Four Ways to Recharge Social Energy
“I’ll read my books and I’ll drink coffee and I’ll listen to music and I’ll bolt the door.”
-J.D. Salinger, A Boy in France
Social energy is one of those things where you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone. One minute you’re the life of the party, the next minute you’re about as lively as the host’s houseplant, and even the thought of talking to a grocery store cashier the next day exhausts you.
When you’re an introvert, you understand the pain of needing a recovery period after a large gathering. Here are a few ways to help speed up the recovery process and recharge your social battery so you can go back to doing the things you enjoy.
Restore Your Social Energy
1. Leave Before Your Energy Drains Completely
You know how when your phone dies, it takes forever to charge enough for you to use it, which doesn’t happen if you charge it as soon as you get the “low battery” notification? Something similar happens with your social battery.
If you don’t push yourself to the limits, then it is easier to recharge after a social situation. As soon as you feel your energy flagging, start figuring out a way to make your excuses instead of waiting for the crash. This will make the recovery period easier.
2. Take Breaks During the Party
Sometimes, you can’t leave a party as soon as you feel your energy draining—or you don’t want to leave if you’re having fun. Luckily, you can temporarily recharge your social energy enough to give you a boost. Find a quiet place to take a breath, such as a balcony or the bathroom (note: don’t choose the bathroom if there is a line as people angrily knocking will not help you relax).
If you’re worried about people coming over and trying to make small talk while you’re trying to regain your sanity, you can stage an important phone call. Murmur phrases such as “I see” and “I’ll take care of it” that will discourage curiosity (even if nobody is actually on the other side).
3. Take Time to Truly Relax
We may joke about it but being an introvert at a party is truly draining. The best way to help yourself recharge is to be kind to yourself in the recovery process. Don’t try to force yourself to be “productive” as you rest. Instead, use the time to do what really relaxes you, such as reading, going on long solitary walks, or watching as much mindless TV as you want to.
4. Turn Off Your Phone
Modern technology is great, but it also means that you’re never truly free from the hell that is other people, even when you’re alone in your house. The noise of social media and constant text notifications is going to be even more draining when you’re running on zero social energy. Take a social media break or set your phone on do not disturb while you are recharging your social battery.
Shutting off outside noise also allows you to be more mindful of the activities you are doing during your recovery and find more meaning.
Recharging your social battery after a large gathering is crucial and hopefully these tips can help speed up the process!