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.
Introverts are people who get their energy from spending time alone, according to Dr. Jennifer Kahnweiler, author of The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength. “It's kind of like a battery they recharge,” she says.
Introverts gain energy from their inner world, which is made of ideas, emotions, and memories. They feel truly alive when reading, writing, thinking, and researching. A third to half of the workforce is introverted, whether they appear that way or not.
Don't Judge Introverts for Appearing Tired
Absolutely! Who doesn't? The main thing to understand is that introverts use their energy differently — and socializing easily drains it. Some introverts may be extremely personable at the beginning of an event but need to call it a night sooner than those around them.
When introverts don't get enough alone time, it's easy for them to become overstimulated. Research estimates that social interactions extending over 3 hours can lead to post-socializing fatigue for some people. Social exhaustion doesn't happen overnight.
Weaknesses: social anxiety, shyness, navigating a predominantly extroverted world.
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.
That is why overstimulating environments can be energy draining for us introverts, leaving us lacking in energy. When you feel like this, you may find that you want to go somewhere quiet to replenish and recharge. You may be feeling quite positive so may not associate it as being drained from overstimulation.
Because they're quiet by nature, introverts are “natural-born listeners,” writes Kahnweiler. They tend to carefully take in all information and opinions, and only after digesting it, offer a thoughtful answer.
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.
Extroverts' brains run on an energy-spending nervous system, whereas introverts' brains run on an energy-conserving nervous system. This is why introverts feel content and energized when reading a book, thinking deeply, or diving into their rich inner world of ideas.
According to relationship therapist Tracy Ross, LCSW, introvert-extrovert relationships are pretty common, and that might be in light of humans craving balance. “Introverts and extroverts are attracted to each other because of the differences,” says Ross.
You're interested in who they are as a person, which can be a real turn-on, especially to a fellow introvert or HSP. Try to find something they would enjoy telling you about themselves. A great way to do this is by asking open-ended or “why?” questions.
Introverts think deeply about goals and challenges
This high level of focus is also usually applied to key areas of an introvert's life. An introverted leader will often ponder on goals and challenges for a long time and thoroughly flush out their position, before presenting these ideas to a group.
Engage in their interests and hobbies
According to Diary of an Introvert, nothing gets an introvert more excited than engaging in their hobbies with them. Some popular areas of interest for introverts include writing, fine art, or watching that favorite movie series.
Sleep Habits Based on MBTI
According to the study, introverts get poorer quality sleep, and experience more nightmares and periods of wakefulness. They also reported feeling more tired and less alert during the day.
One Harvard study found that introverts' brains work differently, and have thicker gray matter compared to extroverts. In people who are strongly extroverted, gray matter was consistently thinner. Introverts also showed more activity in the frontal lobes, where analysis and rational thought take place.
Introverts will spend hours analyzing everything in their life, from their career to their relationships and themselves. An Introvert needs to remember their analysis skills set them apart, and it's why these types often do well in career paths that require a lot of focus.
Introverts are sometimes looked down upon for being shy and timid, however, one should not be ashamed of being an introvert. In fact, being comfortable with self and enjoying being alone can be looked at as a strength.
Those landing on the extreme side of the spectrum of introversion have traits that make others think something is wrong with them. For example, locking themselves away for extended periods, avoiding almost all social interactions, and doing practically everything by themselves.
“Most introverts need to think first and talk later.” When it comes to sex, this means that introverts are observing and dissecting everything that's going on, which is just as tiring as the physical act itself.
When you experience stress as an introvert, talking to other people isn't typically your first option. This might mean you tend to keep things to yourself and overthink. A journal can provide a place and time to express how you feel and privately work through your thoughts.
Causes of Introversion
Researchers have found that introverts have a higher blood flow to their frontal lobe than extroverts do. This part of the brain helps you remember things, solve problems, and plan ahead. Introvert brains also react differently to dopamine than extrovert brains do.
Studies have found that introverts get more easily distracted than their extroverted counterparts. Because of this, they might be annoyed when someone steps into their office for a quick chat. They also get annoyed by interruptions when they speak. Extroverts are often guilty of interrupting others while talking.
Wait it out. Additionally, when an Introvert ignores you, they may be angry. Although they might be mad about something that's overshadowing their life, they'll soon recharge and refresh enough to pay attention to their relationships. If they are angry with you, however, they'll address the issue when they're ready.