Managing Introvert Burnout: Signs And Tips To Cope
Burnout often refers to a state of exhaustion or stress that is emotional, physical, and mental. Burnout is often caused by excessive and prolonged stress and can occur in anyone — whether introverted or extroverted. However, introverted people often report becoming easily overstimulated, especially when required or expected to interact with others. Introvert burnout, in this context, is a state of all-consuming exhaustion that can arise from experiencing social situations without time alone to recharge and recuperate.
What are the signs of introvert burnout?
Burnout is an individual experience, ranging in severity and manifestation. However, several common symptoms and experiences exist among those living with introvert burnout. These can include but are not limited to the following:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Distractibility
- Depression
- Fogginess
- Decreased mental and physical performance
- Poor decision-making
- Emotional exhaustion
- Physical exhaustion
- Difficulty focusing
- Loss of meaning
- Loss of expressiveness
- Distancing yourself from others
- A belief that you are “less capable”
- A lack of motivation
- High stress levels that affect physical well-being
- Physical discomforts like stomachaches and headaches
What are the best ways to cope with introvert burnout?
Counseling or therapy can be a helpful option when coping with introvert burnout. You can also take plenty of action at home to help you cope. Below is a glimpse at some of the most commonly used supportive strategies that introverts can take to reclaim their quality of life.
Identify and manage your stressors
Perhaps you know that going out with a large group of friends always exhausts you. If so, you can manage this stressor by limiting the time you spend with the group or scheduling hangouts with smaller groups in quieter settings. Whatever your stressors, you may identify them and find ways to make them more manageable.
Set boundaries
If you notice the symptoms of burnout beginning, consider saying “no” when others are making plans. If you know you won’t enjoy an event and will only go to appease others, consider offering an alternative plan or declining the invitation. It is not selfish or “wrong” to set and maintain boundaries; it can be a method of maintaining mental health.
Spend your alone time wisely
Some people may experience a habit of scrolling through social media alone, which may not be productive. When you have alone time, choose to use it to your advantage by enjoying activities that help you destress and recharge. These activities could include exercise, meditation, journaling, painting, crafting, or anything that gives you a sense of refreshment and enjoyment. One way to start is to list activities that help you self-control and refer to the list when you’re stressed or on the cusp of burnout.
Eating healthily, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of sleep can help you effectively reduce the effects of burnout. When you care for yourself physically, your mental health may also improve.
Reach out for support
It may sound counterintuitive to reach out to others when experiencing introvert burnout, but the key to this strategy is to only reach out to those people who you feel really “get” you or fulfill you. For this reason, you might try to form bonds with other introverts and people who enjoy the low-impact activities you like to do with others.
Organize and optimize your space
A cluttered or disorganized space can increase stress levels and potentially worsen introvert burnout. It can be helpful to keep your space tidy and include furniture and decorations that provide comfort. This way, your space can be a place where you can completely relax and recharge.
Create a self-soothing routine
If you’re especially prone to burnout, creating a self-soothing routine that you use daily may be helpful. This routine can vary from person to person, but try to make it something you can turn to whenever you feel your stress levels increase. For example, you could take several deep breaths and mentally repeat an empowering mantra each morning to remind yourself that you are capable during times of stress.
Talk to a therapist
Therapy is one effective method of coping with introvert burnout. Counseling offers an outlet for your thoughts and feelings and may help you better identify and manage the causes of burnout. Your therapist can also teach you about various healthy coping mechanisms and practical communication skills to help you communicate your needs to others.
If you face barriers to meeting with a therapist in your area due to social anxiety, a busy schedule, or burnout, you can also meet with a provider online through an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. Online therapy allows clients to choose between phone, video, or chat sessions and personalize how they receive support.
Online therapy has been scientifically suggested to be a helpful resource to combat the effects of introvert burnout. In a recent scientific study, participants of the test group found significant and lasting improvement in symptoms of stress, depression, and comorbid anxiety. The study offers promising evidence for using online therapy to treat various mental health conditions and challenges, including and beyond introvert burnout.
Takeaway
What is introvert burnout?
Introvert burnout, also known as social exhaustion, occurs when an introverted individual feels mentally and emotionally drained due to excessive social interactions. The physical symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Are introverts prone to burnout?
Introverts are more susceptible to experiencing social burnout (also called introvert burnout) than extroverts, primarily because of their personality traits, which often make social interactions more draining for them. This is sometimes referred to as an introvert hangover after social events.
How long can introvert burnout last?
The duration of introvert hangovers can vary from person to person and depends on several factors, including the intensity of the social interaction and personal support systems. Generally, the burnout can last from a few hours to a couple of days.
How long does it take to recover from introvert burnout?
There is no defined timeline when recovering from introvert burnout, but it can last from a few hours to several days. However, implementing self-care techniques like mindfulness can help speed up recovery.
Why do introverts get so drained?
Introverts often feel tired after social interactions due to the mental effort required to engage in them. This is a personality trait of introverts, who generally find social events more taxing than extroverts.
Do introverts get mentally exhausted?
Yes, introverts can get mentally exhausted, particularly due to an overload of social interactions at a social event. This is different from other types of burnouts, like employee burnout, as it specifically relates to the social aspect of life.
What happens when you hurt an introvert?
When an introvert is hurt, they might shut down and withdraw as a coping mechanism. Personal support from loved ones can be crucial in helping them navigate emotional difficulties.
How do introverts react to breakups?
Introverts may take longer to heal from breakups because they need more time to process their final thoughts on what went wrong in the relationship. They often prefer spending time alone to process their emotions and may avoid social interactions during this period.
What should I do when an introvert shuts down?
When an introvert shuts down, giving them space is usually advised. Encouraging self-care, like practicing mindfulness, can also help them recharge and open up when ready.
Is it hard to survive as an introvert?
Surviving as an introvert is not necessarily hard, but it can be challenging if they feel overwhelmed by constant social interactions. However, with effective self-care strategies and a strong support system, introverts can thrive as much as anyone else.
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