Reduce draining relationships and learn to decline requests you do not want to accept
In the cited study, harmful interactions had stronger and more consistent associations with well-being than supportive interactions. Removing a source of strain may matter more than adding another source of support.
What it takes
Free, but may cause short-term friction or loss of some relationships. Saying no can require considerable resolve.
What you may gain
A survey of 120 widowed women aged 60–89 found negative interactions more strongly and consistently associated with psychological well-being than positive interactions. The source interprets this as one draining relationship doing more harm than one supportive relationship does good.
Context & considerations
This was a distinctive population and a one-time survey, so temporal direction is unknown. It measured well-being, not energy; inclusion here is the author's inference. There is no objective universal definition of a draining relationship; use your judgment.
Research & references
Rook (1984). The negative side of social interaction: Impact on psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.46.5.1097