Social interaction can fuel some people, especially extroverts. To introverts, the same level of social interaction can be draining instead. While introverts can appreciate socializing, they invest a lot of energy trying to navigate socially demanding environments, leading to social exhaustion.
Introverts tend to draw energy from going inwards and being on our own whereas as extroverts tend to draw energy from things that are external to their mind. That is why overly stimulating environments can be energy draining for introverts, leaving us feeling tired, lacking in energy and even stressed.
Researchers found that after three hours after socializing, participants reported higher levels of fatigue. Surprisingly, these effects were found to be true for both introverts and extroverts.
Like all people, introverts need social relationships. However, they are selective when it comes to building social contacts, and they require more time alone to balance out their energy after social situations because they can get overstimulated (Schmeck and Lockhart, 1983).
Our specific needs for connection can seem excessive, and may result in feeling disconnected from those around us. In other words, loneliness is a sad, painful state, but healthy solitude recharges an introvert. Nevertheless, introverts can still get lonely, even though they enjoy spending time alone.
Introverts are looked down upon for lack of good 'communication skills'. Right from an early age, introverts have to compete very hard with peers, who seem to have no problem in public or interpersonal speaking. What seems to be effortless for peers is actually the most difficult task for an introverted child.
For an introvert, maintaining a friendship is like exercising. It never quite loses that feeling of “work,” but as long as one doesn't put it off too long, it doesn't have to be a chore, either. And just like a good exercise regimen, maintaining a friendship doesn't have to consume your life.
Socialising can become draining
An introvert will reach their limits before an extrovert. "Overdoing it" socially can cause emotional fatigue, which makes it hard to hold a conversation for too long and can potentially lead to irritability. "They might look less tolerant and responsive.
An introvert hangover includes social fatigue, mental and physical exhaustion, and burnout felt by introverts after they have spent too much time socializing with others. This feeling occurs because introverts are drained by interactions with others and need time alone to recharge.
Signs that you may be experiencing introvert burnout include physical exhaustion, irritability, anxiety, and loss of expressiveness; however, you could experience a range of other symptoms to varying degrees.
Introverts (or those of us with introverted tendencies) tend to recharge by spending time alone. They lose energy from being around people for long periods of time, particularly large crowds. Extroverts, on the other hand, gain energy from other people.
A small or short lasting social battery means that a person has less energy for socializing overall. It might be that they find socializing tiring, stressful, or overstimulating. As a small social battery drains quickly, these people need to recharge more often.
Angry Introverts are in a sensitive state, and they can easily become overstimulated by too much social contact. Interestingly, Introverts won't usually respond to their anger by leaving altogether.
Introverts are easily distracted by external stimuli and while they might be too nice to say anything, get very frustrated with constant interruptions when they are trying to concentrate.
Overstimulation is very common, and often happens when an introvert is the center of attention. Whether this is giving a presentation, at their own birthday party, or in a meeting, they may come across as tired rather than what they're actually feeling. Some signs of overstimulation are: Shrinking back.
An introvert hangover can be described as that tired, drained, foggy and overwhelmed state we experience when we've overdone socializing and feel the need for some alone-time for recharging.
Introverts rely on alone time to recharge their social batteries, self-reflect, and process the experiences they have with others. Without proper amounts of alone time, introverts can begin to experience irritability, fatigue, poor sleep, and trouble concentrating.
The effects of an introvert hangover, also known as social burnout, can last from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks. 'It's like jet lag,' continues Johnson. 'You don't get over that after one goodnight's sleep, and I've known introverts to take weeks to recover from a big social event.
An introvert is a person with qualities of a personality type known as introversion, which means that they feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what's happening externally. They enjoy spending time with just one or two people, rather than large groups or crowds.
Introverts need less stimuli to feel awake and alert. That's why introverts get overwhelmed way more easily. 3. The flip side is that introverts need less dopamine to feel happy and content than extroverts do.
People who are natural introverts often feel pressure to change. They worry that they are not outgoing enough, and so sometimes they push themselves to socialize in ways that cause them more stress than enjoyment.
Seek out comfortable people and comfortable places
Introverts prefer to stay in their comfort zones, Dr. Helgoe said, and they also like spending time with “comfortable people,” meaning friends who don't feel compelled to talk the entire time you are together (or expect you to).
For introverts, being alone is like food, sleep, or any other type of replenishment — you can't go too long without it. There's no doubt about it: Introverts love alone time. And it's not just about relishing an evening alone — introverts need regular solitude to function.
If you're an introvert, you struggle with finding quiet time to gather your thoughts, particularly at brainstorming meetings. Find quiet places to think, and take breaks just for a change of scenery and a chance to gather your thoughts. Ask for agendas prior for meetings to help you prepare your key points.