Neurophysiology of Serving Others
Have you ever listened to someone tell you a stressful story and you end up having a PHYSICAL reaction to their story? Your heart rate speeds up, your hands get sweaty, and you can FEEL their stress?
We call this reaction “somatic empathy” – it’s the idea that you can have a physical reaction to stories you hear & actually feel others’ stress.
If you’re a helping professional or hear a lot of traumatic stories – while it’s great to be able to empathize with those you love and serve – you have to take steps to protect yourself from experiencing the pain and trauma of those you interact with.
Here’s just a few tips that can help you protect yourself from taking on too much of the stress of those you serve:
- Set Boundaries – Create space for yourself and make sure to prioritize your feelings.
- Practice Mindfulness – B R E A T H E, practice gratitude, journal, and use perspective building to stay present & help process your emotions.
- Get Grounded – Find ways to balance and connect your body, mind, and spirit.
Learn how to stay connected with those you serve WITHOUT disconnecting from yourself in our Cost of Care Course!