer Master’s Physics Oxford University

If you know that you are in a heavy WIFI zone, one of the first things I would try to protect from EMF is daily Earthing, or just get out in nature.

I have a video here that explains the many benefits of Earthing for Empaths.

The second thing is to turn off your WIFI at night, and do not sleep with any wireless gadgets, including your phones, in your bedroom.

The third step, to protect from EMF, is invest in Himalayan Salt Lamps for your bedroom, or for other rooms in the house.

Through experimentation, I have found that the salt lamps are so much more beneficial in the bedroom. We have two. Both on the bedside cabinets. They seem to help with clearing EMF, and with bringing calm to our sleep.

Salt is so healing to the body and mind of an Empath. Whether that’s taking a salt bath, drinking SOLE water, going for a swim in the ocean, or using a salt lamp.

Although I’m not entirely sure if there are any scientific studies that have proved their EMF protection benefits, I have found since we put salt lamps in our bedroom that the energy feels clearer and calmer.

The salt lamps are also soothing to the mind and body, and offer enough light to read before bed. They are also just nice to gaze upon.

Another way to stay protected, from EMF, is to use crystals such as Tourmaline. I have a post here that explains more on the subject.

This is such a huge topic, and although I know of several things that seem to work for EMF clearing, I am by no means an expert on the subject.

I just think it is so important to raise awareness of the dangers that EMF can cause to all humans, but especially to Empaths who are highly reactive, and highly Sensitive to all types of energy.

For this reason, I’m including a link to a free online conference that is going on, at the start of Feb, where experts are deep-diving into the hazards of EMF and giving ways to overcome the toxic effects.

Here’s the link EMF Hazards Summit 2023 – Learn the truth about EMF radiation

Click on the above to see if it is of any interest to you, or someone you know.

Hope this helps on your journey.

Until next time.

Diane

©Diane Kathrine

WHY DO SO MANY EMPATHS GET A POT BELLY?

Before I get into today’s post, I just want to let you all know that I have set up a YouTube channel. I realise a lot of people like to listen to posts, instead of reading them. Hence the channel. The video uploads are short and are different from the ones here are my blog. So, if you would like to see what it’s all about, and perhaps subscribe, click here.

Now, on to today’s post:

Everyone experiences stress. Empaths in particular. But did you know that not only can this cause problems with your health, it can also be the reason behind weight gain, an inability to lose weight?

If you are an Empath, you will know only too well that Empaths have their own stress to deal with, but they can also be affected by other people’s. This puts a huge strain on the adrenal glands.

Although every organ is affected by people stress, the adrenals are one of the first to be impacted.

The adrenals are part of the endocrine system and are responsible for releasing the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

As well as being known as the stress hormone, cortisol is also called the fat storing hormone. Which quickly explains why so many Empaths have a problem with easily gaining weight.

The weight gain, caused by excess cortisol production, is often seen around the stomach – and is a reason that many Empaths have a pot belly. This fat is difficult to eliminate because it is not caused by eating too much food. So, by reducing food intake it has little effect.

I write a lot about the devastating impact of cortisol, for Empaths, because, when it is out of balance or too much is produced, it can cause so much damage to the mind and body.

If you frequently spend time around negative people, or if you are overly impacted by all the stressful things happening in the world, it causes excessive anxiety and tension, which then activates the fight-or-flight system. This in turn triggers adrenaline and cortisol production…

The thing is, when we experience heightened cortisol levels, we can eventually develop a condition called cortisol resistance, which means the normal hormone signalling system doesn’t do its job properly, and the adrenals go into overdrive pumping out more and more cortisol. This can lead to problems such as depression, anxiety, brain fog and memory issues, insulin resistance, inflammation, and, of course, weight gain.

If you are someone who finds losing weight, especially around the belly, a problem, no matter what you try, then you could have an issue with cortisol and adrenaline production.

A reason I wrote my book, The Eating Plan for Empaths and HSPs, was a way to enlighten Sensitive people to how certain foods, as well as adrenal stress, can cause weight gain and other physical and mental health problems.

Unfortunately, getting rid of stress is not so easy to do. There is so much conflict in the world today that Empaths are constantly picking up negative emotional energy from all directions, and thus having constant stress hormone spikes.

So, any steps we take to relax, will help lower these spikes.

One such way is to drink some tea.

THE TEA THAT HELPS EMPATHS

Now, there are many types of herbal tea that I would recommend for an Empath, to help calm and soothe their emotions, which in turn help to lower cortisol spikes, such as chamomile, passion flower or valerian. See 11 Calming Teas for an Empath.

But whilst watching a video, on Dr Berg’s YouTube channel, he mentioned a tea that I had not known was beneficial for lowering cortisol levels:

Green Tea.

Apparently, green tea contains something called EGCG, a phytonutrient that helps lower cortisol. You only need about half a cup of the tea to get the benefits. Which is good considering green tea contains caffeine, something that in itself is a cortisol trigger. However, you can get decaffeinated green tea. A better option if you are caffeine sensitive (as most Empaths are).

If you can’t get hold of decaffeinated, a great way to get all the benefits of green tea, whilst negating the impact of caffeine, is to combine it with a powerfully soothing tea.

A good combination to try is green tea and lemon balm.

I love to mix different herbal teas together (a bit like a witch’s brew). Not only to get a better flavour, but also to get the healing benefits from different types of herbs. Lemon balm is something I often add into ‘my brews’.

Lemon balm has several known benefits, such as soothing the digestive tracts, helping with sleep problems, stimulating cognitive disorders, boosting the immune system, detoxifying the body, eliminating anxiety, and as an aid to weight loss. See more information on this informative post from SelfHacked:

Ok, let’s get brewing…

Here’s what you need:

• 1tsp of lemon balm, or 1 teabag
• 1 tsp of green tea, or 1 teabag
• Tea pot or infuser (if using loose leaves or herbs)

First add the lemon balm to your teapot or infuser, allow to brew for 3 minutes, then add in the green tea. Brew for another 2 to 3 minutes. Then remove tea leaves or teabags. Sit back and enjoy.

Green tea is generally easily obtainable in local shops and supermarkets. Finding lemon balm tea, however, is not always so easy. At least not here in Manchester. You can easily order lemon balm tea online. It comes in both loose form or tea bags.

Loose tea is generally cheaper to buy, but you will need to have a tea infuser or tea pot to make your brew. Unless you want tiny leaves floating around in your tea. 😉

So, not only can green tea help lower your cortisol levels, it can be another aid in helping to lose Empath belly fat.

If you want to learn more about overcoming an Empath’s weight problems and protruding belly, see this.

If you have any tea combinations that help with relaxation, please feel free to share them below.

Until next time.

Diane.

©Diane Kathrine

 

 

 

 

 

SET YOURSELF FREE FROM EMPATH INSECURITIES

Firstly, I would just like to say Happy New Year. Let’s hope 2023 is the best year to date.

And what a way to start the new year, with the intention to free yourself from the insecurities that have been triggered by certain Empath traits. Because, believe me, there are several.

Although it often doesn’t feel like it, we are currently living in some incredible times. Times where we can move into our own authority and start living the empowered existence that we were meant to live.

However, as nice as it is to think we can sit back and watch as our lives become magically transformed, in these times of change, we still have to put in some work, if we want to see positive changes that last.

And yes, we always have obstacles to overcome in the process. One of those being facing the insecurities that have been triggered by our Empath traits.

Being an Empath, means the insecurities of others have changed and shaped our lives more than you might realise. Yes, that’s other people’s self-doubts and fears.

I have written about this before, how the insecurities of others can become embedded within our own being, and in essence become part of our biography. Especially before we became aware of our Empath traits.

The fact that, as Empaths, we can end up ‘wearing’ the insecurities, of those we spend time around, and end up carrying them through life, will probably sound utterly bonkers to those who do not have the same experience, but it really does happen.

That’s not to say we don’t have our own issues to deal with, caused by past trauma, or that all our issues stem from being an Empath. But freeing yourself from any embedded emotional scars, that were either acquired from another person or from mass-generated fearmongering, is a huge step towards emotional freedom.

FEAR LIFTING

To give you an example of what fear lifting looks like, I will relay one experience of an embedded phobia I picked up from another, as a child… A fear of wasps.

One of my close childhood friends had an intense dread of wasps. So much so, she would scream and run away in terror from any wasp that came near.

Initially, I didn’t share this fear, but after spending time together, I too acquired this intense phobia. I’m not entirely sure at what point it developed, but I became engulfed with dread whenever a wasp came near. This terror carried into adulthood.

I eventually realised that it was not my fear, and I let it go.

As Empaths, it’s not just other people’s worries that we take on. We are also very open to taking on the fearmongering deliberately put out by the media industry. Two in particular: the beauty and fashion industries.

MIND CONTROL

The message that is put out by the above industries is that we are not good enough the way we are. We need to change parts of ourselves to be complete, or buy a product that will help us become more worthy. These are industries that make millions off the insecurities of people not feeling good enough.

I remember comparing myself to the models in magazines. Working in the hair and beauty industry there were always fashion magazines in the salon. The message that was subliminally put out by them was that to be happy and accepted, we had to be perfect in every way.

Little did I know back then that all the pictures had been photoshopped, and even the models didn’t look that way.

Those who rule the world haven’t wanted us to accept ourselves. They want us to feel insecure, insignificant and fearful of being judged.

This type of insecurity not only keeps us slaves to a system, and makes lots of money for industries, but it also keeps us from being at one with ourselves. And, as I said, as Empaths, we can be very impacted by this.

We are all unique in our own special ways. As humans, we may be connected, but we are still meant to be an individual in our appearance, ideas and opinions.  Our higher self knows this, but our hive mind struggles with the concept.

Sadly, having opinions or beliefs that don’t tick the right boxes, or fit in with mainstream narratives, has been massively discouraged. So much so, many people are too afraid to speak their truth for fear of being ostracized.

In fact, I believe, one of life’s greatest realisations for all humans is that we are free to be ourselves. Just like no two sets of fingerprints are alike, so are we meant to be unique. But instead, we are pigeonholed into being the same.

Everyone has been given so many reasons to not feel good enough. Not clever enough, not pretty enough, not thin enough, not confident enough, not rich enough, etc. Society dictates that we should have the same opinions, same beliefs, same looks, and same goals. But in most Empath’s hearts, we have always known that we are not supposed to be the same as everyone else.

However, because Empaths are very open to all types of emotional energy, we take on the insecurity energy that is projected out into the world.

Even when we are awake and aware, we can still be taken off-guard by all the subliminal messages pushed out. It is a form of emotional contagion.

THE SOLUTION

So, you now must be wondering, what is the magic recipe to help us release these insecurities and doubts that have been acquired from having heightened Empath abilities?

I have a few options for you to try.

One of the first is simply through self-acceptance.

Now you be thinking, well, that’s easier said than done, and I would have to agree. But when you really align with your true self, letting go of anything that doesn’t belong to you can happen naturally.

The second option is a simple line repeated whenever you feel roused by fear, insecurity or emotions. And that line is:

‘If this fear does not belong to me, leave me now.’

Generally, if a fear or insecurity does not belong to you, you are effectively telling your higher self that you no longer need to experience it and it is time for a release.

The third technique is Tapping.

Many people swear by the Tapping Technique for releasing their own negative emotions or thoughts, but it is also great to use for any type of emotional or fear clearing.

I have a post here that explains how to perform the Tapping Technique.

And as a bonus, here’s a post with ways to help keep you protected in the future: 16 Effortless Ways for Empaths to Block the Emotions of Others

From a higher perspective, it also helps to accept that any insecurities or fears that we have carried through life have actually contributed towards our path of evolvement. In that not only did they offer us an experience for growth, but they kept us looking for answers, and through this kept us working on ourselves.

But now is the perfect time to release the imprint of fears and self-doubts that have been acquired as part of being an Empath.

Hope this helps on your journey.

Until next time.

Diane

©Diane Kathrine

The 4 Types of People an Empath Should Avoid

If you are an Empath, you will already know that people can impact you in weird and wonderful ways.

Some people can lift you up, some people will drag you down, and some people do none of the above.

Generally speaking, it doesn’t take long to make the determination of how you will be impacted by the people who come into your life. And what I mean by this is, after only a short period of time, spent in a certain person’s presence, you will get to feel their energy and the effect it has on your body and mind.

An Empath quickly comes to understand that if someone’s energy continuously invokes a negative physical or emotional reaction, when in their presence, that it might be best to avoid them.

That said, it’s not always people’s energy which is the problem, instead it is the traits they carry.

So, bearing that in mind, there are some types of people that an Empath is best avoiding.

These people, who at some level can be very nice, might pull your emotions and energy down, and in some cases keep it there for days on end. They can also impact your life in some very negative ways.

So, let’s take a look at who these types are:

1. The Envious Type

Envious people will never want to see you succeed in life. They will try their utmost to keep you down, by attacking your self-confidence and more. They often ridicule your thoughts and opinions, they may work to make you feel stupid, and at any chance they get, they will take a dig.

If you say anything to them about their behaviour towards you, their usual reply is, ‘you are being too sensitive.’ Basically, turning it around on you.

The envious type knows exactly of your potential, often when you don’t, and they will work hard to stop you from discovering it for yourself.

If you are an Empath, the envious types do you more damage than you may know. And it is often not until many years into the future, that you see exactly how they impacted your self-confidence, and in turn the way you experienced life.

2. The Gossipmonger

Everyone loves a bit of gossip from time to time. Perhaps about celebrities or people that are deemed superior to everyone else. However, there are some people who do nothing else but gossip, often in cruel and callous ways.

Gossipers, whose goals seem to be to ridicule others, are generally hurt people with an inferiority complex. Sadly, their own ego will not allow them to acknowledge this. Instead, they find the best way to lift themselves up is by putting others down.

For an Empath, being around the “dark gossipers” it will often make you feel deflated and disturbed. They can invoke feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.

3. The Cynic

Those who thrive on doom and gloom will never bring happiness into an Empath’s life.

The Cynic will always find something to be gloomy about. It’s as though they make it an occupation to find faults in everything. You might see a glass half full. They will always see it as being half empty.

You could be feeling on top of the world and come into contact with a cynic and find your energy drained after mere minutes of being in their presence. They live under a cloud and seem to like it that way.

A few examples of this are: with the weather, the cynic will always find it too hot or too cold, too wet or too dry. They will find fault in any service they are offered or any gift they are given.

If you want to protect your energy, spend as little time in their presence as possible. If this is not an option, keep a powerful crystal, essential oil, or uplifting music on hand. Something you can use that you know will give an instant uplift, or that will block any gloomy vibes.

4. The Narcissist

I imagine this one should go without explanation for most, as narcissism is something that many Empaths abhor.

However, on the flip side of that, there is one type that many Empaths find themselves drawn to, the grandiose narcissist.

The grandiose narcissist has a need for attention and admiration, they often believe they are superior to others and have little regard for anyone’s feelings. They can be charmingly arrogant, and take advantage of others in order to get what they want.

Now, the question is, why would an Empath be drawn into the trap of a grandiose narcissist when they are so good at picking up the vibration of a lie or of bad energy?

That question can have many answers, depending on the Empath and the life ordeals they have dealt with. Sometimes they simply get drawn into the trap of a grandiose narcissist because of their confidence and charm.

However, it is my belief, the reason many Empaths get taken in by narcissists, but especially the grandiose types, is because they don’t have much in the way of feelings. Meaning they don’t give off the energy of negativity, anger or pain. They also believe their own lies.

For this reason, an Empath doesn’t feel the energy of the lies and they don’t always get that warning signal that something is off. They might actually even feel uplifted by the energy of a grandiose narcissist.

∞∞∞

So, there you go. Four types of people that an Empath is best avoiding. Now, I am fully aware that sometimes we cannot avoid certain people in life, and for those times we have to take measures to deal with the situations. This post should help with that.

It does seem a shame that, as Empaths, there are certain people that can impact us in such negative ways. But the further I travel down this road of life, the more I understand the higher purpose served behind the dark behaviours, displayed in certain people, why they appear in our lives, and how it helps us evolve.

Although difficult to accept, it is often the case that the more an Empath suffers, the stronger and wiser they become.

I am not suggesting that continuous suffering is the recipe for the perfect life, far from it. But we come to a point when we understand why we endured such difficulties and see how they shaped us into becoming better people.

The time when we won’t benefit from suffering, is if we become embroiled in bitterness and resentments and allow our thoughts to become vengeful. If this happens it will only serve in causing more inner-pain.

We can learn so much from the bad behaviour of others. Even if it’s as simple as developing the courage to walk away, say no, believe in one’s own self-worth, or let go of the need to be in control.

Hope this helps on your journey.

Until next time.

Diane.

©Diane Kathrine

Above Image by https://pixabay.com/users/kellepics-4893063/

 

 

 

IS THIS NEW BEGINNINGS OR IS IT THE END?

The question that is on so many minds right now is what is happening in the world?

I truly don’t think anyone has the answer. But one thing is for sure, something big is unfolding. Our reality is no longer what it was, and there is no going back to the old way of life.

The Changes

Each month that passes, we are seeing more of our rights and freedoms taken away. Most are either living in fear or are in a state of confusion as to where we are heading. Nothing makes sense anymore.

We are being given so much contradictory information. The mainstream media is pumping out one narrative. The alternative media is giving out another. But whatever side of the fence we sit, in our beliefs, no one seems to know for sure the destination of the collective.

The finish line is moving further and further away. And the fear mongering is like nothing we have ever experienced.

In this post, I noted how important it is for Empaths to stay out of the stirred-up propaganda. However, those who are still ‘deeply asleep’ may benefit from experiencing the intense levels of fear or anger. For one reason, it helps trigger ‘an awakening’, and for another, they need to become aware of the truth of the world we live in.

Darkness Revealed

The ‘shadowy darkness,’ that has been controlling this world for many years, is being revealed for everyone to see. The lies and deceptions are on show. Their evil has risen to the surface and is now exposed. There is no hiding from it and no flushing it away.

But just because the truth of our reality is being revealed, on a massive scale, it doesn’t mean people will instantly wake up to it. In fact, some are clearly going deeper into denial. Which is only to be expected. Discovering that your whole reality has been built on lies is not easy to face or deal with.

Those who remain in ‘slumber’, however, are not the only ones struggling…

There are many ‘awake and aware’ people who wish they were still asleep to the truth of our world. Because, let’s face it, ‘knowing’ has not made this journey any easier. If anything, in recent times, it has caused more troubles, especially when no one wants to hear your truth, when your words fall on deaf ears, or if you are ridiculed for your ideas and opinions.

But those who are ‘asleep’, or unaware, will become the newly awakened, and they will, in time, need your guidance. They just don’t know it yet.

Confusing Times

During these confusing times, we are all looking for a little light to be shone on our path. We want to know what is really happening and where we are heading.

There seems to be no one holding the answers. The positive predictions, from those who are gifted, are either not coming to fruition or are not offering the support needed. This, I also believe, is for a reason…

If you are a long-time awakened, you will find those you listened to, to find solace, might not be offering you the comfort they once did. You might feel more alone and isolated than ever, and are scratching around, looking for someone else to fill the void or to give you answers. If this is the case, it is unlikely you will find anyone.

Why?

Because you have evolved beyond that.

You already have what you need within. You are just not trusting yourself and your own inner-guidance.

Looking to another for verification of your intuition is beneficial (I know many Empaths come here to my blog as a back-up to what they already feel inside.), but constantly looking outside yourself for answers will probably cause more confusion. It’s called having ‘too much information’. 😉

That said, our intuition may appear to be playing games with us. Telling us one thing one week and another the next. I’ve certainly been having this experience. Because everything is in flux, truths can shift. What I mean by this is, and as bonkers as it may sound, what is true one day might not be true the next. (The Mandela Effect is an example.)

The old world has gone forever; and that includes how we operate within our reality. We have to be adaptive to variations and fluctuations in our perceptions. Everything is changing and nothing is set in stone.

Trust the Process

We have to ride this one out. This really is a time for faith. Trust the process.

Many of the uncomfortable things that are occurring are not only part of a shifting world, they are a trigger for the un-awakened to wake up. A chance for them to see the truth.

Even those of us who are awakened will have disturbing truths revealed. However, the longer we have been ‘on the path’, the less impact these shocks will have.

Take Control

Now is the time to take control of what we can. It’s a time to control not only where our attention goes, but also our reactions.

We shouldn’t allow ourselves to be dragged into unnecessary fear mongering, nor should we pin our hopes on someone or something to save us.

We need to remember our light and supremacy; really remember it. Feel the power within. Know that what we have been witnessing is an illusion of the highest order.

Fear is what has controlled humans for many years. And recently, this fear and confusion has been amped up to record levels to keep us from living within our own supremacy.

Sitting within the energy of confusion and despair, just keeps us trapped. It blocks prosperity, abundance and any of the ‘good stuff’ from unfolding in our reality.

New Beginnings

The world outside might appear to be crazy, and going from bad to worse, but that doesn’t mean we have to join in with the madness.

We are our own superpower.

This isn’t just about endings; it is about new beginnings. Where we are going, no one knows for sure. But trust in your own power. You are not alone. We are all in this together!

Hope this helps during these uncertain times.

Until next time.

Diane

WHY DO SO MANY EMPATHS SUFFER ADRENAL FATIGUE?

If you read my last article, you may have noticed I mentioned that many Empaths tend to be prone to suffering adrenal fatigue, caused by amygdala activation.

The term adrenal fatigue has been used to explain a group of symptoms that are said to occur in people who are under long-term mental, emotional, or physical stress.

In case you’re wondering, the adrenals are small organs located above the kidneys that produce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. The theory is when someone suffers long-term stresses, the body prioritises the production of stress hormones, which then stops or hinders the production of other important hormones (such as progesterone) that are produced by the adrenals. This then has a knock-on effect throughout the body and the hormones produced.

So, what are the symptoms of adrenal fatigue? Let’s take a look:

MAIN SYMPTOMS OF ADRENAL FATIGUE

• RESISTANCE TO GETTING UP IN THE MORNING: You wake up and feel like you need another ten hours sleep.
• CAFFEINE DEPENDENCE: You can’t get going without your morning cuppa.
• FATIGUE ALL DAY LONG: This tiredness doesn’t go away even after rest or sleep.
• INCAPABLE OF DEALING WITH ANY TYPE OF STRESS: This can even include the stress caused by being around other people.
• EXCESSIVE NEED FOR SALT: This is because your electrolytes often run low when you are overly stressed.
• EVENING ENERGY BURSTS: At bedtime you find your mind switches on and won’t switch off.
• SUFFERING AUTOIMMUNE CONDITIONS & A COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEM: Your immune system weakens with stress. This then has a knock-on effect in which, for example, experiencing a viral infection, such as a cold, can trigger a whole host of other health issues or even autoimmune conditions to start. (Think long covid). The saying ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back,’ is very apt here.

Ok, so those are the most common symptoms, but that’s not all. There’s more. Here are other symptoms that also have been reported by those suffering adrenal fatigue.

LESS COMMON SYMPTOMS

• Anxiety
• Asthma, allergies or respiratory complaints
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Dizziness
• Depression
• Dry skin
• Extreme tiredness an hour after exercise
• Frequent urination
• Insomnia
• Joint pain
• Lines in your fingertips
• Loss of muscle tone
• Low blood pressure
• Low blood sugar
• Low sex drive
• Lower back pain
• Numbness in your fingers / Poor circulation
• Weight gain

WHAT CAME FIRST?

Over the years, more and more Empaths are coming to discover that many of the symptoms they experience are actually caused by repeatedly suffering with stress and heightened negative emotions. Which then might lead to adrenal fatigue or other complications.

The question we have to ask then is: Did being an Empath cause excessive stress or did certain life stresses cause Empath traits to heighten?

It’s a thinker, but you normally find it is a combination of both.

If, for example, you remember a time or times where you had a traumatic experience, the chances are this will have contributed to Empath traits and sensitivities becoming more heightened, especially if you suppressed your emotions.

Suppressed emotions can be a catalyst for cortisol spikes, hormone imbalances and a heightened sensitivity to negative emotions.

As a whole, Sensitive people, like Empaths, tend to be more prone to stress-related ailments than most. Which also means we have to work much harder than most to find equilibrium.

One thing I know for sure is Empath stress, such as being around overly negative people, or busy peopled places can produce extra cortisol and adrenaline that your body does not need.

If you are sensitive to negative emotions (or any type of stress) and then spend time around those who trigger them, either through picking up their pained emotions or simply their negativity, it will indeed make you more prone to suffering adrenal fatigue.

That said, stress is not always the initial trigger of adrenal fatigue. Hormones can become unbalanced from vaccinations or medications taken in childhood (Just like medications can come with side effects, so can vaccinations). It could also be triggered by regularly consuming a food that does not work in your body, or from having nutrient deficiencies.

As I’ve said many times before, as Empaths we are all different. We may experience similar ailments and issues, but they could have been caused by several different things.

Regardless of what the trigger, there are ways to heal from adrenal fatigue. Although there are many things you can do to help lower your stress levels (see the video below), I will cover some of the things you can do that may make the biggest difference.

WAYS TO HEAL

1. CHECK YOUR NUTRIENTS ESPECIALLY B VITAMINS AND MAGNESIUM:

Vitamins and mineral deficiencies can make such a difference to the way an Empath experiences stress. Deficiencies can lead to erratic emotions, hormonal issues, depression and even mental health conditions. Vitamin imbalances can also make you incapable of handling any type of stress.

It is a great idea to get yourself tested for your vitamin and mineral levels. I know that tests can be expensive, but so can buying vitamins you may not need.

It can be incredibly difficult to self-diagnose individual vitamin deficiencies as the symptoms are so similar from one nutrient deficit to the next.

That said, a good way to spot the vitamin and mineral deficiencies you may have is by checking the nutrient profiles of the food you eat most, towards the foods you don’t eat, and see what is lacking. For example, if you don’t eat grains or gluten, the chances are you will be low in the B vitamins, especially B1.

Also, if you drink caffeine or alcohol, they are known to leech nutrients, such as magnesium and the B vitamins, from the body.

Nutrients tend to work together, and when there is a shortage of one it could mean another nutrient can’t do its job properly.

Obviously, this is a huge topic that goes beyond the scope of this post, but if you suspect that you may have adrenal fatigue, it is definitely worth doing some further research.

This post offers more information on the benefits of nutrients for an Empath.

2. CHANGE OF DIET:

Avoiding all sugar and sugar-forming foods, such as grains and processed foods, helps reduce stress hormone spikes and thus adrenal fatigue.

When you are a sensitive person, with constantly heightened emotions, you are more prone to having stress hormone spikes. You don’t want to be adding to that by consuming foods that will make them worse.

See my book, The Eating Plan for Empaths, in which I discuss how certain foods heighten Empath stresses, and how by eating them any type of stress becomes much more difficult to endure.

3. AVOID STRESS:

This is so important for an Empath, whether they suffer adrenal fatigue or not. Stress causes cortisol spikes.

Avoiding all stress in life is impossible, and some types of bodily stress, such as exercise, can actually be beneficial. However, there are stresses that are unnecessary and avoidable, such as spending social time around overly negative people, or indulging in online media stress.

The mind can also be a major contributor for the production of an excess of stress hormones, especially by overthinking. Choose wisely where you allow your attention to go or perhaps train your mind to stop overacting. See this post.

4. DO THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE:

If you are suffering adrenal fatigue the last thing you will probably have is energy for exercise. Yet certain exercises can work wonders for reducing excessive cortisol production, whilst increasing feel good hormones that give you an uplift in mood as well as raising your overall energy levels.

One form of exercise I find beneficial for producing the feel-good hormones is short periods of high intensity exercise. For example, high intensity Tabata workouts that last 4 minutes. Yes, only 4 minutes and you’re done. You can find lots of videos on YouTube for mini Tabata workouts. Here’s a link to one.

Yoga is another therapeutic exercise, as is walking in nature. I have articles on them here and here.

∞∞∞

Recognising adrenal fatigue is halfway to overcoming it.

You may find this video from Dr Berg interesting. Although the video doesn’t mention adrenal fatigue in the title, it applies to the condition.

The following article is what I have referenced for adrenal fatigue symptoms. It is not written with an Empath in mind but it is definitely worth a look: 7 Common Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms (And How To Treat Them!) (adrenalfatiguesolution.com)

If you have found ways to overcome adrenal fatigue, please feel free to share below.

Until next time,

Diane

©Diane Kathrine

 

 

Why Are So Many Empaths Unable To Handle Empath Life?

Although emotions are part of human life and something everyone has to live with, Empaths are known to have heightened emotions. This basically means they get upset easier than others, they feel fear and nervousness more readily, and when they get down it can take them longer to get back up. And this is one reason why so many Empaths struggle with Empath life.

But did you know there was a very big reason for the way an Empath over-feels everything?

The main aspect of being an Empath is both feeling and experiencing the emotions belonging to other people. For example, an Empath can tell when another is nervous, when one is angry or sad, just by the energy they emit.

They may enter shopping centres, or busy peopled places, and feel an array of strange sensations wash over them like a tidal wave. Again, this is because they are picking up the emotional energy of all the people in there. It is a gift, like a sixth sense, that can be used not only to help others but to navigate their way through life.

However, not all Empaths consider the ability to experience other people’s emotional energy as a gift. In fact, some would say the opposite. They feel tormented and in pain by it.

The thing is, what most Empaths don’t know is that their excessive emotional reactions are actually activated in their head.

There is a certain part of the brain called the amygdala which plays a big part in processing emotions and it is often over-activated in an Empath.

In case you’re wondering, the amygdala is a set of small almond-shaped clusters of nuclei, located deep within the brain’s temporal lobe.

It was Dr. Elaine Aron, a research psychologist, who found the amygdala to be highly activated in Sensitive people like Empaths.  The more Sensitive the person the more this gland seems to work.

Dr. Aron found, through a series of trials and research, that when Sensitive people were shown pictures of human suffering the amygdala became highly activated. This in turn released hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline into the bloodstream, which then further enticed emotional responses.

The amygdala is not a thinking part of the brain. It is a reacting part that activates when exposed to stimuli such as stress, fear or other strong emotions. It causes an automatic response known as the fight-or-flight response.

The fight-or-flight response is the body’s way of protecting us from dangerous situations. The process elevates certain hormones to give the energy and strength to run away from danger or stay and fight.

As mentioned, two of the hormones released into the body, by amygdala activation, are the stress hormones adrenalin and cortisol. These hormones increase heart rate, respiration and glucose levels. All of which are essential for increased body activity. However, they can also ignite fearful or irrational emotions and anxiety.

When the above hormones are constantly activated by the endocrine glands, courtesy of amygdala activation, and not used through body movement, etc. it can cause heightened emotional responses. This eventually puts other organs and hormones out of balance. (As well as problems within the energy body (leaky aura and blocked or excessively open chakras.)

An Empath does not need to watch another endure pain to experience suffering. Simply being in the presence of someone suffering emotionally is enough to ignite a reaction, whether the other person shows their emotions or not. An Empath feels their pain and therefore reacts. This means an Empath often overproduces adrenalin and cortisol. Both of which can eventually lead to adrenal fatigue or autoimmune conditions.

In normal situations, when a stressful situation is removed, stress levels return to normal, and the amygdala stops reacting. It is when the stress triggers do not decrease that problems arise. This is where issues can occur for the Empath.

The Empath may stop feeling other people’s emotions soon after leaving them. But this is not always the case. Some people’s emotional energy can cling to the Empath for days (see this post to learn more). Which means the amygdala is constantly activated and large amounts of unnecessary stress hormones are dumped into the body.

What to do about it?

The good news is the amygdala reaction can be controlled. My books, 7 Secrets of the Sensitive and The Eating Plan for Empaths go into greater detail on this subject, but here are some things you can be doing now.

1. Avoid triggers:

The first step to preventing unnecessary amygdala activation is to avoid known triggers. The people you know who stimulate a negative emotional response (see post here) lasting more than a day should be avoided.

People who bring nothing to your life but emotional pain eventually become an Empath trauma trigger

2. Take control of your thoughts:

Because repetitive thoughts can activate the amygdala, it means Empaths have to work to keep their mind quiet or distracted. Meditating is the best way to quieten the mind. However, I know many Empaths struggle with meditation and this is where using distraction techniques work a treat. This post explains how to use distraction to your advantage and has some great Distraction Techniques.

3. Avoid stimulants and drug-like food:

Empaths react to coffee and other stimulants more than most. It is best to know your caffeine intake limits and stay within them (take note at which point you get a physical response – too much caffeine can cause shakiness, a pounding heart, flushing, faster breathing and an aching chest – and stay under the that amount). Also, drug-like food has a huge impact on triggering stress responses and should be avoided. (read more about this subject here)

4. Exercise daily:

Exercise has many redeeming benefits for the Empath. In the case of amygdala activation, it helps clear excess stress hormones from the bloodstream (which would otherwise cause damage).

5. Control glucose levels through diet:

Regularly experiencing stressful emotions, your own or off others, results in extra glucose being dumped into the bloodstream (from amygdala hormone activation), the last thing an Empath needs is their diet to contribute to this problem. Avoiding sugar or foods that quickly turn into sugar in the body can prevent this from happening.

As I said, my books go into greater detail on the subject.  If you are one who carries excess belly fat, your body is receiving too much glucose for its needs. This is why I wrote the book The Eating Plan for Empaths. If you want to learn more about how the right diet can transform an Empath’s life you may want to read this post.

I hope this helps you understand how your brain plays a vital part in your Empath wellbeing, and how the amygdala’s activation impacts your emotional health.

It is my belief that understanding where a problem lies is halfway to overcoming it.

Until next

Diane

©Diane Kathrine

 

 

 

 

10 Incredible Yoga Poses for the Empath and Why You Need to Practice Them

Many Empaths come to find huge benefits in practising yoga on their journey through life. It is something that reaps huge benefits when practised regularly in mind, body and spirit.

Any of you who have been reading my blog for a while, or who have read my books, may know I’m a bit of a yoga nerd. I believe in it so much that back in 2011 I jetted off to India to do my yoga teacher training. And I am so glad that I did.

The thing is with yoga, it’s a lifelong practice that is continuously revealing. And what I mean by this is, by consistent practice not only does it work to heal ailments of the body and mind, it really does work to expand consciousness.

Photo by Prasanth Inturi on Pexels.com

One of the many things yoga has taught me over the years is we all have to practice it in our own way. What works for one won’t work for another.

Not only do we have to adapt poses for body shapes and limb lengths, we have to find a way of practising that suits our personality and energy levels. This is the case for all levels of yoga from beginner to advanced.

That said, for the Empaths of the world, we all tend to hold certain stress emotions in similar places, especially around the solar plexus, the lower back and within the hips and thighs. This often leads to problems in those areas, such as stomach issues, back pain and excessive thigh-burn when exercising.

CAN AN EMPATH REALLY REFLECT BACK ANOTHER PERSON’S TRUE PERSONALITY?

We have all experienced it, being around someone who has either taken an instant dislike to us, or a bizarre resentment suddenly appears in those we have known for some time.

There may be no clear reason for this change in their behaviour. No matter whether they try to hide their feelings or not, an Empath can sense their loathing and it does not feel good!

But did you know, if you are an Empath, there is a very big reason for this happening…?

Someone taking a dislike to another is a completely normal and acceptable part of life. We are all different and there will always be some people we do not get along with, whether Sensitive or not. What is often baffling to the Empath though, is why some people act in a cold manner towards them, when they know they are a likeable and trustworthy person.

CAN SOMEONE BE AN EMPATH WITHOUT HAVING EMPATHY?

Have you ever wondered whether empathy is built-In? Does it come part and parcel of being an Empath? Or is it something that comes with the journey of life?

I was having a conversation with a friend the other day. He was explaining to me how he was teaching his daughter the impact of her actions, and how teasing or making fun of other children was not a kind thing to do. Which then led to the discussion as to whether telling your child is enough? Or do they have to experience unkindness from others for them to understand the impact of cruelty.

It got me thinking… If I hadn’t been on the receiving end of cruel words, as a child, would I have the same empathy and understanding as I do now? In that I always try to consider the effect of my words, and will avoid saying something that may hurt or offend another. Or, did my empathy come part and parcel of being an Empath?

Let’s face it, there aren’t many children who sail through life without getting bullied or teased for one thing or another.

I’m sure you all have memories of being picked on by someone, whether that be an older sibling, parent, teacher or other. I don’t think anyone really escapes. And whether sensitive or not, the effects of being on the receiving end of cruel words in childhood can be carried for a lifetime.

ARE THERE REALLY ANY BENEFITS TO BEING AN EMPATH?

It has to be said, there’s no getting away from it, life as an Empath can be difficult.

You may even question whether there are any benefits.

I suppose there’s not many who would deny that being an Empath has its challenges, and these are challenges that most other humans don’t have to deal with.

However, I have found that most of the challenges that arise for an Empath are born from being sensitive to the modern world, and the many toxins that are in it, from experiencing the energy of a stressed and fearful population, and being out-of-balance.

THE POSITIVE ASPECT OF EMPATH LIFE

Over the years, I have had so many comments from Empaths not understanding what they are here to do, and not finding any benefits of being an Empath. And today I hope to change that.

I have written a lot about the downsides of Empath life and ways to find balance, in my articles and books. And in this post, I want to focus on some of the incredible and positive aspects of Empath life.

To some, this post may seem egotistical, even arrogant. But one thing is for sure, it is needed.

During difficult times, many Empaths need reassurance of who they are and the purpose they serve, because it often appears as though all they do is ‘feel’.

DO YOU REALLY KNOW WHO YOU ARE AS AN EMPATH…?

It was back in 2011 when I started this blog, with the intention of sharing my research and findings, as well as sharing my own experiences, with the Empaths of the world.

Now, over ten years later, I have published 7 books and well over a hundred articles.

Although life is constantly changing, which means we have to adapt to those changes, much of the information I have posted over the years, in regards to Empath wellbeing, still remains relevant today.

For this reason, from time to time, I like to share some of the information that I have shared before.

I think it’s nice to have refreshers on some of the traits that define an Empath’s life. Because, let’s face it, they do come with their own set of challenges. It also helps those of my readers who haven’t seen the information before.

The following is an updated version of an article I originally posted in 2011 (I really cannot believe how fast time flies.) on Empath attributes and how they can impact life. Again, it’s information that still remains relevant and beneficial.

Another reason I thought it important to repost the article is because more and more people are waking up to the fact that some of the traits, which make them so uncomfortable in life and set them apart from others, are actually happening because they are an Empath.

I’ve updated the post, adding information that was not contained in the original, and put links on to other articles that give a greater explanation of those certain traits, in the hopes that it will make life easier for anyone in current need of the information.

Happy reading:

1. EMPATHS FEEL EMOTIONS BELONGING TO OTHERS

This is the most prominent trait of an Empath. Feeling and experiencing the emotions of the people around them, whether that be friends, family or strangers.

As an Empath How do You Know Whose Emotions You are Feeling? | 

2. BEING IN BUSY PUBLIC PLACES CAN BE OVERWHELMING FOR AN EMPATH 

Areas where there are a lot of people around can be overbearing for the Empath. The energy of lots of individuals, in a relatively small space, can have an almost a claustrophobic effect on their body and mind.

Empaths: Stop Absorbing Other People’s Emotions

One thing we all know, as Empaths, is that we feel other people’s emotions.

Which isn’t always a bad thing, when they aren’t affecting us in a negative way.

However, the problem arises when we start absorbing the emotions, belonging to others, and taking them on as our own.

 

Regularly absorbing other peoples’ emotions can affect our health and happiness in so many different ways. Often leading to issues such as emotional toxicity.

When we absorb other people’s emotions it can affect not only the way we feel, but also the way we think. It impacts our adrenals, which are the stress glands. This then has a knock-on effect on the other endocrine glands, which are the glands that produce our hormones. This in turn can lead to hormone imbalances.

Everything in the body is connected, and so are our endocrine glands. When one hormone goes out of balance, it can affect another gland and the hormones it produces. So, what starts off as absorbing another’s emotions, and thus taking on their stress, can eventually lead to thyroid issues, chronic fatigue, food intolerances, and so much more.

I often describe the aftereffect of Empaths absorbing negative emotions as like having an allergy or food intolerance. Just like an allergen might give you a physical reaction, when you come into contact with it, you can get a physical reaction from the emotions you absorb.

The Incredible Way Nature Can Heal An Empath Of Emotional Toxicity

You may have heard the term emotional toxicity, but didn’t really know what it entailed or whether it applied to you or not.

So, in today’s post, I will walk you through some of the symptoms and then discuss how spending time in Nature offers natural incredible healing.

When we become emotionally toxic, it is most often caused by either having experienced a stressful event, from having a diet and lifestyle that does not agree with us, or even from contaminants in our environments or WIFI.

On top of that, as Empaths, we can also experience emotional toxicity by experiencing or absorbing too many negative emotions.

When we become overwhelmed with emotions, whether they be ours or those we lift from others, the ability to properly filter our feelings becomes compromised. Our insecurities resurface and we often become vulnerable and emotionally intoxicated.

Here are some other ways we can be affected by emotional toxicity:

Signs of Being Emotionally Toxic

1.  We don’t feel ourself

This is the biggest sign we are emotionally toxic; not feeling like our usual self. Its almost as if our energy is stagnant and sludgy, and we lack the energy to find ways to snap ourselves out of it.

2. We lack motivation

If we become lethargic in both our body and mind, and don’t feel like trying anything new, this could be another sign of emotional toxicity. Especially if you once considered yourself as a bit of a go-getter. When our vitality diminishes, it becomes an effort to make decisions or to stay on top of everyday tasks.