Introvert First Aid: 10 Ways To Recharge

Hands up if you’ve ever experienced an Introvert Hangover?

Yep, me too. Unfamiliar with its symptoms? Here are just a few:

1. You’re mentally and physically exhausted.
2. You feel as if you’ve just ran a marathon — with no training.
3. Every little thing just pisses you off. I’m talking full on sarcasm, insults, snapping. You get the gist.
4. You can’t think straight. And, making decisions? That’s not a mountain you’re willing to climb.
5. You feel physically unwell — headaches, migraines, dizziness, sweating, hot flushes etc.

Sound familiar? If so, you’re experiencing an Introvert Hangover. In fact, I’m experiencing one right now as I type this blog — which is exactly what motivated me to help other fellow introverts. Here are 10 ways you can recharge right now:

1. Remember that your introvert needs are valid. There is nothing selfish or inconsiderate about needing some time and space away from the world, so you can come back and, you know, actually function. Don’t believe anyone that may suggest otherwise. Your introvert needs are valid, and the people who truly care about you will make an effort to understand.

2. Remove yourself from people, where possible. Either leave the house/building/party or separate yourself by going into a quiet room. When we are experiencing an introvert hangover, silence and space to just be is crucial.

3. Avoid too much sensory stimuli. If you have them, I suggest making use of noise cancelling headphones. If not, even just closing your eyes and listening to some nature sounds can be really beneficial and grounding. If that’s not for you, you can try just closing your eyes, one hand on your belly, and taking some nice deep breaths and focusing on just that for a few moments.

4. Try meditation. I know you’ve probably heard this about a bajillion times but there’s good reason for that. Meditation gives us the chance to press pause, acknowledge how we are feeling, and from that self awareness, take intentional action steps. Give it a try — there are many mediation apps out there, quite a few for free or with a free version, such as Headspace, Smiling Mind, Calm, Insight Timer. You can also find a plethora of free guided meditations on YouTube. Or you can try my lovely friend @naomimairs_ mediations! She has quite a few available for free on her Instagram, and others for the price of a coffee!

5. Read a book. This is a great way to switch off and disconnect from the outside world, which, if you’re experiencing an introvert hangover, you most definitely need.

6. Binge watch a show. If you’re so drained you literally can’t digest words on a page, watching your favourite show or movie is another great way to disconnect from the outside world and recharge.

7. Take a nap. If your body just needs to completely shut down for 10–20 minutes, I say go for it. There’s no shame in taking a nap when your body needs it! You’re not being selfish or lazy or unproductive or inconsiderate or whatever other childhood lie you’ve been spoon-fed. Looking after ourselves and our bodies isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity that we are all entitled to.

8. Set some boundaries. The quickest and surest way to burn yourself out as an introvert is to have no boundaries and to try to be everything for everyone — and I say this from personal experience. Trying to be 50 people at once, taking on roles and duties that are not meant for you, being available and accessible for absolutely anyone at any time, will only lead to mental and physical exhaustion and in some cases, resentment. This step is easier said than done, but try to establish some healthy boundaries, such as one day a week where you go for a walk at a certain time, or an hour a day that’s reserved just for you, or a time in the morning where you need to be uninterrupted. As a fellow people pleaser, this is one of those steps that can sometimes feel me with great dread and anxiety, but honestly, one of the most important ones too. I remember a quote that basically says “Givers need to set limits, because takers rarely do.” Just let that sink in. Find those takers in your life, and try to set some limits or boundaries for yourself. 

9. Ditch a commitment or two. What!? She’s telling me to ditch a commitment? Yes, my friend. You can’t pour from an empty cup. How can you expect of yourself to help someone else when your cup is empty and you’re not at your best? Committing when you’re burnt out only leads to more burn out and disappointment. Postpone your commitments if possible until a time where you’re able to give 100%.

10. Stop being mean to yourself. Seriously, this one takes up a lot of energy. Needing downtime or having an introvert hangover is nothing to beat ourselves up about. We’re human. We all have our unique and individual needs, and they deserve to be met. You’re not terrible with people or rude or mean or antisocial — you’re an introvert who just bravely put themselves out of their comfort zone and now needs to retreat to it for a couple of hours or days or however much you need. And that’s perfectly okay.

Fellow introverts, I hope this blog post was of some help or comfort to you. You’re not alone in feeling this way. Please please please look after yourselves. Drink your water. Eat some food. Take a walk. And drink some more water — (you won’t be talking to people if you’re constantly needing the bathroom! Hahaha).

Until next time,

Sabry.