Optimum Vitality

Coaching for Healthy Boundaries, Relationships, and Self-Care

Relationships, together with a lack of self-care, are the most common causes of long-term stress and energetic depletion in empathic, heart-centred, and energetically sensitive people, particularly those who work in the healing professions.

Challenging relationships are often one of those things which pass under the radar of our awareness - this is usually because the patterns we have created throughout our lives are so normal to us, that they are invisible.

But when we are constantly exposed to low-level emotional stress through relationship dynamics which we are not even aware of, it can take a significant toll on our mental and physical health.  Relationship stressors are also one of the most common underlying issues in people who have chronic exhaustive conditions.

Recognising the problems

As mentioned previously, problems around relationship dynamics can initially be invisible, and may be difficult to spot. It is not unusual for the first symptoms to show up as chronic fatigue, anxiety, low-level depression, or burnout.

Some people, especially empaths, and highly sensitive people, may be aware that they feel very drained of energy, especially around certain individuals. Perhaps they even begin to take measures to protect their own energy, and this may help for a while. But the problem will not be fully resolved until the underlying cause has been addressed.  This involves heightening your own energy, rather than feeling the need for protection, which is a fear-based response.

Others may recognise that there is a problem within their relationships.  They may notice that they are walking on eggshells, being a people pleaser, or finding it difficult to discuss certain things openly or with ease. Maybe not being heard fully, or not having their emotional needs fully met. Others may feel not quite aligned with their full potential, or that they are repressing their emotions in favour of a quiet and comfortable life.

The signs and symptoms of relationship challenges can be quite subtle - they are often hidden within beliefs and habits which lead eventually to mental, emotional, or physical exhaustion.  If you think this may be you, then it's wise to pause and reflect on what may need to change in order to optimise your life, health and relationships.

Past conditioning within relationships

All our relationships are influenced by the experiences that we have had in life. From family dynamics, to close partnerships, and connections with colleagues and clients.

If you were lucky enough to grow up in an environment which was stable, emotionally healthy, and nurturing, then you will will be much more likely to have developed beliefs, habits, and expectations around relationships which serve you well.

However, many people who work in any type of healing capacity, whether as a nurse, social worker, carer, therapist, coach, or any other type of supportive role, may well have developed beliefs and values which are not so health-supporting.

It is not uncommon for healers of any type to be drawn towards their work because of underlying expectations or values which they have learnt growing up, or because they are either consciously, or sub-consciously, attempting to work through unresolved issues from earlier in their life.

It's important to recognise that relationships do not exist in isolation. They are impacted by a range of thoughts, patterns, and beliefs. Plus physical, mental, and emotional triggers, which are working themselves out and impacting the choices that you make - both at home and at work.

If you would like to resolve these dynamics, by first gaining insight into them, and then changing them into something that you choose, and which empowers you, then you may find coaching helpful.  It is a non-judgemental, non-medicalised approach to moving forward, feeling more connected with others, and being more able to manage emotional dynamics with other people in all areas of your life.