Have you ever felt completely wiped out?
Like, so exhausted you’d think you ran a marathon, when in reality, your only sprint was to the fridge? Forget gymming, running, or even brisk walking. When you’re drained, your thoughts don’t scream “how to protect my energy”—they whisper, “Where’s my strong masala tea?”
What we miss is- where does our energy actually go? Life and people manage to syphon every ounce of your mental and emotional strength some days, leaving you wondering, “Why do I feel so drained?”
Welcome to the club! Protecting your energy isn’t just a skill; it’s a survival strategy.
When I first shifted my focus to preserving my energy, I was astonished. The kids were grown, I had more free time, and life seemed calmer. So where was all my energy going?
My focus and energy were slipping away faster than my phone battery during a Netflix binge.
Turns out, learning how to protect your energy was less about managing time and more about confronting sneaky energy drains—both external and self-inflicted.
What Does It Mean to Protect Your Energy?
Protecting your energy is like building an impenetrable fortress around your mental and emotional reserves.
It’s about saying a firm “no thanks” to chaos, distractions, and those delightful negative influences that drain you.
Now, this isn’t about retreating to a Zen bubble surrounded by crystals and incense (though if that’s your thing, shine on).
It’s about pacing yourself, staying focused, and showing negativity the door before it even has a chance to settle in with a cup of tea.
Why Is Protecting Your Energy Important?
We all know burnout is the modern plague, right? You’re hustling at work, juggling your personal and professional life, and suddenly, you’re running on fumes.
If you’ve seen those viral reels of people going bat-sh*t crazy at their workplace—smashing computers, flipping desks—you get the picture. That’s what happens when your energy hits rock bottom.
Mental Energy Is Finite
Here’s the deal- your brain isn’t a bottomless pit of power.
Studies show that every little decision chips away at your 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 your head—it’s a full-blown health hazard. Stress isn’t just a mood killer—it creeps in and messes with your body too. Who needs that?
You Deserve Better
When your energy is depleted, you’re left saying yes to everyone else while constantly saying no to yourself. That’s not a life, it’s a slow spiral into resentment. How do I know? Been there. Done that. And it took years to get out of that regret.
It’s time to flip that script, prioritize yourself, and take back control of your energy.
Common Sources of Energy Drains
People!! Of course—people drain your energy!
Now, I realise elaborating on this might land me in hot water, but hey, it’s a risk I’m willing to take.
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 fragrances 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.”
Next, they’ll rearrange your candles, adjust the water temperature, and probably sing for you—bore your zen to death.
2. The Time Sucker:
“Quick question—do you remember the name of that restaurant we went to 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. You might want to rethink your whole setup here.”
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.”
And suddenly, you’re wondering why you feel so drained.
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 all this Instagram-popularised ‘me time’ nonsense.”
They’ll then remind you of important events you have missed, leaving you feeling soggy and sorry.
6. The Energy Vampire:
“I’ve had the worst day ever. You won’t believe it. Honestly, nothing you’ve experienced compares.”
Suddenly, it’s your job to soothe their misery. What are you doing anyway? Just lounging in a tub, right?
7. The Over-Sharer/Gossiper:
“So, my neighbour’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?
8. 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, tilt of your head, and water level. And, “for the love of all that’s zen, please don’t fart.”- they will urge.
9. The Perfectionist:
“Your bubbles aren’t quite right. They should be fluffier. And your candles are totally the wrong height.”
At this point, you’ll start questioning your entire life and how half-assed your bath prep really is.
The list above covers external energy drains—the ones we have to dodge. But let’s not forget how we create an energy drain for ourselves.
Internal Energy Drains
It’s not always the outside world sucking the life out of us—sometimes, the culprit stares back at us in the mirror. Yep, we’re talking about self-sabotage, the sneakiest energy thief of all. Let’s break it down:
1.The “Planning to Plan” Syndrome
All the pretty fluorescent highlighters, colourful sticky notes, perfectly colour-coded to-do lists, and the oh-so-organised desk that screams productivity. You have a planner to map out your life’s masterpiece.
But let’s be real—those goals won’t get done just because your sticky notes match your highlighters. It’s a shiny distraction, not progress.
2. Self-Improvement Overload
Signing up for one more course, adopting a new wellness routine, and subscribing to another wellness podcast.
You’re filling workbooks, journaling, 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 fall down in your own eyes for not keeping the promises you made to yourself. That screams energy drain.
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 has to stay within its limits and not overpower the work that actually 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 is still glaring at you from across the room.
14 to Protect Your Energy
Set Boundaries Like a Pro
Learning to say “no” isn’t just empowering; it’s essential. Whether it’s turning down that extra Zoom call or politely skipping a PTA meeting, boundaries are the key to reclaiming your energy. The world will keep demanding your time, but it’s up to you to protect it.
And no, you don’t need to justify your choices. Learn to say no without explaining yourself.
Take Breaks That Actually Work
Not all productivity comes from working nonstop. Strategic breaks can recharge your energy like nothing else. The secret is to mix it up: a quick stretch, a walk to clear your head, or even a full day of doing absolutely nothing. Call it guilt-free downtime—your mind and body will thank you.
Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind
A messy space is a direct line to a messy mind. Simplify your surroundings to keep distractions at bay. Whether it’s turning off notifications or clearing the chaos from your desk, small changes create big mental shifts. When your environment is calm, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to focus.
Prioritize What Truly Matters
Instead of juggling a never-ending to-do list, pick the three most important tasks for the day. By focusing on what truly matters, you’ll feel accomplished rather than overwhelmed. And let’s face it, being “busy” isn’t the flex it used to be.
Limit Social Media Rabbit Holes
The promise of “just five minutes” on Instagram is a dangerous one. Before you know it, you’re deep into vacation photos from 2015 or watching otters eat watermelon. To keep your energy intact, set boundaries with social media. Trust me, your to-do list will appreciate it.
Visualize Your Protective Energy Shield
When life gets chaotic, imagine wrapping yourself in a bubble of positivity—a personal force field against negativity. Better yet, create a sanctuary at home where you can relax and recharge. Cozy blankets, candles, or even a comfy chair can work wonders for your energy.
Practice Gratitude to Stay Grounded
Nothing shifts your perspective like focusing on the good. Take a moment every day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Whether it’s your morning tea or a kind word from a friend, these little reminders act as armor against negativity.
Tune Into Your Triggers
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.
Let Go of Perfectionism
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.”
Choose Positive People
Energy is contagious, so be selective about who you spend time with. 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.
Trust Your Intuition
Your gut instinct is rarely wrong. If someone or something consistently leaves you feeling depleted, listen to that inner voice. Protecting your energy sometimes means creating space—and that’s okay.
Mindfulness Is the Real Game-Changer
You don’t need a mountain retreat to practice mindfulness. Simply pausing to take a deep breath when life feels overwhelming can reset your focus. A few moments of calm in a chaotic day make all the difference.
Keep Hobbies Simple and Joyful
Hobbies are meant to energise you, not overwhelm you with yet another to-do list. Stick to a few passions that genuinely make you happy. Not everything needs to be turned into a project or a productivity hack.
Say Goodbye to Energy Vampires
Not every invite deserves a “yes,” and not every person deserves your time. It’s okay to step away from those who constantly drain your energy. Sometimes, self-care means prioritizing your peace over someone else’s expectations.
Take Control of Your Time
Your time is your most valuable resource. Structure your day with intention—dedicating time for work, rest, and even a little nothingness. When you’re in charge of your schedule, your energy follows suit.
Taking Control – Empowering Yourself Against an energy drain
An energy drain may seem inevitable, but what worked for me was realising that control was within my reach. I held onto that belief and reinforced it with action.
It gave me the courage to say no, and the strength to turn down unnecessary social activities that left me feeling drained. It wasn’t easy, for sure.
With that shift, I regained control over my routine—and found some zen time, along with achieving my goals, too.
So, what’s your secret to staying energized? Drop your favorite energy-saving hacks in the comments—I’d love to hear how you protect your peace in this chaotic world.
If it feels productive but doesn’t move the needle on your real goals, it’s probably an energy drain in disguise.
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