What does it mean to have empathy? Empathy is the ability to imagine oneself in the situation of another, experiencing the emotions, ideas, or opinions of that person. In other words, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes — Understanding and feeling what the other person is going through without judgment or persecution. The current events of today, many times show a lack of empathy toward one another. Here we will discuss some tools you can use to help create empathy both for yourself and with the people around you.
Empathy is essential for building sound relationships at work and in your personal life. A person who lacks empathy is thought to be cold and self-absorbed. Empathy, on the other hand, is associated with warmth and caring. Empathy is partly innate and partly learned, according to research, but it can be improved by everyone. Here are a few ways to strengthen and encourage empathy.Â
Ways to strengthen and encourage your empathy:
- Challenge yourself
- Get out of your usual environment
- Get feedbackÂ
- Explore the heart, not just the head
- Walk in others’ shoes
- Examine your biases
- Cultivate your sense of curiosity
- Ask better questions
Relationships
Empathy not only allows you to understand others—it can also give you the motivation you need to make a difference. It can help with building relationships and communication with others. Whether that means consoling a friend, buying a small gift for someone who needs it, understanding other people’s cultures, or donating to causes, such as helping natural disaster victims, empathy becomes effective when you use it as motivation to do something about the problem.
When you see someone else going through a hard time, be sure to listen and share, but also clearly identify what you can do to help. The follow-through on empathy means initiating positive change for others. The beautiful thing about empathy is that when others begin to flourish, it improves your own life as well.
SocialÂ
Empathy is a powerful force that helps maintain social order and cooperation. It is the mechanism that allows people to understand and relate to others. Empathy is a necessary precursor to intimacy, trust, and belonging. It is also the feeling that makes it difficult to turn a blind eye to the suffering of others.Â
There are many benefits of being able to experience empathy:
- Empathy allows people to build social connections with others. By understanding what people are thinking and feeling, people can respond appropriately in social situations. Research has shown that having social connections is important for both physical and psychological well-being.
- Empathizing with others helps you learn to regulate your own emotions. Emotional regulation is important in that it allows you to manage what you are feeling, even in times of great stress, without becoming overwhelmed.
- Empathy promotes helping behaviors. Not only are you more likely to engage in helpful behaviors when you feel empathy for other people, but other people are also more likely to help you when they experience empathy.Â
Empathic people experience many happiness benefits. Empathy often encourages altruistic behavior, and empathy-based kindness has been shown to increase cooperation and forgiveness, strengthen relationships, decrease aggression and judgment, and even improve mental and physical health.Â
Not everyone experiences empathy in every situation. Some people may be more naturally empathetic in general, but people also tend to feel more empathetic towards some people and less so towards others.
Some of the different factors that play a role in this tendency include:
- How people perceive the other person
- How people attribute the other individual’s behaviors
- What people blame for the other person’s predicament
- Past experiences and expectations
Despite all the different factors that may affect one’s empathy level, there are many ways and many opportunities to improve it. It’s never too late to learn and change and become more empathetic to the people and circumstances around you — and just become an all-around positive person.
Social Yaks, the new social empathy card game!
If you are looking for a great way to help increase engagement among individuals and build social cohesion within communities, look no further than Social Yaks!
Social Yaks is a unique relationship-building card game created by Be Strong International, used to bring together people to build understanding and social empathy among each other. Social Yaks is great for all kinds of groups, from strangers to best friends, families, couples, or co-workers, because there’s always something new to learn about each other.
Real feelings, real connections, real fun!
Social Yaks is a card game that breaks the ice and inspires understanding! From light conversation-starters to questions that dig deeper, each level pushes players to show insight and share feelings, experiences, and memories. The result is a whole lot of empathy, connection, and genuine laughter. You’ll be amazed where each level can take your group!
To know more about Social Yaks click here or if you would like to purchase the game click here, go to our shop section and we will deliver it to you!
Get ready to laugh, cry and connect!
WARNING: THIS GAME HAS BEEN SHOWN TO INCREASE EMPATHY TOWARDS OTHERS. SOME USERS MAY CRY.
