How to Protect Your Energy in a Stressful World
Updated: Aug 28
Becoming aware of your own emotions is the foundation to protecting your energy. Our emotions are what tell us what we like and dislike. The intensity of those emotions (positive and negative) is what effects our energy field. When we receive bad news, we "feel" that information before we react. These "feelings" can vary from mild to severe with any given circumstance. For example, you arrive at work and find out that one of your co-workers is absent due to a death in the family vs. you receive a phone call at work and find out that one of your family members had passed. Although you may feel sadness and empathy for your co-worker, you do not experience the grieving process like you do when you lose someone close to you. There are many situations in life that will always be outside of our control. However, there are also just as many situations in life that you are in control of.
Step 1: Identifying Stressors
According to Single Care (2022), 77% of Americans surveyed said the current uncertainty in the nation causes them stress. Eight out of 10 Americans reported that the coronavirus caused them stress. 63% said they were stressed over the economy, and two-thirds of professionals said stress at work is higher than it was 5 years ago. This is in addition to the "normal" stressors people are still experiencing such as relationship problems, financial stability, etc. What are your personal stressors? Read full article
Step 2: Identifying Control
One thing we often fail to recognize is that we are in control of our own stressors, and are often the primary source of our own stress. We have choices in every situation we are presented with. We may not like any of our choices, but the point is to identify what is inside and outside of our control. The key is to start paying more attention. For example, if you discover that you feel 50% more stressed after watching the evening news, write this down as a "stressor". Become aware of the fact that everything you see on the news is outside of your control.
Step 3: Observing Options
Make a list of the stressors in your life that are "inside" of your control, and a separate list of all the stressors "outside" of your control. On the top of the "inside" list, write the word "focus". On the top of the "outside" list, write the word "eliminate". Protecting your energy begins with focusing your energy on positive change. Explore and observe your options for eliminating stressors that are inside of your control.
Step 4: Eliminating Stress
Anything that is outside of your control belongs outside of your conscious mind. It is impossible to move forward in positive focus when we are focused on stressful things we are not involved in. Stress drains energy, and energy is what we need to stay motivated and focused on reaching our goals. Start visualizing your life without these "outside" stressors in it. What does that life look like? How would that "feel"? What is currently preventing you from eliminating these stressors?
Step 5: The Replacement Process
Sometimes we must treat our stress like an addiction. When we consciously create a stressful routine, it can be quite challenging to get in the habit of breaking those routines. When you consciously consume negative information, like news bingeing, your sympathetic nervous system causes your body to release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, too much negative information consumption can cause physical symptoms such as headache, insomnia, fatigue, and anxiety. Prolonged exposure can lead to more serious mental health issues. The key to breaking bad habits is to create good habits to replace them. When we fill up our time with things that are "good", we no longer have time for the "bad".
Step 6: Good Vibes
Awareness and observation will be your best tools for guidance. You must become aware of what causes
your stress in order to successfully eliminate your stress. You must become aware of your options before you can proceed with a plan of action. The best tools for raising your vibe will be anything that brings you "happiness". Start thinking about what brings excitement and joy into your life, and make a plan to do more of those things more often. It's a lot easier to eliminate the stress from the "outside" world when you are happy with your "inside" world. Other tools you can use to raise your vibe and eliminate bad habits:
Listen to music that makes you happy and feel energized
Sound healing meditations & sleep meditations
Mantras & Inspirational Quotes
Bible Study
Aromatherapy; uplifting scents that you enjoy
Spa Treatments; at home or professional such as a soak in the tub, massage, pedicure, etc.
Meditation
Journaling
Eat healthy foods
Exercise; physical activities that keep your interest (Yoga, Pilates, Wii fit, etc.)
Grow an indoor or outdoor garden
Sit in the sun, drink a glass of water, and take some deep breaths (feeling stressed)
Crystal Therapy
Energy healing treatments such as Reiki, acupuncture, massage, etc.
Candle Gazing
Step 7: Boundaries
Learn how to say no to things that drain your energy. Setting boundaries is what builds trust and respect in any relationship. When we say yes to things we want to say no to, we are creating an illusion for the opposite party, and often opening the door to negative situations like being taken advantage of. When people know what your boundaries are, they are less likely to cross them. Although setting boundaries might result in some estranged relationships, it is also the foundation for building new, stronger, healthier relationships.
Step 8: Practice Makes Perfect
Human beings are expected to slip, fail, and fall flat on their face. It's just apart of life. We must fail in order to learn how to succeed. When we slip, it is important that we be aware of the fact that we slipped so we can quickly move the focus back to our true intention(s), health, happiness and success.
Candle Gazing
Is a powerful tool for finding a state of calm and mental focus. Fire is the element for the solar plexus, which is associated with our self-confidence and personal power. Fire also helps with focus and cognitive function, specifically in the ability to process. Some of the benefits you may experience with candle gazing are improved mental health, sleep quality, memory, cognitive performance, focus, and eye health. For enhanced effects, combine candle gazing with meditation, aromatherapy, crystal healing, and breathing techniques for stress.
Wild West Candles recommended for Candle Gazing: