When empaths are advised to set limits, they all gasp. That's something you've probably heard a few times, particularly if you're seeing a psychologist. However, you are unable to enforce or set any rules unless you are injured when you least anticipate it. After a stressful experience, you will usually be able to think more clearly, and it will be at this point that you will consciously attempt to establish limits in order to prevent further distress. The following are the most effective ways to establish boundaries:
1. Pay attention to how you act when you're with those people.
2. Make use of the term "no."
3. Get in the habit of saying no.
4. Leave the scene if you get exhausted.
5. Set aside some time for yourself.
6. Make a fictitious bubble.
Concentrate about how you act when you're with those people. It's better to avoid those people if they sap your energy or cause you to get irritated while you're around them. You must determine which environments cause you to feel stressed, exhausted, drained, or overwhelmed. In these situations, you may not only be able to detect other people's moods, but you may also be able to detect the vibe of their conversation from looking at someone conversing. If you find yourself dreading circumstances in which those people will be there, do what you can to stop them.
Make use of the term "no." If you don't have any more resources to share, say no to people. Do not deplete yourself for someone and, if the tables were reversed, they would almost certainly not do the same for you.
Get in the habit of saying no. Saying no and being happy with it are two separate dinosaurs; anybody can say no. It's the sticking to it and getting happy with it that's tough.
If you're feeling stressed, get out of there. Get out of any situation where you are soaking up negative vibes from anyone or a group of people.
If you're in a public place and feel stressed, excuse yourself and go to the toilet or take a quick stroll to get away from the situation. When you're in a public place with other people, the last thing you want is to experience fear. There's no need for you to stay in a spot where the people around you are making you feel worse.
Set aside some time for yourself. This has been stated numerous times, and if it has been stated numerous times, it must be accurate. You must devote time to recharging your batteries. Do what relaxes you most, whether it's exercising, yoga, relaxing, napping, watching TV, or something else. In order to preserve your vitality and fitness, make sure you have time for yourself and do what relaxes you.
Make a bubble in your mind. This may sound ridiculous, but imagining yourself with a security shield around you may make you feel safer than normal. Act as if nothing can harm you and that you are in control of your own decisions. Allowing toxic people to get to you is not a good idea.
Setting barriers can just irritate those who have been exploiting you, but pay attention to who is offended when you do hold to your weapons and concentrate on defending yourself. Those are the kinds of people you should be on the lookout for!
You may also want to read more about Empaths, Psychic Empaths, Intuitive Empaths, and Healing here.