As introverts we typically lose energy by being around lots of people for long periods of time. Whereas extroverts are typically energised by being around people. 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.
But simply put, introverts just aren't as interested in pursuing the things that extroverts chase. Having a less active dopamine reward system also means that introverts may find certain levels of stimulation — like noise and activity — to be punishing and tiring.
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.
Give yourself permission to be your authentic self
The reality is, the most draining thing you can do is not give yourself permission to just be you. The key ingredient for introverts to not feel drained in social situations is therefore, authenticity. If you're feeling tired, that's okay! Own your tiredness.
It makes sense that both introverts and extroverts would feel tired after socializing, because socializing expends energy. You have to talk, listen, and process what's being said, among other things.
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 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.
Introverts struggle with the fast pace of many organizations and offices without walls can be rough for introverts who prefer to go inward to do their best thinking. If you're an introvert, you struggle with finding quiet time to gather your thoughts, particularly at brainstorming meetings.
To most people, loneliness is not a word that meshes with introversion. Everyone knows that introverts value their alone time almost more than anything else. As Susan Cain wrote in Quiet, “Solitude matters, and for some people, it's the air they breathe.”
Introverts can be perfectly happy alone, or terribly lonely in a crowd. But if introverts are at any particular risk for loneliness, it could be because we set a high bar for friendship. We desire and require deep connections and would rather be lonely alone than in a crowd.
In a new study, scientists found that the brains of introverts don't pay much attention to human faces, a reason why they prefer to remain alone while their socially outgoing counterparts love the company of others.
Friendships. It can be difficult for introverts to make new friends because getting to know someone takes so much energy. However, introverts don't need a wide circle of friends. They prefer one or two close friends, even though they may know many people and have many acquaintances.
Someone who is introverted is not fearful of being around people, spending too long around people may be draining for them. Because someone is introverted it doesn't automatically mean that they lack confidence, they lack self-belief, or that they are shy.
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. A larger or longer lasting social battery suggests that a person has lots of energy for socializing.
Introverts thrive in professions that offer them plenty of space and independence. Most introverts perform better in workplaces with fewer external distractions. Good jobs for introverts include accounting, engineering, and technical writing.
Independence. Unique and fiercely independent, introverts are more inclined to let their own inner resources guide them than follow the crowd. We do our best work — and are our happiest — when we have the freedom to explore ideas, spend time alone, and be self-directed and independent.
While introverts are generally likely to report lower levels of happiness than extroverts, this does not mean that introverts are unhappy. Ultimately, it's important to note the happiness benefits of both introverted and extroverted behavior, no matter where you fall on the spectrum.
When Introverts become angry, they tend to hold everything inside, hiding their anger from others and even from themselves. Or at least this is what most people think. In fact, this idea is more myth than reality. When Introverts become angry, they may try to repress their feelings.
Colors: Studies show that introverts love cool colors. Do up your home in soothing shades of blue, green and purple. Neutrals like greys and whites are also a good choice.
Big Crowds
Swarms of strangers can be a fear for many people for various reasons, but it is particularly common for anxious introverts. Introverts gather their energy from being alone, but that doesn't mean the “all alone in a crowd of people” thing always works.
You might feel physically tired, stressed, angry, or irritable. Social exhaustion can feel like hitting a wall. You may feel as if you don't have the energy to get out of bed, let alone be in a room with other people.
A new line of research shows that the stress of speaking can disrupt crucial circuits in the brain, making it physically harder to speak up. And introverts seem to have it worse than extroverts do. Several estimates show that 75 percent of people struggle to speak in front of audiences, at least to some degree.
When they feel really overextended, some introverts complain of feeling like they are disconnected from themselves and their surroundings, as if things are happening in a blur. Their mind processes things in slow motion, and they feel like they are “zoning out”.