Toxic People Drain Your Energy and Productivity

I've had people in my life who left me completely drained. 

After a short interaction, I’d be left with no energy, second-guessing myself, overthinking, and feeling anxious or demotivated. It affected my mood, focus, and productivity.

Have you ever had someone who makes you feel that way? 

If not, you're one of the lucky ones! 

If yes, keep reading.

If feeling drained occasionally happens—like from constructive feedback—that's normal. Growth comes from learning, and criticism can help. 

But if someone in your life consistently makes you feel this way, that’s a red flag. 

For the longest time, I didn’t see those red flags. I kept thinking I was the problem, blaming myself, and trying to smooth things over, all at the cost of my emotional well-being. It took me a while to realize that some people just aren't the right fit due to their negative energy. 

It’s worth the effort to improve interactions, but there comes a point when it just doesn’t work. At that point, you must protect your emotional well-being and energy with different strategies (which I will cover in this blog👇).

Constant negativity drains your mood, confidence, and productivity and eventually impacts not just you but everyone around you - your family, friends, clients, and team. Recognizing and addressing those red flags is the responsible thing to do.

There’s a saying: “People won’t remember what you said or did, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.”

It’s true. 

It’s not always about what someone says or does but how they make you feel. 

First, recognize how certain people in your environment - whether at work, among friends, or in your family - make you feel. 

Do they uplift you or leave you drained? 

This awareness is key. 

Sometimes, the signs aren’t obvious at all. On the surface, they may seem warm, approachable, and even supportive.

Yet, after interacting with them, you always feel off, drained, and worse about yourself.

While I've been fortunate to have supportive people in my life and career, I haven’t been immune to the effects of those with draining energy.

What can you do?

So, what can you do when you realize someone in your life is having a negative impact on you? It’s difficult to address, but it’s crucial for your well-being. 

Here are a few steps that can help:

• Reframe their behavior.

Sometimes, understanding where a person’s negativity comes from can help detach emotionally and avoid taking it personally. Their toxic behavior might stem from their own struggles, insecurities, or stress, unintentionally bringing others down. 

People aren’t bad by nature; it’s often their circumstances that influence their behaviour. Stepping into their world can improve interactions and build empathy.

• Set boundaries.

Start by limiting your interactions with those who drain your energy. Whether it’s that friend who constantly complains or a colleague who leaves you feeling exhausted after every conversation, setting boundaries is essential. For example, if a co-worker always unloads their stress on you, try politely excusing yourself from those conversations or reducing how often you engage. 

• Seek positive connections.

Surround yourself with people who uplift and energize you. If you’ve ever had a friend or colleague who always leaves you feeling better after an interaction, that’s the type of energy you need more of. Spend time with people who genuinely support you and bring out the best in you.

• Change your environment.

If it’s a toxic boss, work environment, or even a personal relationship that’s dragging you down, it might be time to consider moving on. It’s not an easy decision, but sometimes, the best thing you can do for your mental health and productivity is to walk away.

• Focus on self-care.

Protecting your mental health should always come first. This might mean taking time to recharge, practice mindfulness, or even seek professional help. If you’re emotionally depleted, you can’t fully present in any area of your life, whether at work or in your relationships. Make self-care non-negotiable.

Another important point.

While it's important to protect your emotional health, it's just as crucial to ask yourself: 

• What impact do I have on the people in my life? 

• Do I uplift and inspire them or leave them feeling drained?

Even with good intentions, you might unknowingly be the toxic influence in someone else's life. 

As I mentioned earlier, toxicity isn’t always obvious, and it’s often unintentional. 

You might be micromanaging, pushing your agenda, or complaining too much - whether directly or behind someone’s back - without realizing the negative effect it has on others.

Though not meant to harm, these behaviors can leave others feeling drained, unappreciated, or stressed. Even small actions like interrupting, constantly correcting, criticizing, or focusing on the negatives can wear down those around you over time.

Take a moment to be honest with yourself - if you recognize yourself in what you just read, it’s never too late to change.😉

Reflecting on your impact can help you gain self-awareness and improve your relationships, mental well-being, and career in unexpected ways.

So what’s the takeaway?

The people you surround yourself with affect your energy, shape your emotional health, confidence, and productivity. Be mindful of who you let into your space - and just as importantly, be mindful of the impact you have on others.