We all respond to universal, cosmic energy, even if we aren’t consciously aware of it, and many people are feeling intensified shifts right now. This summer has been an active astrological period for many, and regardless of personal beliefs about astrology, changes above us often ripple into our own energy fields. As our sensitivity and awareness expand, it’s common to notice side effects such as absorbing others’ emotions or feeling overwhelmed in groups. Questions I often hear include, “How do I stop taking on other people’s energy?” and “Why do I feel drained after being around coworkers?”
For those living in densely populated areas, keeping your auric field healthy is especially important. Whether you realize it or not, you are an energy contributor to any space you inhabit. Maintaining a high vibrational frequency and clear boundaries is a practical responsibility that helps both you and those around you.
One effective approach to preserving your energy is to evaluate the people and places you spend time with. Remove what you can that drains you. We tend to mirror the five people we spend the most time with, so a key method to support and protect your energy is to choose companions who uplift you and live consciously. Remember: there’s a meaningful difference between someone who is toxic and someone who is merely challenging.
Below are practical tools to help maintain a healthy energy field in a variety of settings.
1. Keep Your Core Strong
Your core—physically tied to the solar plexus chakra—sits at the center of the body. A healthy, strong physical core supports sustained energy and produces a more resilient energetic field. When your personal energy is strong and well-rooted, it becomes easier to remain in your own frequency rather than absorbing lower energies from others. Strengthening your body, posture, and breath will help you radiate and protect your energy throughout the day.
2. Run White Light from Your Feet to the Top of Your Head, Then Zip
Before leaving home, take a moment to ground yourself, ideally barefoot on grass or sand if possible. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and bring your attention inward. Visualize a bright white light at your feet. With each breath, move that light up to the crown of your head and then bring it back down. Repeat this flow until you feel energized and contained.
When you feel full and steady, bend toward your left foot and imagine an invisible zipper at your big toe. Pull it up, sealing your energy into a bubble that surrounds you and supports healthy boundaries. You can set a simple intention as you do this, such as “Today I will share my energy in a way that honors and protects my highest good.” This focused practice helps anchor and solidify your field for the day.
3. Work with Crystals and Stones
Carrying crystals can be a useful energetic practice. There are many kinds of stones, each with a unique feel, and selecting one that resonates with you can support protection and balance. If possible, choose stones in person—allow your intuition to guide you when you hold them. Certain crystals are commonly used for protection and grounding, including black tourmaline (to repel lower energies), labradorite (to shield against psychic attack or ill will), and jet (to clear internalized emotions, useful for empaths).
Keep your approach practical and intuitive. Carry a small stone in your pocket or wear it as jewelry to maintain a subtle protective influence throughout your day.
4. Smudging and Intentional Cleansing
Smudging—the ritual of using smoke from cleansing plants such as sage or palo santo—has been practiced across many cultures to purify spaces and restore balance. The smoke helps clear energies that don’t align with your frequency and creates a fresh energetic canvas. Adding smudging to your morning routine can leave you feeling centered and protected. Speaking your intentions aloud while you smudge reinforces the effect.
A practical smudging sequence you can use:
- Light the smudging tool while mentally inviting the highest guidance to assist in purifying your space.
- At your head, cup your hand or use a feather to bathe your crown in smoke while saying, “May I think clearly.”
- At your eyes and third eye, say, “May I see clearly.”
- At your throat, say, “May I speak my truth.”
- At your heart, say, “May I be present with an open heart and a state of love.”
- At your belly (solar plexus), say, “May I have the strength to be fearlessly me.”
- Below the belly (sacral area), say, “May I express my emotions and creativity with love and the highest good.”
- At the base of the spine (root), say, “May I remain grounded and fully present.”
- Finish by passing the smoke over the rest of your body while holding the intentions you’ve set for the day.
Be mindful to use sustainably sourced smudging materials, as some plants have been overharvested. Seek out ethical providers and use what feels respectful to both the plants and the traditions you’re drawing from.
We’re in a phase of collective expansion and rapid personal growth, which can feel intense. Common signs of heightened awakening include fatigue, headaches, hearing high-pitched sounds, or briefly seeing flashes of light. If you encounter these symptoms, be gentle with yourself. Regularly cleanse your space and your field, protect your boundaries, and trust your intuition. You are supported by the collective flow of the universe—stay grounded, clear, and compassionate with yourself as you navigate these changes.