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How To Shield Your Energy Without Sacrificing Empathy

Jan 14, 2025
4 min read

Bronwen Sciortino is an International Author and Simplicity Expert who spent almost two decades as an award-winning executive before experiencing a life-changing event that forced her to stop and ask the question, ‘What if there’s a better way to live?

Executive Contributor Bronwen Sciortino

Feeling drained? Struggling to maintain your emotional balance in a world full of energy thieves? You’re not alone. Approximately 20% of the world’s population are what’s known as "highly sensitive" people, meaning they are more deeply affected by what’s happening around them.


Rearview shot of a young woman blocking the sunlight with her hands at the beach.

Being highly sensitive can be both a blessing and a curse. You have the ability to absorb the emotions of others like a sponge, which can leave you feeling overwhelmed and depleted. On the flip side, however, you can delve deeper and understand more fully what others are going through, making it easier for you to help them.


The good news is that there are ways to shield your energy without sacrificing your empathy.


Protecting your energy isn’t just about self-care; it’s about preserving your ability to connect with others on a deep and meaningful level. As a highly sensitive person, your gift lies in your capacity to feel the emotions of those around you.


Imagine your energy as a precious resource, like a glowing flame flickering in the wind. When you allow negative influences to sap your energy, that flame dims, making it harder for you to connect with the emotions of those around you. By prioritizing the protection of your energy, you ensure that your flame burns brightly, illuminating the path for both yourself and those you care about.


By taking proactive steps to shield your energy, you create a buffer between yourself and the negativity of the world, allowing you to maintain your empathetic nature without becoming overwhelmed.


Whether it’s setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in self-care rituals, investing in the protection of your energy enables you to show up fully for yourself and others, fostering deeper and more meaningful connections in the process.


So, how do you create a process that allows you to consistently protect your energy? Each person will find their own solutions.


Here are five ways to protect your energy


1. Set boundaries


Understand the things that drain your energy and put boundaries in place to stop these things from influencing you. Say "no" when necessary and don’t feel guilty for prioritizing your own well-being. Always remember that setting boundaries is an act of self-love and empowerment.


2. Practice mindfulness


Take a few moments each day to ground yourself in the present moment. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing, feeling the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. Notice any tension or discomfort, and gently release it each time you exhale. By cultivating mindfulness, you can stay centered and resilient in the face of external pressures.


3. Surround yourself with positivity


Choose your company wisely and spend time with people who uplift and inspire you. Seek out environments that resonate with your energy and make you feel comfortable and supported. Whether it’s a peaceful nature walk or a cozy coffee shop, surround yourself with positivity wherever you go.


4. Practice self-care


Take time each day to nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s taking a bubble bath, reading a good book, or practicing yoga. Prioritize your physical and emotional well-being and remember that self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for maintaining your energy and vitality.


5. Visualize protection


Before stepping out into the world, visualize yourself surrounded by a cocoon of light, like a radiant aura. Envision this light shielding you from any negativity or harmful influences, while still allowing love and compassion to flow freely. By harnessing the power of visualization, you can create a powerful barrier against energy thieves and maintain your empathetic nature.


By refusing to give everything you have to energy thieves, you’re reclaiming your power and protecting your well-being as a highly sensitive individual. Imagine feeling freer, lighter, and more in control of your own emotions.


Instead of being drained and depleted by others, you have the energy and resilience to show up fully in your own life. You can prioritize your own needs and desires without feeling guilty or selfish, knowing that self-care is essential for maintaining your empathy and compassion.


In safeguarding yourself from energy thieves each day, you gain the precious gift of inner peace and vitality. Picture yourself as a fortress, strong and resilient against the onslaught of negativity.


By protecting your energy, you’re preserving your emotional well-being and empowering yourself to live life on your own terms. No longer weighed down by the burden of others’ emotions, you’re free to pursue your passions, nurture your relationships, and embrace every moment with clarity and joy.


So, stand tall and know that by prioritizing your own needs, you’re creating a life filled with boundless energy and endless possibilities.


Bronwen Sciortino is a Simplicity Expert, Professional Speaker, and an internationally renowned author. You can follow her on her website, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Bronwen Sciortino, International Author & Simplicity Expert

Bronwen Sciortino is an International Author and Simplicity Expert who spent almost two decades as an award-winning executive before experiencing a life-changing event that forced her to stop and ask the question, ‘What if there’s a better way to live?’ Embarking on a journey to answer this question, Bronwen developed a whole new way of living, one that teaches you to challenge the status quo and include the power of questions in everyday life. Gaining international critical acclaim and 5-star awards for her books and online programs,


Bronwen spends every day teaching people that there is an easy, practical, and simple pathway to creating a healthy, happy, and highly successful life. Sourced globally for media comment as an expert and working with corporate programs, conference platforms, retreats, professional mentoring and in the online environment, Bronwen teaches people how easy it is to live life very differently.

 
 

This article is published in collaboration with Brainz Magazine’s network of global experts, carefully selected to share real, valuable insights.

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