Are You a Sponge or a Bubble?

How to Protect Your Energy From Others

Throughout the day, we’re constantly interacting with other people’s energy—whether we realize it or not. For sensitive people and empaths, this can lead to emotional overload. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to protect your energy from others.

When you interact with someone who’s anxious, angry, or just in a bad mood, you have a choice:

Absorb their energy like a sponge
Or let it bounce off your energetic bubble

If you’re too open to taking on other people’s energy, it can affect your mood, your outlook, and even your health. You might start to feel serious, heavy, overwhelmed, frustrated, or even depressed—without knowing why.

️ Protect Your Energy Before It Affects You

The best form of energy protection is prevention—don’t let the energy in to begin with. But this is easier said than done, especially for empaths.

Here are two visual tools you can use:

The Bubble Visualization – Picture a glowing energy bubble around your body. Imagine any negativity bouncing off the bubble without penetrating it.
The Energy Basket – Visualize yourself holding a basket. As someone sends their energy your way, let it fall into the basket instead of your body. When the interaction is over, imagine dumping it out and walking away clear.

What if You Already Absorbed Their Energy?

If you already feel affected, it’s time to “wring out the sponge” and clear the energy from your system.

Here are 10 ways to release toxic energy and reset your inner state:

Journal it out – Reflect on how the experience affected you and what it may have triggered internally.
Burn + release – Write out your ideal outcome as if it already happened. Then burn it as a ritual of release.
Move your body – Exercise to release stress and support your physical system with whole, nourishing foods.
Spend time in nature – Let the beauty of the natural world remind you that life is bigger than the moment you’re processing.
Practice self-care – Refuel your positive energy by giving yourself what you need most.
Ask for help – Whether it’s a therapist, coach, or trusted friend, don’t go it alone.
Spiritual practice – Increase prayer, meditation, breathwork, or whatever grounds your soul.
Create joy – Watch comedies, listen to upbeat music, sing, laugh, dance—inject joy back into your energy field.
Be with your people – Connect with friends or family who uplift and brighten your life.
Cry it out – Let the emotions move through you. Feel + deal = heal. Give it space and a time limit.

✨ Your Energy Matters

Protecting your energy is an act of self-love. The more you protect your own energy, the more positive influence you can have on others. Let yourself be a bubble, not a sponge.

What are your favorite ways to protect your energy or release negativity?
Comment below to share your wisdom with the Glow Living community.