A surprising new study has found that empathy – or caring for others – can be hazardous to your health.
It seems that when we feel empathy about the suffering of others, we can have a physiological response that could be affecting our own health negatively.
Imagining the trouble others are going through ends up leading to increased levels of stress, which takes a toll on the body.
This isn’t to say it’s best to be a selfish jerk. Instead, the study authors recommend some distance. When you’re faced with bad news, try to be compassionate, but don’t imagine yourself dealing with the bad news yourself. (Big Think)