I can’t claim the term “energy vampire” as my own, but I heard it once used to describe those who take all your energy and give nothing back in return. There isn’t a give and take but more of a take and take.
I imagine there are many reasons why some people have an energy vampire-ish way about them. But if I’m honest I don’t want to spend any more of my energy trying to understand them. They exist, and they love nothing more than a good listener or caregiver, even better if you are both!
Let me be clear, I don’t think they are evil people, just maybe not who you need to be spending your decompressing time with. What is worse than returning to work, more exhausted than when you left it? It’s infuriating and leads to a constant state of exhaustion!
I’ve been trying to get into the habit of taking inventory at the end of the weekend about how I feel. Did I give myself enough alone time (this is something specific for me, you might need a significant amount of people time)? Do I feel energized or more exhausted? Did I see people who give me energy and/or inspire me? What are the factors that made it a fantastic or less than fantastic weekend? Learn from what works or doesn’t work for you.
Check in with yourself about how you feel after you’ve been around various acquaintances, friends, colleagues, and family members. There are going to be people that you cannot avoid, but possibly if you give yourself a heads up that “usually when I’m around this person I feel drained of life” you will better prepare, or know to always schedule a massage post-hangout! (I wish!)
“You are the guardian of your own energetic space. And to live a healthy, happy, and positive life it is absolutely vital that you surround yourself with people who promote the same way of living.” -Jen Nicomedes Stone
The author of this quote wrote a more in depth look into avoiding energy vampires, see the link below:
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7212/energy-vampires-who-they-are-how-to-ditch-them.html
Guard your energetic space y’all!
Take care of YOU.
Self-care for Caregivers 