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.
For introverts, time alone is as essential as sleeping or eating. Not getting enough can cause frustration, resentment, and fatigue to set in. But finding these moments to replenish your energy can be difficult and even guilt-inducing–especially if you have a family.
Anxiety and depression can take hold. As your mental health declines, your physical health can follow, with stress linked to everything from heart disease to skin disorders. Lack of alone time can also affect your performance, particularly if you rely on creativity.
It is well-documented that introverts are inwardly driven and need rest to replenish themselves after some degree of socializing. Some research suggests that introverts need nearly eight hours of alone time to replenish themselves.
Without some much-needed time alone to recharge, the introvert starts shutting down and often experiences physical symptoms. They become more sensitive to noise, touch, light, taste, and other sensory stimuli.
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.
Introverts have to constantly wage a battle within themselves- what is socially considered right or correct, and what they actually think is right. With the amount of pressure that exists, it is more likely for an introvert to submit to socially accepted norms of behavior.
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.
As introverts, too much socializing wears us out. Sometimes we are just not in the mood to see people, and we need downtime to re-energize ourselves. We feel happier and freer when we are not dragged into things we don't want to do. When you're single, you can stay home whenever you want.
Signs of Introvert Hangover
They may feel exhausted, emotionally and mentally drained, or even physically unwell. Introverts describe feeling like they are mentally foggy, unable to focus and desperately craving time alone.
Without proper amounts of alone time, introverts can begin to experience irritability, fatigue, poor sleep, and trouble concentrating. The mental stimulation that takes place during an extroverted experience can dramatically affect an introverted mind.
Here's what I'd recommend: When your introvert asks for alone time, tell them that you completely understand. Agree that you'll give them space by not texting, calling, or trying to set up plans for a little while. Here's the most important part: Ask them to initiate contact when they're ready.
Take long walks or bike rides.
Physical movement is great for introverts: I personally love spending time letting my thoughts wander while I do some physical movement. And another thing I love: It's not necessary to have a group, or even to go to a group fitness class, in order to enjoy some outdoor exercise.
This can range from a few minutes up to a week or longer, depending on the individual. While everyone is spending summer at the beach, your introverted friend may be content in a cabin in nature that allows them to write that book without any distractions.
Because introverts tend to have fewer social interactions during the regular course of their days than extroverts, they may be better positioned to weather enforced time at home than extroverts - at least initially, said Matthias Mehl, a research psychologist at the University of Arizona, Tucson.
Dating an introvert is not as difficult as you have assumed it to be. This shy and sweet person can make a good partner owing to their sensitive and intuitive nature. So, if you have fallen for an introvert, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.
Introverts are loyal and devoted friends.
People are attracted to loyal and devoted people. While introverts may not always realize it, this is a trait most people find attractive in them. Their loyalty isn't just attractive to the recipients of that devotion, but to anyone who observes them.
Being lost in your mind keeps you from acting.
As introverts, we're often said to be “in our heads too much.” Left daydreaming for too long, it's no wonder that we're losing out on time to connect with our surroundings, including the pool of potential partners.
While introverts can appreciate socializing, they invest a lot of energy trying to navigate socially demanding environments, leading to social exhaustion. Social fatigue or social burnout happens when you've socialized to the point that you can't do it anymore.
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.
Introverts on the other hand, have a less active dopamine system, which makes them find certain levels of social stimulation tiring.
Individuals with an introverted personality type are also often known to be perfectionists and very self-critical. Such characteristics can leave individuals feeling unsatisfied with themselves and with their lives. It can also lead to stress, mental and physical exhaustion, as well as mental health issues.
In terms of introversion and extroversion, research suggests that as we age, we become more introverted. This may be due to a variety of factors, such as increased wisdom and self-awareness, which can lead to a greater appreciation for solitude and time alone.
What struggles have introverts had? Introverts can't usually start a conversation but they really want to have conversation. Struggle to handle situations that depends on extroverts. Introverts find it difficult to really have fun even at the crowded party.. they just need some people to enjoy with, not a party.