As an “empath”, I have always had a strong sense of people’s emotions. It’s almost as if I can feel what they’re feeling, and it can be complicated to move on, shake it off, or separate myself from what the person has told me or has gone through. I’ve often been called an emotional sponge, and I’ve realized that this is both a gift and a curse.
On the one hand, it allows me to connect with people on a deeper level and offer support when they need it most. On the other hand, it can be overwhelming at times, especially when dealing with negative energy or emotions.
If you’re a highly sensitive person like me, you know how draining it can be to absorb other people’s energy. Energy vampires, toxic people, and stressful situations can all affect your emotional health and well-being. But there are ways to protect yourself and stop absorbing other people’s energy.
Here are 17 life strategies that I can relate to and have personally used, and ones that I hope help you maintain your own energy, set healthy boundaries, and stay grounded in the present moment.
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1. Take an intentional deep breath
The first step to stopping the absorption of other people’s energy is to take a deep breath. This helps you to center yourself and focus on your own energy and emotions.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take some good deep belly breaths and focus on the present moment. This can help you to feel more grounded and centered. I’m telling you, this is a game changer when you can tap into the space that works for you and your body.
2. Create an envelope of white light
Visualize yourself surrounded by an envelope of white light. This is your perimeter of protection, which helps shield you from negative energy and emotions. Imagine the light surrounding your body, and feel its warmth and protection.
One wise person gave me these tools to do this exercise: Inhale deeply and exhale slowly as if breathing in the healing power of this light. As you take deep breaths, allow your body to feel relaxed and safe. Rinse and repeat as needed. Do your best to move forward confidently, knowing you are surrounded by a powerful protection force.
3. Spend time in a public place
In fact, spending time in a public place where you know no one can be freedom. You don’t have to worry about the emotions of others or feel the pressure to absorb their energy.
Take advantage of this opportunity to focus on your energy and emotions and be present. Walk around without feeling the pressure to engage with others. Whether taking a walk in the park, visiting a coffee shop, or going to the library, being in a public place can help you feel more connected to the world around you and less isolated.
4. Don’t get sucked into manipulation
One of the best things you can do to stop absorbing other people’s energy is to not allowing people to guilt trip or manipulate your no. Establishing and maintaining boundaries will help you protect your energy while remaining connected to the people around you. Say no with every fiber in your entire body.
This means learning to say no when needed and being clear about your needs and limitations. It’s essential to clearly and respectfully communicate your limits and stick to them.
5. Surround yourself with positive people
Surround yourself with positive people who uplift you and support your emotional well-being. The aura of good-for-you individuals exudes a contagious positive energy that has the potential to uplift and invigorate those in their presence.
By surrounding oneself with such individuals, one can unlock the gateway to self-care and foster a sense of positive energy and emotional healing. Spend time with friends and family members who make you feel good, who don’t put you in a bad mood, and avoid toxic people who drain your energy.
6. Practice alone time
As much as you love being around others, sometimes you just need to be alone to recharge your emotional energy. Spend time in quiet reflection, meditation, or other activities that bring you peace and calm.
This can help you to connect with your inner self and better understand your own emotions and energy.
7. Use physical barriers
Sometimes, you just need some physical protection from negative energy and emotions. There’s no point in putting yourself through physical discomfort, so find a visualization that works for you to combat this. Picture yourself in a bubble of light and peace, wherein all negativity is blocked out and cannot penetrate the protective shield you’ve created.
Visualize this bubble bursting with warmth and love as it spreads throughout your entire being. Allow it to fill up any empty spaces inside yourself so that you can stay balanced and secure against negative energy. The more you practice, the stronger your visualization skills will become.
8. Practice emotional boundaries
As an empath, it’s crucial to set emotional boundaries to protect your own emotional well-being. This means learning to distinguish between your own emotions and the emotions of others and saying no when you need to.
Be clear about your needs and boundaries with loved ones, and don’t be afraid to enforce them. Remember, you deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.
9. Practice physical self-care
Taking care of your physical health is essential for boosting your emotional energy and well-being. So, practice physical self-care by eating yummy nutrient-dense meals, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular movement. This can help you to feel more energized and better able to handle the emotions of others.
10. Identify the source of negative energy
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by negative energy or the emotions of people, it can be helpful to identify the source. Is it a specific person, situation, or unresolved issue?
Once you’ve identified the source, you can take steps to address it and protect yourself from its adverse effects. Remember, you have the power to take control of your emotional well-being.
11. Pay attention to what your body is feeling
Sensitive people bring a lot of joy and depth to the world. They are often highly creative, intuitive, and insightful. They tend to feel emotions more deeply than less sensitive people, whether those emotions come from their own life experiences or from the experiences of others.
But sometimes the physical symptoms of stress can be so overwhelming that it’s hard to remember that we have the power to control them. Pay attention to what your body is feeling by connecting with each body part one by one – this way, you can better understand the signals that your body is sending you and be able to take action.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed or over-stressed, simply paying attention to each of your five senses. You don’t need any special tools for these activities – just focus on what works best for you.
12. Seek professional help
If you’re experiencing chronic anxiety, panic attacks, or other symptoms related to absorbing the emotions of others, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help you develop healthy coping strategies and positively manage your true feelings and emotions
13. Practice daily meditation
Daily practice of meditation can be a powerful tool for empaths. It can help to calm your mind and body and release negative energy and emotions. Find a quiet place to meditate for a few minutes each day.
Focus on your breath and allow your thoughts to come and go without judgment. With regular practice, meditation can increase your emotional resilience and reduce the impact of negative emotions.
14. Use grounding techniques
When you’re feeling overwhelmed by the emotions of others, grounding techniques can help to anchor you in the present moment and protect your energy. Try focusing on your senses, such as the feeling of your feet on the ground or the sound of your breathing.
You can also use physical objects like leaves or sand to help ground you and reconnect you with the earth. So, take a moment to ground yourself and restore your emotional balance.
15. Practice self-compassion
As an empath, it’s easy to be hard on yourself to feel overwhelmed or absorb the emotions of others. But it’s important to practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself.
Instead of judging yourself, prioritize self-care and remind yourself that it’s okay to take a break and focus on your emotional well-being. Be gentle with yourself, and remember that you deserve love and kindness just as much as anyone else.
16. Set intentions for your day
Setting intentions for your day can be a powerful way to focus your energy and emotions in a positive direction. Before you start your day, take a few moments to set an intention for how you want to feel and what you want to accomplish. This can guide your actions and thoughts throughout the day and give you a sense of purpose and direction.
17. Connect with nature
Nature can restore our emotional balance and help us release negative energy and emotions. So, take some time to connect with nature. Spend time outdoors, walk in the park, sit outside, soak up the sun, or do some other recreational self-care activity.
Take the beauty of the natural world around you, and feel grounded and at peace. Nature has a way of reminding us that we are all connected and part of something much bigger than ourselves.
