As spring approaches, you might be emerging from somewhat of a social hibernation. No matter if you are energized by other people or prefer friendly gatherings in small doses, you might be wondering how to protect your energy when filling up your calendar with lunch meetings, coffee dates, and nights out on the town. “Being around other people can take a lot of your energy,” explains Natalie Bernstein Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and reiki practitioner. “If you start to notice yourself feeling drained, empty, or [like you have] a pit in the stomach, that is a sign that your energy needs to be restored.”
In addition to placing a tourmaline stone in your pocket, you can ward off negative energy with this deep-hued stone in areas of your home — such as your front door, where you come in contact with others' energies the most — for further protection.
Allow yourself space to recharge.
Give yourself time and space to recharge, in whatever way is most appealing to you, advises Andolong. “Some folks [typically, extroverts] recharge in the presence of other people, others [typically, introverts] do so alone,” she explains. More often than not, many run themselves down energy-wise without even knowing it. But if you spend some time recharging, you can experience a shift. “When you’re recharged, you’re back home with yourself and less likely to make choices that deplete you,” says Andolong.
Try visualization techniques.
Visualization is a powerful technique often used in meditation as a way to unwind and relax. But, it can also be used as a tool for resetting after coming into contact with others’ energies. Think of this tip as a good practice for everyday maintenance of your own energy. “While taking a shower, visualize the water washing away all the energy that you have collected throughout the day, sending it down the drain to be recycled,” says Bernstein. “Then, visualize the water flowing over you, filling in your energy, making you whole and protected again.”
Calm your nervous system.
Thanks to today’s hustle culture, many people spend most of their days with their nervous system in a sympathetic state, aka fight or flight mode. This state can really take a toll on you, impacting your energy and how you are affected by others’ energies. With that in mind, stabilizing the nervous system by inviting in more balance — and more time spent in the parasympathetic state of rest and digest — is another fantastic way to keep negative energy at bay. The best way to do this is to “be as grounded and as centered as possible in one’s self,” says Reiki master Maureen Black. Grounding practices such as walking barefoot in the grass, spending time in the sun, meditating, breathwork, and even taking care of your garden or houseplants all help invite more stabilization to the nervous system and allow for a deeper connection to yourself. “The more grounded and sure of who you are, the less likely you are to be affected by others’ negative energy, no matter how toxic it is,” says Black.
Practice gratitude.
When you come in contact with someone who has an aura of uncomfortable energy, practicing gratitude can help diffuse the situation. “It may feel counterintuitive to share gratitude with someone who has negative or uncomfortable energy,” says Serena Poon, a celebrity chef, certified nutritionist, and Reiki master. “However, gratitude is a powerful, loving energy that can help their energy shift, protecting your energy in the process,” she adds, noting how everyone has the power to shift the energy in any room “through displays of kindness, love, and appreciation.”
When it comes down to it, everyone is impacted by each other's energies in some way, shape, or form. Whether it's an energy that makes you feel really good — such as the energy of a loving and supportive friend — or energy that stings or depletes you, it's impossible to avoid each other's vibrations. "We are all energy and our energy can be affected by others," says Bernstein. "You are in charge of your energy and it is up to you to protect it," she adds. With that in mind, you have a choice between absorbing the more uncomfortable energies or using energy protection practices to set boundaries between yourself and others.
