how do i stop taking on other people's energy?
 

I feel whenever I am close to someone who is full of negative energy, It's not that I take on their negativity, but instead their negativity has a side affect on me.
I find myself becoming physically ill after standing by them for just a few moments.

For example, one of my family members is very negative, angry, and irritated all the time. When they ask me to do tasks for them that require being near them for long periods of time, I feel myself getting nauseous, even a bit tired.

I just finished standing next to this person for a minute, and I feel like vomiting and I'm very drained and want nothing more than to sleep, even though just a few seconds ago I was brimming with zest.

I'd like to know how to protect myself from this, I didn't know where this post should belong, hopefully this is the correct thread. Can anyone help?

this seems related to your "dream of snow, family and blue boy" thread...
a parting of the ways may be in order for you.

many people are just like you,they're just not aware of it. - if someone in a room is upset or and starts saying bad things, everyone will tune in to that negative state.
the opposite is also true - when someone is happy and says cheerful stuff, the other too can be cheered up [to a point at least].

this is not something you can stop completely. but you could try and be more mindful/grounded about it. for instance, when being around that family member, try to constantly tell yourself 'i won't be affected by them'. force yourself to think of cheerful/funny stuff.
breathing deeply could also help - it forces your brain to concentrate on something else other than the energies.
also try shielding - i can't really explain this, but im sure there is info on the forum. [pagans, wiccans use shielding to protect themselves during rituals]

try spending as little time next to that person as possible. if they ask you to do something for them, say you'll do it, but if you could be alone while doing it [if possible. and not in a rude tone]

i hope this helps. don't expect this to work the first time around. i don't promise miracles, all i'm saying is that you can minimize the effects, but it takes time and practice.

consider this fox22:
you are a "creator-being"; the realities you experience are a manifestation
of your desires coming into existence.
much or most of what you create is done subconsciously by/for you, since
you've become disconnected from awareness of how (and why) you create.
[this forgetting is common for most of us (within my observed reality).]
it could be that you've created the situation of negativity, unbeknownst to
your conscious mind, as a means to cause discomfort in your state of
awareness... for the purpose of inspiring you to move away from that group.
you'd like to remain with your family (of course), but perhaps your higher
self is making things increasingly uncomfortable as a way to get you moving
in a new direction.
i figure you should trust your instincts.
find your "inner peace" within; embrace it and stay in it's energy.
if the 'negativity' exhibits, and passes without distress to you, you've
mastered the situation... if your peacefulness tells you to leave....

Thank you Mused! I will definitely try those out and look into shielding.

@ H : O : R : A : C : E yes I do think my dream is a reflection of this situation in some ways. I do completely agree with everything you're saying... it hasn't been this bad but suddenly it's gotten worse.. I think it's the nudge I needed to finally start making a leave.

The more practice, the easier it becomes. Visualization is very powerful for all energy techniques. Shielding is a last resort but it can be necessary to keep yourself from being overwhelmed at the beginning.
The goal would be to let the energy flow through to read it like information.
Remember, people are only mirrors of us. Sometimes these people are mirrors of the lowest vibrations we possess. It's uncomfortable but also opportunity to grow.
Self care is super important! The more loving decisions we make for ourselves the stronger we become. One day you'll be the one strong enough to put that family member of yours in a better mood when they come around.
Best of luck!

Wups double post.

thank you so much!