These days, it’s easy to feel drained, even when we haven’t done anything physically tiring. Our energy doesn’t just go into work or chores. It also gets used up by the people we deal with, the thoughts we carry, and the situations we put ourselves in. And more often than not, we’re spending energy in places that give us nothing back.

This isn’t about being cold or cutting people off for no reason. It’s about being mindful of where your time, attention, and emotional effort are going. Not everything or everyone deserves that space.

Here are six common areas where your energy might be quietly slipping away– and why it’s okay to pull back.