Stop Taking Everyone Home With You

Do you ever leave work, a conversation or even a crowded room feeling drained, heavy or completely “off,” even though you felt fine when you walked in?

Maybe you come home exhausted after being around people all day. You may feel irritable or overwhelmed for no obvious reason. You can't seem to “switch off” after work. You find yourself replaying other people's problems in your head. Or you walk away from someone carrying a heaviness that wasn't there before.

Have you ever stopped to wonder… is all of it actually yours?

Many of us don't even realize how much we're taking in from the people and environments around us. This is true, especially, when our work involves caring for, helping, teaching, serving or holding space for others. Their stress. Their emotions. Their frustration. Their grief. Their anxiety. And sometimes, without even realizing it, we take it home with us. Bu…