Negative energy can mean different things to different people. But one way I define it is unwanted effects, emotions, or “vibes” resulting from an interaction or situation. Protecting yourself from negative energy is a skill you can learn and build, and it’s particularly crucial for highly sensitive people (HSPs) and empaths. Life can become overwhelmingly draining without a protection practice, and symptoms can result as well. To that end, I am sharing a practical guide today to help you shield your energy and stay grounded.
Remember that the tips I am sharing are meant to be a complement to, not a replacement for, mental health care from a qualified professional (if you need it). And if you would like a higher level of support related to thriving as an HSP, feel free to email me at [email protected]. I offer coaching and have worked with many fellow empaths as a grief recovery specialist, plus my soon to be released ebook has much more in depth guidance.
Protecting your energy means learning strong self-care tools and practices, and then doing the ones that resonate with you. They can be internal, i.e., things you do in your mind or heart; or external, things you do with other people or out in the world.
Highly sensitive people often feel exhausted from taking on others’ energy, especially if it is a charged situation or involves a narcissistic person. HSPs are emotional sponges and their extra attuned energy bodies are more vulnerable than the average person. To learn more about why you absorb other people’s energy, read this blog here.
As with anything, it can take some trial and error to discover what works best for you, and in what situation. But the following tips will support you in protecting your highly sensitive energy. Arm yourself with these methods to stay balanced.
Boundaries are invisible lines or psychic structures that allow you to maintain your identity and self-respect while in a relationship. They distinguish where one person ends and the other begins, and enable trust and balance within a connection.
Boundaries also create safety, which is the foundation of healthy intimacy. They allow you to maintain integrity with yourself and still be there for others. I teach boundary setting in three main steps:
The key, and hardest part, is this last step of holding firm. You may notice feelings of guilt or even shame arise, especially if standing up for yourself is new. But it is not your responsibility to do things you don’t want to do, or caretake other adults (which often stirs negative energy). If you feel like it is, read my blog about healing codependency here.
Many sensitive souls dissociate, or move partially outside of their body energetically, without realizing it. This can occur due to overwhelm, trauma, or other factors. Therefore, routinely focusing on grounding is very therapeutic. Grounding exercises help you stay centered, in your body, and thus protect you from outside influences.
In addition, moving your body is one of the easiest and most natural ways to ground. Walk, run, sit on the ground, or literally put your feet on grass or dirt. Regular exercise at a gym or at home works too. You can add in mindfulness practices to boost your results. Check out this blog here for details about mindful meditation, try these somatic exercises, or work with trauma release here.
Energy responds to intention, so you can work with clearing meditations or prayers as well to protect yourself. The simplest way to do this is to sit in silence (or with meditation music) while you imagine white light surrounding you and clearing out anything unwanted. You can also ask, “is this mine?” when it comes to negative feelings and thoughts (especially those you have often). You may be reacting to energies that aren’t even yours! So addressing this is massively protective.
Additionally, you can explore spiritual tools like smudging with sage, salt, crystals, or incense. Again, set the intention that whatever tool you use works to help clear you of any and all negative energy or karma.
Now we will touch on a few more considerations when it comes to protecting your energy.
Here are some signs that you are absorbing energy or could benefit from a review of the things and people around you (and subsequent adjustments based on that):
As I mentioned, sensitive and empathic people tend to absorb more and need extra protection. One of the best self-care tips in this case is making rest and downtime a priority. I understand that may be a challenge if you have a busy life or big family/work demands, but do what you can. Carve out time to release what you’ve taken on. I suggest my post with more details on this, how to protect your energy as an empath, here.
Energy protection and maintenance is a practice. By definition, that means it’s not one and one (unfortunately). Daily and weekly habits and routines will support you in keeping negative energy away over the long term. Prioritize a grounding regimen, firm boundaries, and regular resets (like naps, meditation, therapy, or alone time). You can check out my blog on how to block negative energy as well. Finally, I offer empath support sessions and my soon to be released ebook for those who would like extra guidance and a safe space to explore further. Feel free to email me with questions at [email protected].
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