How to Protect Your Energy

People used to call me an emotional sponge – and honestly, they weren't wrong. I soak up everyone's vibes – the good, bad, and the in-between. I'd read or listen to someone's struggles, especially if I could relate, and it would seep into me, leaving a mark. Some places and people have this way of just getting to me.

Life has thrown its fair share of changes my way, and as I've grown through the mess and magic of it all, I've noticed how easily I let things – or people – get under my skin. Once they're there, it's like they take over. I stress, I spiral, and then I stress some more. It got exhausting.

That's when I knew I had to step up and start protecting my energy if I wanted to keep my sanity intact. Here are some ways I've learned to protect my energy while navigating life (with not too many friends around to lean on).

Set boundaries

The hardest lesson for me? Learning to say no. Seriously, it's like a whole skill set. But protecting your energy starts with setting boundaries – knowing what you will and won't tolerate. Whether it's a toxic friend, a boss overloading you with tasks, or even just the endless scroll on TikTok, figure out what drains you.

Once you've identified the culprits, draw the line. Say no to that one more favor or that event you really don't want to attend. And don't feel guilty about it! I've learned that prioritizing my peace over politeness doesn't make me rude; it makes me sane.

Find your happy place

Whenever life feels too much, I retreat to my little office room. It's my sanctuary – with my desk, my laptop, my journal, my art supplies, my cat (who's always down for a cuddle). The moment I step in, everything shifts.

Your happy place doesn't have to be fancy. It could be your car, your bed, or even a cozy corner of your couch. Wherever or whatever it is, make it your go-to when you need to recharge. The key is knowing where to go when you're feeling off. Bonus points if it involves a cat.

Declutter your life

Oh, nothing feels as liberating as a good declutter session – whether it's cleaning out your closet, muting that one toxic friend on social media, or letting go of old emotional baggage.

I don't think I've shared this before, but after my parents separated and divorced, my dad essentially faded out of the picture. My sister and I spent days clearing out everything of him from my mom's house. It was cathartic.

Tossing out the remnants of what once weighed her down was like watching her reclaim her power. Clearing out the physical clutter made space for emotional healing. Our bond as a new, tighter family unit has grown so much. Once we let go of what weighed us down, we felt lighter and closer than ever.

Get enough sleep

Sleep is non-negotiable. When I don't get enough, I'm basically a walking zombie with a short fuse, and it's not cute. But when I'm well-rested, I'm a whole different person – calmer, more patient, and way more productive.

Sleep isn't just rest; it's like hitting the reset button on your body and mind. It keeps your hormones in check and gives you the right energy to deal with life. So yeah, prioritize your sleep.

Take a long shower

Okay, it's not really about the act of taking a shower. For so many of us, especially those who are always on the go – working, juggling life – the bathroom becomes a rare escape. It's often the only time we can truly be alone, even if it's just for a few minutes. Not everyone has the luxury to take a whole day off for a nature retreat, so sometimes, a longer shower is the reset we need.

Plus, showers are so underrated! I like to imagine all my stress literally washing off me and swirling down the drain. It's simple, but it works. Not everyone has the time for big, fancy self-care routines, but we all have to shower, right?

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is all about being here, in the moment, without judgment. It's noticing how you feel, what you're thinking, and what's around you. When I practice mindfulness, I can spot the negative vibes quicker and handle them before they take over.

It's also helped me be kinder to myself. Paying attention to my thoughts has made me realize just how much I let little things get to me – and now I'm better at letting them go.

Be intentional with your screen time

Social media isn't all bad, but it can easily lead to comparison and FOMO, draining your energy without you even realizing it. It's a lot. I try to be mindful of how I use it, like not reaching for my phone first thing in the morning and scheduling regular detoxes. 

My work keeps me constantly attached to it, so when I'm off the clock, I make a conscious effort to put it down. When I'm off my phone, I feel so much lighter. I journal, FaceTime my siblings, or play with my cat instead!

What's your go-to way to protect your energy?