Plugging Energy Leaks: How to Reclaim Your Power and Focus as an Empath

 
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As empaths and highly sensitive people, we feel everything more—both the good and the bad. This heightened sensitivity is a gift, but it also means we’re more susceptible to energy drains. A little negativity can impact us a lot. That’s why it’s so important to identify and plug the energy leaks in our lives.

Here’s a deep dive into what drains our energy and how to reclaim it, one intentional choice at a time.

Understanding Energy Leaks

Empaths have small windows of tolerance for stressors, and many modern-day factors constantly push us past our limits. One of the biggest culprits? News and social media.

Our nervous systems weren’t built to process every disaster, conflict, and tragedy happening across the globe 24/7. Historically, we only had to deal with immediate dangers in our surroundings. Now, we’re exposed to a nonstop stream of negativity that leaves us chronically dysregulated.

This constant state of fight-or-flight affects more than just our mood. It:

  • Weakens our empathy, intuition, and inner wisdom

  • Polarizes our views, fostering divisiveness

  • Tricks us into seeing the world as unsafe and hostile

If that weren’t enough, social media adds another layer of comparison—often to highly curated, filtered, and unrealistic versions of other people’s lives. The result? Exhaustion, anxiety, resentment, and a sense of inadequacy.

How to Start Reclaiming Your Energy

The good news? You can take back control by identifying and plugging these energy leaks.

1. Be Selective About What You Consume

Stay informed, but set boundaries around when and how you consume news and social media. Compartmentalize your exposure and balance it with moments of stillness, joy, and connection.

2. Use Yourself as the Measuring Stick

Instead of comparing yourself to others, compare yourself to who you were yesterday. Empaths are naturally growth-oriented, so focus on your progress to shift from scarcity to abundance.

3. Budget Your Energy (and Your F*cks)

Imagine you have an energy wallet with just $10 to spend. Decide which parts of your life deserve your investment. Say yes to what matters most and no to what doesn’t—even if it’s something moderately important.

The Hidden Costs of Overgiving and Perfectionism

Empaths often waste energy on minutiae, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. We try so hard to be good and do everything right that there’s nothing left for ourselves. This leads to burnout, resentment, and even physical exhaustion.

It’s time to let go of the idea that you can “ruin” something that’s meant for you. Instead, focus on:

  • Setting boundaries

  • Prioritizing self-care

  • Accepting imperfection as part of the journey

Find Your Metaphorical Gun

In relationships and life, fearlessness is one of the most empowering traits. Confidence grows when you become comfortable with failure. The less you care about external validation, the more likely you are to achieve what you want.

As uncomfortable as it sounds, mistakes are where the magic happens. Instead of avoiding them, start choosing your mistakes intentionally. Experiment. Fail on purpose. Push the button.

Small Steps for Big Impact

Energy leaks aren’t just about big, obvious drains. They also show up in small, sneaky ways:

  • Self-doubt

  • Inauthenticity

  • Toxic jobs or relationships

  • Overemphasizing unimportant things

By identifying and addressing these subtle leaks, you can redirect your energy toward what truly matters.

Your Homework

Start today by making an “energy budget.”

  1. Pretend you have 10 “f*cks” to give.

  2. Write down the 10 most important things in your life that deserve your energy.

  3. Be ruthless about saying no to everything else.

Reclaiming your energy is a practice, not a one-time fix. It’s about learning to prioritize yourself, set boundaries, and make choices that align with your growth.

You’ve got this. Now go plug those leaks and let your power flow.



If you’re ready to stop draining your energy and start living vibrantly, I’d love to help. Coaching is a transformative way to identify your energy leaks, refocus on what matters most, and step into the most empowered version of yourself.

This is your time to reclaim your energy, set intentional boundaries, and create a life that feels aligned and fulfilling. Let’s work together to make it happen.

Schedule a Coaching Session today and take the first step toward clarity, confidence, and peace. You’ve got this. 💛


Jenny Dobson

Jenny Dobson is a shamanic life coach, self-help artist, Indie author, and mental health advocate who helps misfits find their magic.

As the founder of Empath Dojo: Self-Defense School for the Soul and host of Psychobabble, a podcast for INFJs and sensitive souls, Jenny combines shamanism, modern psychology, and nervous system work to help people align with their true selves and navigate life’s challenges.

Through self-paced courses and intuitive insights, she guides clients on the journey to self-discovery and emotional healing.

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