How to Protect Yourself from Energy Vampires

A 10 step guide to protecting your energy so you don't feel drained and emotionally depleted

There are energy vampires all around you and by that, I don’t mean creatures of the supernatural.

I’m talking about the individuals who have the uncanny ability to drain your emotional and mental energy. These people leave you feeling exhausted, stressed, and emotionally depleted after just a short interaction. Protecting yourself from these energy-draining encounters is crucial for maintaining your well-being and mental health.

Here are a few ways you can protect yourself from energy vampires:

Recognize the Signs:

The first step in protecting yourself from energy vampires is to recognize them. These individuals often exhibit traits such as constant negativity & complaining, self-centeredness, jealousy, and an insatiable need for attention.

Pay close attention to how you feel after spending time with certain people; if you consistently feel drained, it may be time to evaluate the relationship.

Set Boundaries:

Be clear and let them know what you are comfortable with and what you are not. Being assertive, yet polite when communicating your boundaries, and sticking to them even if they push back will go a long way. It can be difficult so remind yourself that this is necessary to maintain your emotional well-being.

Limit Interaction:

If possible, minimize your contact with energy vampires. You don't have to cut them out of your life completely, but reducing the time you spend with them can help protect your energy.

I know this can be especially difficult if the energy vampire is a co-worker or family member… which brings me to the next strategy:

Practice empathy from a distance:

Maintaining a connection with a family member, co-worker or close friend may be important. Offer your support and love, but limit your exposure to their negativity.

Maintain Perspective:

It's essential to remember that energy vampires often drain others because they are dealing with their issues. Try to empathize with their struggles, but don't let their problems become your own. Offer support when appropriate, but avoid getting entangled in their drama.

Practice Self-Care:

Prioritize self-care to build compassion for others and resilience against energy drains. Engage in activities that boost your emotional and mental well-being, such as breathwork, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, journaling and spending time with positive and supportive people.

This free 15 minute guided breathwork session can help you release negativity and welcome full body rejuvenation and restoration. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

Learn to Say No:

One of the most effective ways to protect your energy is to say no when necessary. Be firm, but polite in declining invitations or requests that you know will be emotionally draining.

Use Visualization Techniques:

Visualization can be a powerful tool for protecting your energy. I like to imagine myself surrounded by a protective shield of white light that repels negativity. When engaging with an energy vampire, visualize this shield keeping your energy intact.

Choose Your Battles:

Not every situation requires confrontation or engagement. Sometimes, it's best to let it go rather than expend your energy on them.

Seek Support:

Share your experiences with a trusted friend or therapist. Talking about your encounters with energy vampires can provide valuable insights and emotional support. Sometimes, just knowing that you're not alone in dealing with this can also be comforting.

*Just try not to let it spiral into gossiping. That will only come back to drain your energy!

Remember that protecting yourself from energy vampires is not selfish; it's an act of self-preservation. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a healthy balance in your relationships, you can safeguard your emotional and mental well-being while still being compassionate and supportive to those around you.