Introverts suffer from exhaustion from socialization or too much stimuli. Although this is difficult for some extroverts to understand, this fatigue can lead to stress headaches, fatigue, and feelings of overwhelm.
Here are five ways that introverts can manage their energy to avoid social exhaustion:
- Know your triggers: Do you get exhausted or overwhelmed from crowds and/or noisy places? Or by non-stop talkers? Is it when you are traveling or at socially demanding events such as conferences? Knowing what triggers you is the first step to managing your energy.
- Plan quiet and solitude time beforehand: If you book yourself back-to-back in exhausting environments, you will feel exhausted that much sooner. If you were meeting someone for dessert, you wouldn’t eat dessert at home beforehand, or else you would have a sugar crash. In the same way, put yourself on a “social diet” before going into a situation so that you can preserve your energy.
- Plan when and where you will escape: Sometimes a break is all you need to regain your energy. Take a walk outside or go to the restroom. Perhaps you need to go sit alone in your car. Where and when will you go? Simply let others know that you will return in a bit.
- Arrive early and leave early: When you arrive early at an event, the environment is usually not as crowded or noisy as it gets later. This way, you can be in a less stressful environment, and if you want to leave early it appears less awkward because you were one of the first to arrive.
- Have a buffer person: When possible, have a person who can be your “buffer” when needed. My buffer person is my husband, John. When I am in a socially exhausting situation such as with a very talkative introvert, I need him with me to help carry the conversation when I am drained. It helps take the social pressure off of me.
As a reminder, communicate and set expectations with others around how you need and plan to manage your energy to alleviate any confusion or misunderstandings!
