Kim had just returned from a weekend in the mountains, her spirit light and her heart full. The fresh air, the vibrant green of the trees, and the laughter shared with friends had left her feeling rejuvenated. As she drove home, she couldn’t help but contrast this feeling with how she felt after a recent conversation with a colleague. This colleague wasn’t necessarily a negative person, but their constant complaints had left Kim feeling tense and drained.

We’ve all been there, caught between the activities and people that either drain our energy or fill us up. How do we navigate these experiences to protect our own peace? In this episode of the Living Inspired Podcast, Kim Saunders, a 20-year licensed psychotherapist and yoga educator, joins me to explore this very question. Together, we’ll uncover how to identify what drains us, what energizes us, and what steps we can take to set healthy boundaries.

Understanding What Drains and Fills Us

Kim started the conversation by sharing a personal insight: “Seeing your smiling face always lifts me up.” This simple statement underscores a vital point—we all have relationships that either energize or drain us. Identifying these relationships can significantly impact our well-being.

Kim described two contrasting experiences. After spending time with uplifting friends, she felt light and joyful. Conversely, a conversation with someone who constantly complained left her feeling tense and helpless. The key difference lies in the intention behind the interactions. Those who seek positivity and improvement in their lives tend to uplift us, while those who perpetually complain can drain our energy.

Recognizing the Signs

Kim emphasized the importance of tuning into our bodies to recognize how different interactions affect us. “Notice the physical sensations,” she advised. “Are your shoulders rounded forward? Is your breathing shallow? Do you feel tense or anxious?” These bodily cues can help us determine if someone is draining our energy.

Setting Boundaries

When we identify draining relationships, it's crucial to take action. This might mean having a candid conversation with the person, explaining how their negativity affects you, and suggesting a break or end to the relationship. While this can be challenging, especially for people pleasers, it's necessary for maintaining our mental and emotional health.

Dealing with Unavoidable Draining Relationships

Sometimes, we can’t avoid certain draining individuals. Kim shared some strategies for these situations, including protective rituals and grounding techniques. “I have rituals where I protect my energy,” she explained. This might involve asking for assistance from a higher power or practicing gratitude before and after the interaction.

Activities That Drain and Uplift Us

Just as with people, some activities drain us while others fill us up. Kim shared how spending time in nature with nurturing friends recharges her energy. On the other hand, activities like excessive scrolling on social media can be draining.

To help identify these activities, I suggest keeping a note on your phone. Record what helps you feel better—physically, mentally, and spiritually—and what pulls you down. This is a crucial component of my Functional Nutrition and Life Coaching Program.

Tuning Into Your Body

Learning to tune into our bodies is essential for understanding what drains and uplifts us. Kim recommended simple exercises to help with this, such as standing on the earth with bare feet or practicing mindful movement. “Do something for a minute like jumping jacks or walking in place,” she advised. “Then sit still and feel your body coming to life.”

Living Vibrantly

Ultimately, we have the power to choose how we live and who we surround ourselves with. By paying attention to our bodies and making conscious choices about our relationships and activities, we can live more vibrant, energetic lives.

Conclusion

I hope today’s conversation has inspired you to reflect on what drains and energizes you. Remember, living a healthy life, mind, body, and spirit, is the result of conscious choices and intentional living. If you found value in today’s episode, please share it with three friends. Thank you for being part of the Living Inspired community. Until next time, take care and stay inspired!

Lots of love,

Rachel

About the Author:

Rachel Carta is a registered nurse, functional nutrition counselor, and life coach. She is passionate about helping others understand the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Through the Living Inspired Podcast and Blog, Rachel shares insights and practical tips for leading a healthy, balanced life.

Email Rachel: rachel@rachelcartarn.com

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