THE ART OF PROTECTING YOUR ENERGY: LEARNING WHEN TO HOLD ON AND WHEN TO LET GO

Have you ever noticed how certain people, situations, or even thoughts leave you feeling drained, while others fill you with energy?

We often focus on how we spend our time, but what about how we spend our energy? Not everything and everyone is meant to have access to your mental and emotional space. Learning to protect your energy isn’t about shutting people out—it’s about knowing where to invest yourself and when to step back.

Take a moment to reflect: Where in your life do you feel most energized? And where do you feel most depleted?

Why protecting your energy matters
Your energy is your most valuable resource. Unlike time, which moves forward no matter what, energy fluctuates—it expands when nurtured and depletes when overextended.

Think about a day when you felt completely drained. What caused it? Was it a demanding task, an exhausting conversation, or the weight of unspoken expectations? Now, think about a moment when you felt fully alive and recharged. What was different?

Your energy is always speaking to you. The question is: Are you listening?

Recognizing what drains you
Energy leaks happen in many forms—overcommitting, people-pleasing, constant digital stimulation, or even holding onto unresolved emotions.

Ask yourself:

• What in my life feels heavy right now?

• Where do I feel resentment or exhaustion?

• Am I saying yes to things that don’t align with what I truly need?

Bringing awareness to these patterns is the first step in reclaiming your energy.

How to protect your energy without guilt
Saying no, setting boundaries, or stepping back from draining situations can feel uncomfortable at first. But protecting your energy isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

You can set boundaries with love. You can step away without explanation. You can prioritize your well-being without guilt.

The next time you feel conflicted about protecting your energy, ask yourself: If I continue giving to this, what will it cost me? And if I step back, what might I gain?

Holding on vs. letting go
Not everything is meant to be carried forever. Sometimes, the best way to honor your energy is to release what no longer supports you—whether it’s a belief, a habit, or a connection that has run its course.

Letting go isn’t failure. It’s trust. Trust that by creating space, you’re making room for something better.

Your energy is sacred. Where you invest it shapes your life. Protect it wisely, give it intentionally, and trust that by doing so, you are choosing yourself in the most powerful way.

So, I ask you: What’s one small shift you can make to protect your energy this week? And what would change if you allowed yourself to let go of what drains you?