Protecting and sharing your energy is a personal responsibility and prevention measure. Here are some helpful practices that surround preserving your peace.

SELF-AWARENESS

It is beneficial to practice self-awareness and frequently check in with how you are feeling multiple times a day. Shifts in energy levels will fluctuate after interactions with people, as well as after activities. Using this intuition will help you become more attuned to subtle energy shifts in the body as the day progresses. Furthermore, it will help you gauge your levels of understanding of what you are capable of throughout the day.

ENERGY VESSELS

When we have spent all of our energy it results in reduced patience and lowers our ability to self-regulate. Being aware of the activities or people that lower your energy, is a form of self-care that prevents us from burning out, and inevitably underserving ourselves and others. Some people have a larger vessel that holds this energy, and it is important to refrain from judging or comparing vessels or shaming ourselves into spending more energy than we possess.

SETTING ENERGETIC BOUNDARIES

Connect with yourself regarding the activities or people who genuinely light you up. If a person or activity doesn’t regenerate or uplift you, it is in your best interest to set boundaries. Obligations in life are inevitable, but there are ways to find energetic balance. For instance, setting time limits with people or activities that deplete your energy. Additionally, checking in with yourself frequently when you feel like you are approaching your capacity, will prevent overstepping that energetic threshold.

RESPECTING ENERGETIC BOUNDARIES

Not respecting the boundaries of another person can often breed resentment. Oftentimes when a person says “No,” this answer has been premeditated. Trying to convince someone otherwise, does not honour their energy or their boundaries. Being unaware of this can actually put others in an uncomfortable position. Keep in mind that just because you invite and encourage others to engage in an activity that you believe to be enjoyable, doesn’t mean that is the case for others. Convincing someone to have “forced fun” may lower their energy and perpetuate some of the people-pleasing tendencies they struggle with.

NO IS A FULL SENTENCE

“No” is a full sentence and an assertive way to set boundaries. “No” is also an aspect of self-care that does not warrant a reason for this decision. Being assertive in protecting your energy may cause disappointment in others and feel selfish if we are used to being in service to others. It may even be met with pushback due to this disappointment. It is important to understand that you are not responsible for navigating the difficult emotions that others display because you have chosen self-care. Communicating your needs is an important part of preserving your energy and mental wellness that only you have the responsibility to maintain.

By: Stef Wood M.A. R.P. (Qualifying)

If you or someone you know is experiencing burnout or challenges with preserving your energy, click HERE to find support near you.

If you are in an immediate psychological crisis, please present yourself to your local emergency department.

References:

Rieder, E. A., & Sacks, J. (2021). Boundaries. Essential Psychiatry for the Aesthetic Practitioner, 131-140.