Tips For Introverts, Here Are 5 Ways To Overcome Social Fatigue

Illustration of tips for overcoming social exhaustion experienced by introverts (Pexels/Keira Burton)

YOGYAKARTA – An introvert often experiences fatigue when he is in a crowded place. This condition is called social exhaustion. Social time, for introverts, can be quite challenging. Instead of socializing in a crowd, introverts prefer to sit on the couch or walk alone.

When introverts need to network, so they don't experience social exhaustion, they can do the following tips from psychologists.

1. Be honest about your feelings

Sometimes, when suddenly disappearing from the crowd, an introvert is judged to be ghosting. In fact, they actually experience social exhaustion. Telling people directly that social time drains introverts' energy will keep introverts away from bad judgments about themselves.

Advice clinical psychologist and author of Introvert Power, Laurie Helgoa, Ph.D., “Be honest with your friends. Say something like 'it's really hard to leave pets at home' or some other reason that doesn't invite negative associations.”

Illustration of tips for overcoming social exhaustion experienced by introverts (Pexels/Fauxels)

2. Plan social and non-social days

Introverts are experts at planning. So, make a plan when it's time to socialize and when to enjoy alone time. According to Helgoe, this can help reduce social exhaustion in introverts.

Unprepared days make introverts drained of energy. So, by having a schedule they will prepare mentally. Meanwhile, at non-social times, you who are introverted can use the time to restore energy.

3. Pause between one event and another

Give at least 30 minutes of rest between social obligations. This has to do with planning, when you are planning a day meeting with two to three social groups, then give yourself a break in between.

4. Align social activities with your interests

According to Helgoe reported by Well and Good, Monday, August 22, any social activity will drain energy. But the effect will decrease significantly if the activity aligns with your interests. That is, try to identify which social groups are your priorities so that the risk of social burnout remains low.

5. Limit what is privacy when around other people

At times, you may find that everything is a priority when it is planned. But still ended up exhausted after the end of the event. In this situation, it may be useful to use breathing techniques. Use it to recharge when surrounded by other people, suggests clinical psychologist Chloe Carmichael, Ph.D..

Take some time alone, outside for a while for example, then take a deep breath. Close your eyes when you exhale.