Have you ever felt completely wiped out?
You’re spending the afternoon with a friend, lounging on your couch. All you’ve done is chat and occasionally flex your muscles to grab snacks and drinks from the fridge.
Yet, somehow, you feel utterly drained.
Sounds familiar?
When you’re wiped out like that, you often skip thinking how to protect your energy. Instead, you turn to quick fixes for the body—a double shot of espresso or a strong masala chai (that’s my fix).
The challenge is- we rarely take a moment to pinpoint what’s driving up our stress levels.
Life and people have a sneaky way of siphoning every ounce of mental and emotional strength,
leaving you wondering, “Why do I feel so drained?”
Welcome to the club! Protecting your mental energy isn’t just a skill; it’s a survival strategy.
I was shocked when I first turned my focus to protecting my energy.
I was in my midlife.
The kids were grown, I had more free time, and life seemed calmer.
So where was all my energy disappearing to?
I put on my detective hat and zoomed into my life to find out.
But first,
What Does It Mean to Protect Your Energy?
Protecting your energy is like building an impenetrable fortress around your mental and emotional reserves.
It means staying filled with positive energy and noticing when negative energy starts creeping in.
It’s about saying a firm “no thanks” to chaos, distractions, and those delightful negative influences that drain you.
Why Is Protecting Your Energy Important?
Life is a balancing act: managing relationships, keeping up with responsibilities, and trying to carve out some “me time.”
But then, out of nowhere, chaos strikes.
You know that feeling when the doorbell rings five times in a row when you sit down peacefully with a cup of tea?
That’s what it feels like when your energy is stretched too thin—frustration hits, patience disappears, and suddenly, you’re not your best self.
When your energy is unprotected, even the smallest bumps can feel like mountains.
Mental Energy Is Finite
Studies show that every little decision chips away at our mental reserves.
Spend it on nonsense like “Should I wear black or blue?” and you’ll be running on empty when it’s time to tackle the big stuff.
Stress Wreaks Havoc
Stress isn’t just that annoying buzz in our heads—it’s a full-blown health hazard.
We Deserve Better
When we’re saying “yes” to everyone else while constantly saying “no” to ourselves.
That’s not a life—it’s a slow spiral into resentment.
How do I know? Been there. Done that. It took me years (and plenty of regrets) to crawl out of it.
It’s time to prioritize ourselves and practice protecting our energy.
Before delving into how to protect your energy, know where the negative energy comes from.
Who Raids Your Energy Field in Daily Life?
Energy vampires disguised as common people who drain your energy.
They are around you – could be a family member, a friend, a relative, or a colleague.
Toxic relationships are very much real.
To illustrate how these people behave, let me paint a (figurative)scenario for you.
You rise in the morning full of zeal, work on your new project, tick a few things off your to-do list,
and finally, you’ve earned that well-deserved relaxation.
You fill the bathtub, surround yourself with essential oils and candles, and start soaking into your zen.
And just when you’ve found your peace, imagine if these people dropped by, one at a time…
1. The Boundary Crosser
“Oh, I see you’re in the bath. Mind if I dip my toes in?”
(That was rhetorical—they’re not really asking for permission.)
“And by the way, you’re doing it all wrong. Let me show you how to really relax.”
2. The Time Sucker:
“Quick question—do you remember the name of that restaurant we visited in 1984 on a Sunday evening?”
( It’s not quick. It’s a trap.)
Before you know it, they’ve roped you into editing their 60-page manuscript since, after all, you’re ‘just lying around’ doing nothing.
3. The Pessimist:
“You know, those bubbles are probably full of chemicals.”
Be ready for a lecture on water contamination and corporate greed.
“I’m just saying… this bath isn’t going to solve all your problems, but sure, enjoy.”
Slowly watch as they manage to dwindle your energy levels.
4. The One-Upper:
“Oh, a bubble bath? Cute. I remember my five-hour spa day with volcanic mud treatments. Life-changing.
Good effort here, though, if you’re into the whole ‘basic’ bath experience.”
Do not get up and strangle them.
You’re here for zen, not a prison sentence.
5. The Passive-Aggressive / Guilt-Tripper:
“Must be nice to have time for long soaks.
Some of us are a little too busy for this Instagram-popularized ‘me time’ nonsense.”
6. The Over-Sharer/Gossiper:
“So, my neighbor’s cousin just had her fifth baby! Guess where—in a bathtub.”
Smirking, they’ll also mention the baby was conceived in a bathtub, too. TMI much?
7. The Control Freak:
“You need to move those candles to the left. It’s all about balance—let me fix that for you.”
Next, they’ll dictate your posture, head tilt, and water level.
8. The Perfectionist:
“Your bubbles aren’t quite right. They should be fluffier. And your candles are totally the wrong height.”
At this point, your emotional energy, too, goes down the drain, along with soap suds.
These are just a few examples to show that what we often call negative people are actually energy vampires—mental health hazards in disguise.
Unfortunately, we sometimes feel drained because we invite all this unwanted energy into our lives. In doing so, we become our own energy vampires.
Internal Energy Drains
Yep, we’re talking about self-sabotage—the sneakiest way we end up depleting our own energy. Let’s break it down:
1.The “Planning to Plan” Syndrome
All the pretty fluorescent highlighters, colorful sticky notes, perfectly color-coded to-do lists, and the oh-so-organized desk that screams productivity.
But let’s be real—these won’t get the goals done.
2. Self-Improvement Overload
Signing up for one more course, adopting a new wellness routine, and subscribing to another wellness podcast.
You’re journaling and keeping up with gratitude practices. But wait—what about the actual work?
How much of your time is spent doing the real work versus chasing self-improvement?
3. Networking Overdone
You’re out there shaking hands, attending every webinar, and booking all the coffee dates.
But when do you actually have time to do something? Your coffee cups are brimming; your goals are starving.
4. I Am a Helper, I Don’t Say No
You make everyone (and their dogs) happy by promising to help them.
You gain popularity as the go-to person but fail to keep the promises you made to yourself.
5. Multitasking Is No Longer a Badge of Pride
When my kids were toddlers, multitasking came with the mommy job.
But not today.
As a half-empty nester, there’s no need to multitask. There’s no race. There’s no apocalypse to outrun.
First, multitasking consumes you, and then rectifying the accidents caused by multitasking drains even more of your energy.
6. Hobbies by the Dozen
I enjoy dancing, singing, writing, reading, watching Netflix, cooking, and poetry. Pursuing all of these would be possible—if I had a few more heads and ten hands.
But the reality is, writing is my full-time profession, and reading is a necessity for that profession (and a passion too).
Every other hobby must stay within its limits and not overpower the work that brings in money. Piling up hobbies and learning every other skill without a clear purpose is an energy drain.
7.The Social Media Sinkhole
“I’ll just check Instagram for a minute…” Famous last words. Two hours and 57 cat reels later, your to-do list still glares at you from across the room.
So, are we doomed?
A lost cause?
Not really.
Realizing the problem is the first step,
taking charge and learning ways to protect your energy is the next.
And being aware that mindset plays the most important role in protecting your energy.
Let’s grab the reins and take charge of training our minds in these ways-
How to Protect Your Energy
1. Practice Setting Boundaries Like a Pro
Setting clear boundaries is the most essential step in protecting your energy.
It seems impossible at first if we are not used to it. We get into thinking about others’ feelings.
A good start is being aware that we have the ability to say no.
And no, we don’t need to justify our choices. Learn to say no without explaining yourself.
2. Taking Breaks That Actually Work
Not all productivity comes from working nonstop.
I used to sit down to write, and the next thing I knew, two hours had passed, with me still tapping away at the keyboard—pausing only for a quick bio-break.
Then, I started setting periodic alarms to get up, move, and stretch. And let me tell you, strategic breaks are like a secret weapon for recharging energy.
The trick? Mix it up: a quick stretch, a walk to clear your head or even a full day of doing absolutely nothing.
3. Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind
A messy space is a direct line to a messy mind.
Simplifying our surroundings seems obvious but has many hidden perks—things trigger memory.
Whether it’s turning off notifications or clearing the chaos from our desk, small changes create big mental shifts.
4. Prioritize What Truly Matters
Instead of juggling a never-ending to-do list, pick the three most important tasks for the day.
I learned it the hard way.
I would have many different things on my plate, consuming my work hours, and by the end of the day, I would wonder why nothing ever got completed.
The Eisenhower matrix was helpful in partitioning my time and making sure that I stayed productive and not busy.
By focusing on what truly matters, we feel accomplished rather than overwhelmed.
And let’s face it, being “busy” isn’t the flex it used to be.
5. Limit Social Media Rabbit Holes
This is coming from someone whose primary business source is social media and online platforms—I get it. I truly do.
We’ve all been there.
The promise of “just five minutes” on Instagram is a slippery slope.
Before you know it, you’re knee-deep in someone’s vacation photos from 2015, toddlers sassily talking back to their parents, or watching a cat’s entire life story unfold.
The solution? Build the ability to resist instant gratification.
Set boundaries with social media. Treat timed doom-scrolling as a reward for accomplished work, not a quick mood boost.
6. Visualize Your Protective Energy Shield
Visualization is a powerful way to block negative energy.
When life gets chaotic, imagine wrapping yourself in a bubble of positivity—a personal force field against negativity.
Better yet, and if your budget allows it-create a sanctuary at home where you can relax and recharge.
Cozy blankets, candles, and all things that drench your soul with “good vibes.”
7. Practice Gratitude to Stay Grounded
Take a moment every day to reflect on what we’re grateful for.
Whether it’s your morning tea or a kind word from a friend, these little reminders act as armor against negativity.
8. Tune Into Your Triggers that bring negative energy
Stress doesn’t appear out of thin air—it’s triggered. Whether it’s looming deadlines or events you’d rather skip, knowing what stresses you out helps you tackle it head-on.
Instead of avoiding the issue, break it into manageable steps or simply say no.
9. Let Go of Perfectionism to improve mental health
Chasing perfection is exhausting.
Instead of aiming for flawless, focus on progress. A finished task, even if it’s not perfect, is far better than one you never start.
You’ll save energy for what really matters, instead of getting stuck in the endless loop of “just one more tweak.”
10. Choosing Positive People
Energy is contagious, so being selective about who we are spending time with helps.
Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not those who leave you feeling drained. If an interaction feels like a marathon, it might be time to reevaluate their place in your life.
11. Practice rituals that combat negative emotions.
Life can feel overwhelming, but small steps can bring more energy than a shot of espresso.
A deep breath reciting positive affirmations can recharge much better.
Include guided meditation in your daily rituals to feel positive.
Pair that with a few deep breaths, and you’ll notice a boost in energy and calmness to carry you through the day.
12. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is meditation in motion. It’s about staying present in the moment with a meditative focus, even while going through your daily routine. Mindfulness is the practice of spending time with yourself in complete awareness.
Being intentional, even when preparing our daily meals or piling the laundry.
13. Keep Hobbies Simple and Joyful
Hobbies are meant to energize us, not overwhelm us with stress. Sticking to a few passions that genuinely make us happy is the solution. Be aware and curb the FOMO.
14. Say Goodbye to Energy Vampires
Not every invite deserves a “yes.”
It’s okay to step away from people who affect our emotions and leave us feeling depleted.
Sometimes, self-care means prioritizing your peace over someone else’s expectations.
Empowering Yourself to Protect Your Own Energy
An energy drain may seem inevitable.
But the truth is, we are responsible for our well-being, emotional health and energy levels.
What worked for me was affirming that I am responsible for my own emotions.
I held onto that belief and reinforced it with action.
It gave me the courage to enforce healthy boundaries.
It drove me towards intentional self-care.
It helped me tweak my routine to stay in emotional balance.
With that shift, I regained control over my personal and professional life.
So, what’s your secret to staying energized? Drop your favorite energy-saving hacks in the comments—
8 Comments