FEELING ENERGY

The Art of Feeling Energies: How Others Affect Your Mind, Body, and Relationships

Kia ora, koutou!

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt the mood without anyone saying a word? Or maybe you’ve spent time with someone who left you feeling completely drained, like your soul just ran a marathon? or your entire body needs to sleep for months on end and no matter how much sleep you get, your still drained? If so, congrats—you’re sensitive to energy. But don’t get it twisted, this isn’t a bad thing!

It’s a gift—and if you know how to manage it - it can become a powerful ally.

We’re all swimming in a sea of vibrations, constantly exchanging energy with the people around us. When left unchecked, absorbing these energies can take a serious toll on your emotions, actions, physical well-being, and even your relationships. Let’s unpack what’s really happening when you’re soaking up the vibes of others, how it affects your life, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Feeling the Energy Around You

Energy is more than just a buzzword—it’s a real, tangible force that influences everything. Some people naturally pick up on these frequencies more than others, especially empaths, healers, and highly sensitive people.

Signs you might be feeling other people’s energy:

• You suddenly feel anxious, sad, or irritable without knowing why.
• You feel exhausted after being in crowded spaces.
• Your mood shifts depending on who you’re around.
• You take on other people’s problems as if they were your own.
• You feel overwhelmed after deep conversations or emotional exchanges.

If any of these resonate, you’re likely a sponge for external energy. But here’s the thing—if you don’t learn to manage it, it can mess with your mind, body, and relationships in ways you never expected.

How Absorbing Energy Drains You

Taking on other people’s energy without boundaries is like running your phone on 1% battery all day without a charger. It’s draining, exhausting, and unsustainable.

1. Emotional Overload

When you absorb too much external energy, your emotions become unbalanced. One moment, you’re happy; the next, you’re carrying someone else’s stress, sadness, or anger. This emotional rollercoaster can lead to:

• Sudden mood swings
• Anxiety and overthinking
• Feeling emotionally exhausted for no clear reason
• Losing touch with your own emotions because you’re overwhelmed by others

2. Physical Symptoms

Emotional exhaustion doesn’t just stay in your head—it manifests in your body too.

• Unexplained fatigue
• Headaches and migraines
• Tension in your shoulders and neck
• Stomach issues (because stress and energy get stored in the gut!)
• Sleep disturbances

Sound familiar? That’s your body screaming for an energy detox.

3. Actions and Decision-Making

When you’re constantly taking on other people’s energy, your thoughts and actions get hijacked. Instead of following your own intuition, you may:

• Make choices based on guilt or obligation
• Overextend yourself trying to fix other people’s problems
• Avoid situations because they feel “too heavy”
• Struggle to say no, even when you’re at your limit

The more you absorb, the harder it becomes to trust your own instincts. And when you’re not following your own path, life can feel misaligned and frustrating.

How Energy Drain Affects Relationships

Unmanaged energy absorption doesn’t just impact you—it seeps into your relationships, partnerships, and family dynamics too.

 

1. Romantic Relationships

If one person in a relationship is constantly carrying the emotional load, resentment can build. When you absorb your partner’s stress, sadness, or anger, it can lead to:

• Emotional burnout
• Unnecessary arguments
• Feeling responsible for their happiness
• Losing your own identity in the relationship

2. Friendships and Social Circles

Being the “therapist friend” or the one who always absorbs everyone’s energy can create an imbalance. If you’re always giving and never receiving, friendships can feel exhausting instead of fulfilling.

3. Parenting and Family Dynamics

Children are highly sensitive to energy, and if a parent is carrying emotional weight that isn’t theirs, kids pick up on it. Unchecked emotional overload can:

• Create tension in the household
• Make children feel responsible for their parents’ emotions
• Lead to emotional dysregulation in kids

That’s why learning to manage your energy isn’t just for you—it’s for the people you love too.

How to Protect Your Energy and Stay Balanced

You don’t have to keep carrying everyone else’s baggage. Here’s how to keep your energy high while still being the caring, compassionate person you naturally are.

1. Identify When It’s Not Yours

When you feel a sudden shift in your emotions, ask yourself:

• Was I feeling this way before I entered this space?
• Does this emotion actually belong to me?
• Did I absorb this from someone else’s energy?

Bringing awareness to the energy you’re picking up is the first step in releasing it.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out—they’re about protecting your own peace. Some examples:

• “I love and support you, but I can’t take this on right now.”
• “I need some time to recharge before I can listen fully.”
• “I can’t be your emotional dumping ground, but I can offer guidance.”

3. Energy-Clearing Practices

Just like you shower to clean your body, you need to clear your energy too! Try:

• Grounding: Walking barefoot on grass or sand
• Meditation: Visualizing negative energy leaving your body
• Smudging: Using sage, palo santo, or cleansing sprays
• Salt Baths: Soaking in Himalayan or sea salt to clear energetic debris

4. Protect Your Energy Field

Visualize a protective bubble of light around you before entering draining situations. Imagine it as a filter that lets in love and positivity but keeps out negativity and heaviness.

5. Prioritize Your Own Energy First

If you’re constantly running on empty, you won’t be able to show up for others in a healthy way. Fill your own cup first by:

• Spending time in nature
• Practicing self-care without guilt
• Saying no when you need to
• Prioritizing relationships that uplift and energize you

Final Thoughts: Your Energy is Sacred

Feeling the energy of others isn’t a burden—it’s a gift when you know how to navigate it. When you protect your energy, you’re not just doing it for yourself, but for your relationships, your loved ones, and your well-being.

So, the next time you feel drained, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted, take a step back and ask yourself whose energy you’re carrying. Because at the end of the day, your energy is yours—and it’s worth protecting.

Chur, thanks for reading! Keep shining, keep protecting your vibe, and stay grounded, whānau. ✨