Introvert drain is the term I use to describe the situation where introverts have been overstimulated and feel depleted of energy, and want to retreat inwards.
As introverts we typically lose energy by being around many people for long periods of time, and engaging in activities where there are lots of external stimuli. Whereas extraverts are typically energised by these sorts of environments.
Introverts tend to be energised from going inwards and being on their own, whereas extraverts tend to draw energy from things that are external to their mind. 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. If you continue to push on, you may find that it leads to what has been termed introvert hangover, which is social exhaustion.
As well as feeling socially exhausted, symptoms of introvert hangover can include, difficulty sleeping, irritability, anxiety, depression, wanting to disengage and detach from others, and more. Knowing your limits, practising self-care, and having boundaries in place can protect you from getting this far.
A bit of introvert drain is how I am feeling today. This month has been extremely busy for me. Lots of networking, two award ceremonies, conferences, speaking engagements, socialising, and engaging with lots of different people. I have absolutely enjoyed it all, but I do recognise that introvert drain is starting to set in and that if I don’t take action now, I will start to feel depleted.
So, it’s time for me to spend some time alone to replenish and recharge. Whilst I have had pockets of time on my own to recharge in between the events of this month, I am looking forward to having some quality alone time over the weekend.
As a leader, you probably won’t be able to avoid spending time in overstimulating environments. And during the course of a busy week, it may be challenging for you to find time to be alone and replenish. This can be particularly so if you have other commitments outside of work. But by finding ways to replenish, you will reap dividends. Knowing how best to manage your energy levels is important.
Develop your self awareness
Self-awareness is important. Develop an awareness of the environments and situations that deplete your energy and those that energise you. Self-reflection will help you to develop your self-awareness about this.
By reflecting on what is going on for you when you feel drained and what the environment is like, you will be able to understand yourself better. Knowing what and how your energy is depleted, you can put measures in place to manage your energy levels and minimise the chances of you experiencing introvert drain.
Plan for energy slumps
Energy draining situations will be unavoidable and planning for them makes it easier for you to get through them. For example, if you have a day of back-to-back meetings, followed by networking, or some other social event, make sure you are fully recharged beforehand and give yourself time to recharge after.
When I find myself in such situations, I keep my diary light the following morning. I avoid scheduling days of back-to-back, overstimulating environments. Although, like how it has been this month for me, sometimes this can’t be avoided.
However, there are things that you can do during the course of your busy day that can help you to not feel so energy depleted. Here are 10 of them:
- Step outside, go out for a walk and get some fresh air (in nature if possible)
- Practice mindfulness throughout the day
- Find a pod or room where you can work on your own for a while if you work in an open plan office
- Listen to music during your lunch break
- Go for a run or do some other form of exercise during your lunch break
- Journal first thing in the morning or last thing at night
- Meditation
- Do something creative
- Respect your boundaries
- Take a 20 minute afternoon power nap
Working in environments where there are lots of external stimuli can be energy draining for introverts. So, knowing how to manage your energy levels is important if you are to be at your best.
How do you go about replenishing your energy during the course of the day so that you avoid introvert drain? What else would you add to the list?
First published on LinkedIn.
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