Yes, introvert hangover is a thing.
If you’re an introvert like myself, you know how much socializing can drain you of your energy and give you an introvert hangover. It hits you like a ton of bricks.
It’s weird because it’s not like we get a warning light telling us our social meter is running low. One minute you’re chatting it up, and the next minute everything becomes uncomfortable.
That is why it is crucial to have a set of activities you can refer to when you need to recharge in a hurry.
What is an Introvert?
Contrary to what people may think, introverts love talking to people, it’s that we prefer smaller groups and meaningful conversations.
An introverted person is more energized when they spend time alone versus when they take part in social activities.
So from time to time, we require some time alone to recharge.
Why is it Necessary for Introverts to Spend Time Alone?
I don’t know about anyone else, but when my social meter runs low, I usually end up sitting in a corner. My friends think I am joking when I tell them I’m overstimulated.
When you’re interacting with coworkers and attending social events and family get-togethers, it is easy to burn out and experience an introvert hangover.
As introverts, know your limits and do not overbook your social engagements. For example, if you had a tough week at work, agreeing to go out Friday night is probably not a good idea. It sounds good at the moment, but it will only burn you out even more.
7 Activities Introverts Can Enjoy after an Introvert Hangover
Introvert Hangover: Read a Book
Crack open a new book or finish the one collecting dust on your shelf. As we immerse ourselves in a book, in a way, we get to escape the noise in our world.
Also, experts say reading helps to develop both oral and written communication skills.
It is a win-win.
So, grab your cup of tea, a warm blanket, and read away.
Work on Your Hobby or Side Hustle
Not only is working on your hobby or side hustle a productive use of your time, but it is also a great way to recharge.
If you’re a creative introvert, you appreciate it when you get alone time to work on your craft. And working on your hobby or side hustle can boost your happiness and energy.
So whether you like to draw, paint, write, sew, or knit, it is necessary to take part in activities that fill your pleasure meter.
Plan, Brainstorm, and Set Goals
Boy, do I enjoy planning, brainstorming new ideas and projects, and setting goals.
Anyone else?
Introverts require predictability and order to be efficient. It’s not so much of a control issue; we prefer to pre-plan. Operating on a whim is not natural for introverts; it takes a lot of work, so we prefer our ducks in a row.
But we understand life doesn’t always go as planned, so sometimes we have to decide on the fly. Unfortunately, this usually zaps our energy rather quickly.
So, grab your journal and your favorite pen and get those thoughts out of your head.
Bible Study, Pray, and Journal
Getting close to God through bible study, praying, and journaling is one of the best ways to restore your energy. Far too often, we go to our place of worship, listen to a sermon, head home, and do it all over next week.
There is nothing wrong with group worship, but we must realize that it is also a social activity. You may be on a spiritual high, but your energy meter will still run low.
Having a quiet space to pray, study, and reflect, will not only nurture our spiritual life, but it will also cure our introvert hangover. Even our Messiah went into the wilderness alone to pray (Luke 5:16).
Can you picture a more fitting activity for an introvert?
Listen to a Podcast
Watching a tv show or movie is like a pastime for introverts—it is our default activity. Although we may not recognize it, there is still plenty of mindless chatter going on when we watch tv, which can distract us from our inner thoughts.
I love to listen to podcasts or YouTube videos, especially when I’m washing the dishes or cleaning the apartment. There are over 700,000 active podcasts; I reckon you can find at least one that works for you.
Listen to a podcast about enhancing a skill, organizing your home, or improving your life. And from time to time, enjoy your favorite movie or tv show.
Garden and Tend to Your Indoor Plants
Gardening is both therapeutic and productive. Tend to your indoor plants or spend time in your outside garden to recharge.
I have a few indoor plants, plus a small balcony that I fill with vegetables during the summer months. Some years I barely have room to sit on my balcony, but I can’t think of anything more peaceful and pleasurable than working in my garden and eating homegrown food.
So if you have plants that need some TLC, throw on some tunes and tend to your plant babies. And if you have outdoor space, plant a small vegetable garden.
Introvert Hangover: Listen to Music
Since introverts spend a lot of time alone, we also spend plenty of time listening to music. Music is a way for us to relax and unwind. It is just us and our music.
When I listen to music, I’m often spending the moment reflecting. Does anyone else have solo dance parties? Those are the best.
So whether you need to reflect or dance your thoughts away, music is a great way to recover from your introvert hangover.
Final Note
Unless you avoid human contact altogether, you can’t escape an introvert hangover. That is why it is necessary to have a list of activities we can use to recover.
How do you recharge after an introvert hangover?
Share in the comments.
