Reclaiming Your Power In A World That Drains You

We often hear that time is our most valuable resource, but in reality, it’s energy that gives time meaning. 

You can have all the hours in the day, but if you’re drained, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted, those hours won’t be productive or fulfilling.

Protecting our energy isn’t about shutting the world out; it’s about staying connected to ourselves and choosing where and how we invest our energy. It’s about moving beyond the mindset of constant hustle and overextension and into an energy-first approach to life, one where our worth isn’t measured by how much we do but by how aligned and intentional we feel.

Yet, for many of us, protecting our energy can feel uncomfortable. Why? Because we’ve been conditioned to believe that:

“Rest is lazy.”

“Boundaries are selfish.”

“Saying “no” makes us difficult.”

“Our value comes from giving to others, even at our own expense.”

On any given day, we’ll have a set amount of energy. We can either focus on cultivating more energy or spending energy in places that are truly important. But sometimes, we experience energy drains. Things that we may not even be aware of consciously take our energy away. 

Sometimes, they show up in ways that feel normal, because we’ve been taught that exhaustion, stress, and self-sacrifice are just part of life. However this isn’t normal, and it’s time to shift from managing time to managing energy; because when your energy is aligned, everything flows with greater ease.

Often when we shift to a mindset that centres ourselves and our energy it can feel uncomfortable. But why? 

1. We’ve Been Conditioned to Prioritise Others Over Ourselves From childhood, we’re taught that being helpful, kind, and accommodating makes us “good people.” Many of us say “yes” when we really mean “no” to avoid disappointing others. But when we give without limits, we deplete ourselves—and an empty cup serves no one.

   
   

2. People-pleasing  Rooted in Fear, Not Love Many of us struggle to set boundaries because we fear:

   
   

   Rejection—"Will they still like me if I don’t do this?"

   Conflict—"I don’t want to create tension."

   Judgment—"They’ll think I’m selfish or difficult."

   
   

3. Hustle Culture Glorifies Productivity Over Wellbeing We’ve been taught that being busy equals being valuable. Rest feels like laziness. Slowing down feels like failure. But the truth is that the most successful and fulfilled people aren’t the busiest, they’re the most intentional with their energy.

   
   

4. We Mistake Boundaries for Disconnection Many of us associate closeness with self-sacrifice, but true connection is built on mutual respect, not overextending ourselves. Boundaries don’t push away the right people; they filter out relationships that only thrive when we over-give.

   
   

Now that you are aware of why you might be catering to people or tasks that drain your energy it’s time to do something about it. How can we become more cognisant of the way we choose to use or cultivate energy in our lives? 

1. Reframe “No” as an Act of Self-Respect 

   Instead of seeing it as disappointing others, see it as choosing yourself. Every time you say no to something draining, you say yes to something that fuels you.

   
   

2. Replace Guilt with Gratitude 

   When you set boundaries, guilt may surface. Instead of letting it control you, remind yourself:

   
   

   - Guilt is just an old pattern resurfacing.

   - I am not responsible for managing other people’s emotions.

   - Choosing myself allows me to give from a place of fullness.

3. Create Energy Awareness Rituals 

   Start checking in with your energy daily:

   - Who or what is energising me?

   - Who or what is draining me?

   - What can I shift to feel more aligned today?

   
   

When energy awareness becomes a habit, you’ll naturally make choices that protect and renew you.

We are not here to be exhausted, overextended, and constantly drained. Our energy is our greatest asset. It shapes our emotions, relationships, creativity, and well-being.

Every time you choose to protect your energy, you break the cycle of over-giving and over-functioning. You rewrite the story that says you must prove your worth by how much you do.

Honouring you is essential. And when you do, you show up in the world as the most radiant, aligned, and extraordinary version of yourself.

What’s one small way you can protect your energy today?