How to Stop Feeling Drained: An Introvert's Guide to Protecting Your Energy

Hey there,

Have you ever come home from a simple trip to the grocery store and felt completely wiped out?

Like someone literally vacuumed the life force right out of you?

For years, I blamed myself. I thought I was "too sensitive" or that I just needed to toughen up.

But here's what I learned after struggling with this for way too long: The problem isn't you. Nobody ever taught you how to protect your energy in a world that constantly demands it.

Today, I'm sharing the exact strategies that transformed me from someone who could barely leave the house without feeling emotionally drained to someone who can actually navigate modern life while preserving my energy.

I'll never forget the moment that changed everything.

I was in Paris, packed metro during rush hour, trying to meet up with family. The crowd, the heat, the energy of stressed commuters—it was suffocating.

I literally had to get out, strip off my jacket in 0°C weather, and stand outside in just a t-shirt to cool down.

That's when it hit me: I can't keep living like this.

I had two choices:

I chose option 2. And it changed everything.

Here's the technique that literally saved me:

When someone cuts me off in traffic, when a coworker snaps at me, when a stranger is rude—I take a quick breath and say to myself:

"Not mine."

That's it.

Because here's the truth: Their stress? Not mine. Their bad mood? Not mine. Their aggression? Not mine.

They're dealing with their own stuff. And I don't have to carry it for them.

Sounds too simple? I thought so too. But this one phrase has been absolutely transformative.

Real talk: Strategic avoidance isn't weakness.

I redesigned my life to avoid energy-draining situations when possible:

→ I grocery shop mid-afternoon on weekdays (way fewer people) → I don't commute during rush hour (entrepreneur perk I created for myself) → I limit exposure to crowded spaces

"But Johan, I have a 9-to-5. I don't have that luxury."

I get it. But ask yourself: What CAN you control?

Maybe you can:

Stop accepting energy-draining situations as inevitable when you might have more control than you think.

If you're an empath or highly sensitive person, boundaries are your lifeline.

Here's what you need:

1. Time Boundaries Periods when you're simply not available. No negotiations.

2. Attention Boundaries
Moments when your focus is dedicated to one thing without distractions.

3. Energy Boundaries Identifying and limiting exposure to people and situations that drain you.

4. Emotional Boundaries Understanding what emotions are yours to process and what belongs to others.

I say no to clients when I don't feel it's a good fit.

Not everyone is meant to be your client. And trying to help people who aren't aligned with you will destroy your energy and your passion for your work.

Think about your phone. When the battery hits 20%, you panic and look for a charger.

But when YOUR energy hits 20%? Most people just push through.

This is a recipe for burnout.

Daily:

Weekly:

Monthly:

Pro tip: When I'm feeling overwhelmed, one afternoon in nature does more for my energy than anything else.

If you're a coach, therapist, teacher, or consultant—this is critical:

The savior complex will destroy you.

When I first started, I wanted to help everyone. I was enthusiastic, passionate, committed to changing the world.

Then I encountered people who:

Here's the brutal truth: These are not your clients. Trying to save them will lead to burnout.

You're there to guide, not to rescue. Their results are their responsibility, not yours.

Let me leave you with this:

You have every right to protect your energy. You never have to justify it. You never have to apologize for it.

Setting boundaries is an act of self-respect.

The transformation doesn't happen overnight. It's a process that takes practice, self-awareness, and consistent effort.

But when you start implementing these strategies—avoiding what you can, releasing what's not yours, setting firm boundaries, and deliberately recharging—you'll feel lighter, calmer, more at peace.

It all starts with a decision:

You will no longer allow your energy to be stolen. You're taking your energy back.

That's where your freedom begins.

What drains your energy most? Hit reply and let me know—I read every response.

And if this resonated with you, forward it to a friend who needs to hear this message.

Talk soon,

Jo

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