Feeling overwhelmed by the emotions of others can be an exhausting experience, often described as being an “emotional sponge.” Many people, like my friend, find themselves absorbing the negative energies of those around them. In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies to safeguard your emotional well-being and protect your energy.
“I feel like I’m an emotional sponge.”
My friend recently shared how her lunch breaks at work have become marathons of listening to a co-worker vent about a distressing divorce.
Yep, I relate—especially to the feeling of being an emotional sponge.
Whenever I engage with a close friend and listen to their struggles, it’s almost inevitable that I’ll find it hard to sleep that night, or at the very least, feel drained of energy.
Some individuals and situations can have this draining effect on me. Over the years, amidst various personal growth experiences, I’ve come to realize just how easily I absorb the feelings of others. I let their emotions seep into my own, leading me to worry and stress incessantly.
This awareness has highlighted the necessity of protecting my energy to maintain my sanity.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ENERGY
FIND YOUR HAPPY SPACE
One secret to my mental well-being? I often turn off my phone—frequently. There are days I feel completely drained, and it doesn’t necessarily stem from a tragic event. It may just be a challenging client from earlier in the day or feeling worn out after a social gathering with many interactions.
When I need to recharge, I know where to go.
My personal sanctuary is my little office room. It’s filled with candles, essential oils, my favorite books, a vision board, a gratitude journal, a desk, and a cozy chair. My dog usually follows and curls up at my feet, and the minute I step into that space, I can sense a shift in my energy.
One friend of mine, a busy mom and entrepreneur, finds her happy place in her pantry. To recharge, she’ll grab a glass of wine and some dark chocolate, escaping to her pantry for a few minutes. At times, she tells me that being surrounded by her children on the living room floor brings her joy whenever work begins to drain her energy.
Discover your own happy space—whether it’s your bathroom, car, bedroom, or kitchen. Having a safe haven ready can help manage stress and protect your energy when negativity threatens to overwhelm you.
TAKE A LONG BATH
…or consider a cold shower. While some may argue that self-care tips like “take a long bath” seem impractical for those without bathtubs, the essence lies not in the act itself but in the quality time dedicated to oneself. For many of us balancing busy lives, shower time can be our only chance to disconnect throughout the day.
I enjoy using my shower time to visualize my stress and anxiety dissolving away. The warm water soothes away tension, and I can actively imagine negativity being washed away, restoring my energy levels.
BE AWARE
We naturally absorb energy from those around us, and increasing our awareness can help us protect our own energy. Pay attention to how different people, places, and situations affect your mood. Are there specific interactions that leave you feeling emotionally drained?
SET BOUNDARIES
An essential lesson I’ve learned is the importance of detaching myself from the negative emotions of others. It’s crucial to remember this when faced with those who tend to use you as their emotional wastebasket. This doesn’t apply to friends seeking an empathetic ear during tough times; it pertains to individuals who consistently express negativity without any intention of changing.
While you can provide guidance or shift the conversation toward positivity, it’s essential to recognize that you cannot force anyone to change. Protecting your energy involves setting firm boundaries. Don’t hesitate to enforce those limits. If someone’s constant chatter drains your energy, you don’t need to endure it simply out of politeness.
Positive energy is contagious, as is negative energy. The latter can leave you feeling depleted and lifeless.
Keep in mind that most individuals unaware of their draining impact can serve as a reminder for you to choose positivity over frustration. You hold the power to protect your energy—don’t let anything or anyone disrupt it.
