Your energy is everything—it affects your mindset, productivity, and overall well-being. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is how crucial it is to guard your energy. Here’s what that means and how you can do it.

Don’t Wear the T-shirt
We all have bad moments. Maybe you didn’t get any sleep or had a rough start to your day. When these things happen, it’s easy to “wear the T-shirt,” carrying that negative energy around with you all day. It affects your mood and drains you, especially when you keep talking about it. Acknowledge what happened, take off the T-shirt, and let it go. Focus on enjoying what you’re doing in the present moment, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly your energy starts to restore itself.

Recognizing Energy Drains
There are other things that can pull at your energy too. Certain situations, habits, or even people can drain you without you even realizing it. Complaining, negative self-talk, and surrounding yourself with toxic energy all take their toll. One of the most important steps in protecting your energy is recognizing these drains so you can stop them before they affect you.

Judgment: Harshly judging people or situations is a major energy drainer. Judgment traps you in a box, limiting your perspective and locking you into negativity. Letting go of judgment frees up your energy and opens the door to growth.

Holding Grudges: Some people hold on to grudges and hurts from years ago, even against themselves. This drains energy and keeps them stuck. Forgiveness is freeing and a powerful way to release yourself. Forgive others, even if they don’t know about it. Forgive yourself for the situations you’re in now. Forgiveness is free, and it lifts the weight off your energy.

Minding Your Own Business: OPP (Other People’s Problems)
Here’s a big one: other people’s problems (OPP). It’s easy to get caught up trying to help or fix things for others, but if your energy isn’t protected, their problems quickly become your problems. Guilt and shame can also arise when you try to pull away from others’ problems, as they may try to keep you tied in emotionally. Constantly solving other people’s problems can rob them of their opportunity for growth. Minding your own business and tending to your own well-being is key. You can still support others, but don’t let their issues consume your energy. It’s about setting healthy boundaries and understanding that you can’t solve everyone’s problems without paying the price in your own peace.

Strategies for Guarding Your Energy

Practice Mindfulness: Stay focused on the present and enjoy whatever you’re doing right now. The more present you are, the less likely you are to get caught up in draining energy.

Set Boundaries: Whether it’s limiting your time around negative people or deciding not to take on others’ issues, boundaries are essential for protecting your peace.

Learn to “C Your Way Out of A&B Conversations”: People often gather to talk about all the wrong things happening in the world, and while there’s no judgment in that, be mindful of how much you engage. The more you talk about negativity, the more you keep it alive in your own mind. If you’re not involved, you don’t have to include yourself. Watch out for idle conversations that drain your energy unnecessarily.

Control Your Attention: If something bothers or disturbs you, practice dismissing it and focusing on something else. Attention is power, and where your attention goes, energy flows. The less attention you pay to negativity, the more it fades. Learn to control your attention and focus it on what you want more of in your life.

Find a Productive Hobby: Engaging in a productive hobby that brings you satisfaction can be a great way to channel your energy into something positive. For me, fitness became that productive hobby. It not only gave me a positive outlet but also boosted my energy and well-being. Whether it’s fitness or something else, finding a hobby that brings you fulfillment can act as an outlet for your energy and creativity, helping you stay focused and fulfilled.

Prayer and Affirmation: When negative thoughts or limiting beliefs start creeping in, I use the prayer, “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” This helps me guard my mind from thoughts of lack or limitation and clear my energy fast.

Energy-Boosting Habits: Simple things like getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, moving your body, and taking breaks can recharge your energy when it starts to dip.


Choosing Joy Over Frustration
When you focus on joy, everything changes. Even when things don’t go perfectly, you have the power to find enjoyment in your day. It takes practice, but the more you choose joy over frustration, the more you can control your energy and guard it against being drained by negativity.

Conclusion
Protecting your energy is one of the most important things you can do to maintain a positive, productive life. Recognize the drains, let go of other people’s problems, and focus on what brings you joy. Remember, you control your energy, and when you guard it, you’ll find that life flows much more smoothly.