If there was one skill everyone should be practicing - it’s empathy

Why? Because everything good in life comes from a happy, healthy relationship. Empathy helps us understand each other better and when that bond grows with a spouse, friend, or colleague - life gets better. I don’t care how good your HRV, BMI, or sleep score is - if you don’t have happy relationships in your life, life isn’t what it is meant to be and your health won’t be either.

Here are five reasons why Empathy is so important:

• Strengthens Relationships

Empathy helps deepen connections with loved ones. Research shows that couples who practice empathy are more likely to experience higher levels of relationship satisfaction and longevity. This understanding of your partner’s feelings can lead to better communication and fewer conflicts[1].

• Reduces Stress

Empathy allows you to see challenges from someone else’s perspective, which can lower your own stress levels. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology revealed that practicing empathy can lead to a significant reduction in the body’s stress response by promoting better emotional regulation[2].

• Improves Mental Health

Showing empathy can protect against anxiety and depression. Engaging with others empathetically has been shown to increase feelings of social connectedness and well-being, helping stave off mental health challenges[3].

• Boosts Physical Health

Empathy isn’t just good for your mind; it’s also beneficial for your body. Research from Health Psychology has linked greater levels of empathy with lower levels of inflammation and better cardiovascular health[4].

• Increases Emotional Intelligence

Empathy helps you better understand your own emotions and those of others. This increased emotional intelligence can lead to better decision-making in stressful situations, both at work and in your personal life[5].

Takeaways: How to Integrate Empathy Into Daily Life

• Practice Active Listening

Make it a point to listen to others without interrupting or offering solutions right away. This simple act of being fully present can dramatically increase empathy over time.

• Develop Self-Awareness

Empathy starts with understanding your own emotions. Take a few minutes each day to check in with how you’re feeling and why.

• Set Aside Judgment

Approach interactions without preconceived notions. Being open and non-judgmental can help foster more empathetic relationships with those around you.

• Express Gratitude

Gratitude and empathy go hand in hand. Taking time to acknowledge the positive things others do helps build a cycle of empathy and appreciation in relationships.

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I’d love to hear your thoughts. Is empathy something that comes easy for you or do you have to work at it? 👋

I’m always looking for feedback. What would you like for me to cover? Anything in the newsletter you like or want to see more or less of?

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Forgiveness May Be Your Missing Ingredient

-Jared

P.S. - This newsletter does not provide medical advice. The content, such as graphics, images, text, and all other materials, is provided for reference and educational purposes only. The content is not meant to be complete or exhaustive or to be applicable to any specific individual's medical condition.

[1] Fincham, F. D., & Beach, S. R. H. (2010). “Marriage in the New Millennium: A Decade in Review.” Journal of Marriage and Family.

[2] Decety, J., & Jackson, P. L. (2020). “The Neurophysiology of Empathy and Stress Regulation.” Frontiers in Psychology.

[3] Konrath, S., & Grynberg, D. (2016). “The Positive and Negative Consequences of Empathy.” Current Directions in Psychological Science.

[4] Tabak, B. A., McCullough, M. E., & Bono, G. (2012). “Empathy, Emotional Intelligence, and Inflammation.” Health Psychology.

[5] Goleman, D. (2015). “Emotional Intelligence and Empathy in Leadership.” Harvard Business Review.