Have you ever noticed that after spending time with someone who’s stressed, you start to feel tense or drained yourself, even if your day was fine before? It’s easy to absorb other people’s moods without meaning to. Maybe a colleague’s tension rubs off on you, or you leave a catch-up with a friend feeling heavier than when you arrived.
The same thing can happen online too, in meetings, group chats, or even while scrolling on TikTok. The energy we’re surrounded by has an impact. The key is noticing when you start to feel drained or tired. You can’t control other people’s emotions, but you can recognise when it’s time to step back.
Here are a few practical ways to stop taking on other people’s stress:
Notice how you feel after certain situations.
Pay attention to moments when your mood suddenly drops. Was it after a conversation, a meeting, or spending time online? Becoming aware of what affects you is the first step to protecting your own energy.
Take regular breaks.
Therapists and wellbeing practitioners often take short breaks between clients to reset. You can do the same, even stepping outside for a few minutes, stretching, or doing a few deep breaths.
Ground yourself.
Grounding just means coming back to the present moment. This could be as simple as feeling your feet on the floor, focusing on your breath, or naming five things you can see around you.
Set boundaries.
If someone often leaves you feeling drained, it’s okay to take a bit of space or shift the topic of conversation. You don’t need to take on everyone’s problems to be kind.
Be mindful of what you consume.
What you watch or scroll through can also influence how you feel. If certain content leaves you anxious or low, try to balance it out with things that make you feel calm, inspired, or grounded.
Reiki can be really helpful if you often absorb other people’s stress. During a session, your body and mind have a chance to reset, releasing any energy you may have taken on from others without realising it. Clients often tell me they leave feeling lighter, calmer, and clearer.
It’s not about avoiding other people’s emotions, but about being able to step back when you need to. Reiki helps you return to your own centre, so you can be around others without losing your sense of calm.
You don’t have to protect your energy perfectly every day. It’s normal to be affected by the people around you. What matters is noticing when it happens and giving yourself space to reset.